THE unsung heroine of a BBC docu-soap The Match-maker has set up her own exclusive dating club in Winchester thanks to the backing of a mystery benefactor.

Earlier this year six million viewers tuned into the TV show and became fascinated by the appalling treatment Sue Luckham received from boss Alun Jenkins.

At the Executive Club in Seaford near Brighton he described Sue, his social events director, as a "trainee" and "a bird with a broken wing."

At first she was embarrassed about her portrayal and did not enjoy walking around Brighton.

But then strangers began approaching her in the streets and offering their support.

Now one of these empathisers from Winchester has become her "business angel" and helped her set up her own club called Invitation Only in new offices in the city.

Sue, 47, plans to host some of her parties here too, with possible locations at the Hotel du Vin in Southgate Street and the Wkyeham Arms in Kingsgate Street.

However with 300 people expressing an interest already, events are also being planned in other parts of Hampshire, Dorset, London and even overseas.

Sue, who left the Executive Club in February, said: "I can't believe what has happened in the space of six months. I look forward to coming to work now, which is so different from a year ago.

"When Alun said those things about me on TV, I couldn't defend myself, it was a personality attack on me that wasn't justified.

"He's not happy at all about my new venture, but I think he set himself up on that programme."

Invitation Only caters for professional people aged between 25-60. On paying a fee of £295 members will have access to events organised three times a week.

"We don't guarantee to people that they will meet their partner, but we are offering a social life second to none," said Sue.

Events organised so far include powerboat racing, tank driving, meals at exclusive restaurants and weekends in romantic castles. Sue can be contacted at Invitation Only on 01962 890888.

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