Arsenal’s Walcott ties the knot with childhood sweetheart

They’ve had a slow and steady courtship since they started dating as teenage school pupils.And last week, footballer Theo Walcott finally sealed the deal with fiancée Melanie Slade as they tied the knot in Italy.The young couple, who have been dating for nine years, wed at the Castello di Vincigliata in Tuscany. Blonde Melanie, 24, looked stunning in a strapless gown with sweetheart neckline as she wed her Arsenal winger fiancé.Melanie, who was doing her GCSEs when Theo was selected for the England squad during the 2006 World Cup, admitted it was an emotional day.She enthused: ‘That moment when I saw Theo waiting for me at the altar was so overwhelming. Your emotions are all over the place - you’re so excited and euphoric because you’re marrying this person who you love so much, but there are some nerves there too because it’s such a big step.’Melanie and Theo started dating in 2004 after meeting at the WestQuay shopping centre in Southampton - when he was playing for the seaside town’s youth team.The couple got engaged on New Year’s Eve 2012 at their Hertfordshire home.

Leisure

Arsenal’s Walcott ties the knot with childhood sweetheart