Pastor marries woman 33 years younger after advising her to leave her husband

England: A couple with an age-gap of 33 years have revealed they understand why their own church shunned them.

There is no mistaking the 33-year age gap between committed churchgoer Rachel and local pastor Mike Kelly. The Lancastrian couple first became close when Rachel sought Mike’s advice during her split from her husband. Their unlikely love affair caused a scandal and forced them to leave their beloved local church.

Appearing on This Morning 37-year-old Rachel and 70-year-old Mike explained their unlikely love-affair.

Speaking to presenters Philip Schofield and Amanda Holden, Rachel said: "We met at church and it was very sudden. When my husband had gone out with the children something happened.

"Then I decided that I was leaving him. Mike picked me up and helped me. He was fantastic."

The pair star in Channel 5 documentary Age Gap Love and they showed a clip from tonight where their own daughter had strong views on their love life.

She said: "It just doesn't look right - I think it's pretty weird actually."

Mike then revealed they initially started as a friends and soon became more than just the shoulder to cry on.

He said: "I was helping with the crisis but there was also an attraction."

Rachel added: "I wasn't looking for love and I was surprised when I fell for Mike because obviously he is a lot older than me. I had never been treated so well and so well respected.

"He was giving and giving and not taking."

After thinking she didn't need to worry about conceiving, given Mike's age Rachel became pregnant within two weeks.

"Well done tiger," quipped Amanda.

Rachel then explained why they had to move churches.

She said: "Initially it was very difficult but I understand as in the eyes of the law I was still married."

With Mike having sons near Rachel's age it wasn't long before they were personally interested in the relationship.

Miked added: "One of my lads asked has she got a friend."