Meet Miriam and Alf Buechler, the stars of new BBC documentary The British in Bed, which exposes the relationships of a selection of couples.
The Buechlers, who have been married for 49 years, are filmed in their bed talking candidly about sex, infidelity, love and marriage. They are one of seven couples featured in the programme — part of the BBC’s Wonderland documentary series — to be screened next week.
What made them want to take part? They saw the show advertised in the JC, of course. Eighty-four-year-old Mr Buechler, a Kindertransport refugee who arrived in Britain from Germany when he was 14, tells People: “I saw the advert and that the producer was looking for couples, so decided to apply. We have no secrets and thought it would be a bit of fun.” The Buechlers, who have two sons and two grandchildren, met in London. Dutch-born Mrs Buechler is a survivor of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. She was aged eight at the time.
Their comic double act in the show of banter and bickering belies a deep bond linked to their past. “We have a lot in common,” says Mr Buechler. “I lost my parents and she was in a concentration camp. We both realise the importance of religion.” The couple spent more than 30 years working in the kosher catering business. “I think this helped our marriage,” says Mrs Buechler, 74. “I had worked in catering in Holland so when I met Alf and he told me that he was a chef I didn’t believe him. We sometimes argued, when things went wrong, but I liked working together.” She says she would have preferred the programme not to be filmed in their bedroom but is nonetheless excited to see the outcome.
