This Morning’s resident therapists the Speakmans lift the lid on the secret to their successful marriage, renewing their vows – and their different takes on cruel trolls
Life-coaching couple Nik and Eva Speakman have two celebrations coming up – they are marking 15 years as resident therapists on ITV ’s This Morning this year and also celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary in 2026. The pair have become well known for their transformative work as therapists on the show, helping individuals overcome fears, phobias and trauma.
When we catch up with the couple at the British Diversity Awards, Nik, 63, and Eva, 55, are happy to share their anniversary plans. Grinning, Eva tells new that a vow renewal ceremony and a second honeymoon may well be on the cards. “Yes, it’s 30 years next year, believe it or not,” says Eva. “We’re still thinking about it, but we’re considering renewing our vows, inviting everyone who came to our wedding and having a big bash with our friends, old and new. And then I’m hoping – I’m thinking – a holiday in the Caribbean.”
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Maintaining a vibrant relationship over three decades is no small feat. For the couple, who have two children, Liv and Hunter, they say the secret lies in mutual respect, open communication and a shared sense of humour. “I love Eva as much as the day I met her and that never changes,” says Nik, adding that happiness is an “inside job”, as he explains you’ve got to be happy yourself, before you can be happy as a couple.
Meanwhile, Eva swears by communication and laughter. “The secret to a great relationship is talking about everything,” she says. “We all see the world differently, so sometimes misunderstandings happen – but you have to talk it out. And honestly? Laughter. Find as much of it as you can.”
Beyond personal milestones, the Speakmans have made strides in their professional lives and are best known for their work as therapists and life coaches, specialising in a therapeutic approach they developed called Schema Conditioning Therapy. It’s a method, they explain, which aims to help individuals reframe negative thought patterns, enabling them to overcome psychological challenges.
Nik, originally working as a success coach, and Eva, who ran a gym in Oldham, combined their expertise in the early 2000s to form a dynamic duo in the field of personal development. Fast-forward to 2010 and they became resident therapists on This Morning, where they have since helped viewers address issues ranging from fear of spiders, to obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Speaking about being part of the show, Eva laughs and says, “Yes, we love it. It’s been 15 years now and we’re still loving it. It’s such a privilege.” From helping celebs such as Kerry Katona and Joey Essex overcome their biggest fears to supporting thousands of everyday viewers, the Speakmans have become part of the This Morning furniture.
But when you’re in the public eye, criticism is also par for the course – and Nik and Eva have faced their share, particularly on social media, where Nik has experienced trolling about his facial appearance. As they tell new, they approach any negativity with resilience. Yet, while Nik chooses to shrug it off, protective Eva isn’t having any of it.
“Nik’s not bothered at all, but I’m a little bit of a lioness,” she says. “Unless you know someone’s backstory, you should never judge. Normally, I don’t rise to it, but there was a bit of a backstory behind something recently and I just thought, ‘No, that’s really not fair!’” Nik, however, takes a markedly different approach to critical comments.
“Everyone has a right to an opinion,” he says. “Lots of people love us, some don’t – and that’s fine. But the main thing for me is you can never criticise my work. Then, I’d really turn!”
The couple say they are thrilled to be speaking to us at the British Diversity Awards, an event that celebrates inclusion and representation across all industries. But while they’re all for progress, Nik wishes diversity wasn’t something we still had to fight for today.
“In a perfect world, you wouldn’t even need an event like this – because we’d all just be equal,” he says. “But it’s great to see diversity being embraced.” And Eva agrees, adding, “It’s a celebration and we feel privileged to be here.” The pair, they tell new, have always championed kindness as a priority. “If everyone was kind, the world would be so much better,” says Nik.
The British Diversity Awards took place on 19 March. For details about the annual awards ceremony, see britishdiversityawards.com
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