I’m married to a traveller, he lets me go the shops but otherwise I can’t be out without him – what he says goes
A TRAVELLER couple revealed how their relationship works, and despite naysayers they confessed they wouldn’t have it any other way.
When Holly Joyce married her husband Dougie, she also married into a major traveller family, and now she has to stick to their rules.
They revealed how their relationship works with Dougie’s traditional family values, which are deemed to be controversial by some.
After first meeting for a date in a restaurant in Manchester back in 2020, Dougie confessed he knew he’d end up marrying Holly.
The pair tied the know in August last year and transitioning into the traveller lifestyle has been a big change for Holly.
Speaking at the time, Holly described the experience as “whirlwind that’s turned into a fairy tale.”
“The biggest difference being a traveller’s wife is you must respect your husband – what he says goes,” she said.
The now mum-of-two explained she is expected to everywhere with her husband, even though the same rules don’t apply to him.
Although she can go to some places alone, like to get her hair done, or to nip to the shops, Holly said she prefers to be with her man anyway.
“I don’t feel like I’m missing out because if I want to do something I just ask Dougie and we can do it together,” she said.
Holly adapted to traveller life quickly, even having a traditional traveller-style wedding which cost over £60k.
Despite Holly’s non-traveller family being uncertain about the match to begin with they soon changed their minds and now embrace Dougie with open arms.
One of the main concerns was Dougie’s career as bare-knuckle fighter and owner of 3D Fight Club, since Holly’s dad also had a stint as a bare-knuckle fighter and was well aware of how dangerous it can be.
Because of the violent nature of the fights, Holly confessed she doesn’t watch them, but does look forward to treating him when he gets home.
They forked out the dosh for four Rolls Royces, £12k for a dress which took over a year to make and had champagne on tap.
“Family is so important to travellers,” she said.
“I remember being so impressed by how Dougie treats his mum. He never answers back to his mother and has so much respect for her.
That said, her husband does have certain requirements and expects pretty high standards from his wife.
According to Holly, he doesn’t make any of his own food or drinks and wants a spotless home.
At the end of the day, “If he’s happy, I’m happy,” she said.
The couple’s love story – as well as a deeper dive into the traveller community – can be seen in the film The Joyce Family Documentary, by Art Productions TV, Film and Media limited, available to watch on Amazon Prime