MOST people are nervous at the prospect of getting married – even when the only people watching are friends and family.

But Hampshire lovebirds Caroline Luke and John Shephard had an audience of millions after volunteering to tie the knot on live TV.

They were one of three couples who celebrated Valentine’s Day 48 hours early by saying “I do” on yesterday’s edition of Good Morning Britain.

Caroline said: “We had a rehearsal the day before and were really nervous because of all the cameras, but the ceremony itself went really smoothly.

“Although one couple renewed their marriage vows on the programme, we were the first of three pairs to actually get married.”

Caroline’s daughter Helena, 20, joined them for the ceremony, which took place at the 13th-century Auchen Castle, near Gretna Green in Scotland.

The weddings were held at 15 minutes intervals, with John and Caroline exchanging vows at 7.20am.

Caroline said: “I hadn’t slept the night before – I was too excited – but we had to be up at 5am for hair and make-up.”

The couple, both 51 and from New Milton, have been together for about seven years.

They met after John had his hair cut in the salon where Caroline works – Elegance in Lymington Road, New Milton. A week later he returned with a box of chocolates and asked her out.

The pair were selected to appear on Good Morning Britain after responding to a nationwide invitation issued by TV bosses.

ITV said it wanted to hear from anyone who was thinking of getting married in the near future and was happy to do so live on air.

Two weeks later John and Caroline were invited to appear on the programme and had only a month to organise their wedding outfits.

They flew from Southampton to Glasgow on Thursday and returned last night as man and wife.

All four couples on the show were joined by weather presenter Laura Tobin, who acted as an extra bridesmaid. Richard Arnold, Good Morning Britain’s showbiz editor, was master of ceremonies.

PANEL Gretna Green is traditionally associated with young couples who elope to get married.

In the 18th century English law prevented people under the age of 21 from marrying each other without their parents’ consent.

But in Scotland couples could tie to knot if the girl was aged 12 or more and the boy was at least 14.

Young lovers eloped from England to Scotland and Gretna - just two miles over the border - was the first town they came to.

Today is still hosts 5,000 marriages a year and been dubbed the ultimate wedding destination.