‘Helicopters, hot air balloons, glaciers’: TV stars who travel the world for work on their love story

This couple has arguably one of the best jobs in the world - travelling the globe to make TV shows. And they get to go on all their adventures together, after falling in love at work.

Sammy and Jed have travelled the globe together, partners in work and life.

This TV couple has travelled the world together, and are planning many more exciting adventures together.

Who are they?

Sammy Cheney, 28

Profession: Channel 7 series producer, The Great Outdoors

Jed Smith, 46

Profession: Channel 7 camera operator

Together for: Five years

Sammy and Jed.

Sammy

How did you meet?

At work, of course. We defied that infamous saying … but have been embraced by all along the way. And it’s worked out pretty good so far, five years and counting.

What was the first thing you noticed about him?

His big grin and sparkling eyes. When Jed walks into a room, you can feel his presence. Always smiling, engaging and glass half full. A great listener too. I am proud to call him my other half.

When did you first know it was love?

They say if you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. And when it came to Jed, I stopped looking.

Sammy and Jed.

What was your most standout date?

Considering we travel together both domestically and internationally for work, most days can feel rather special. From visiting the world’s whitest beach … and the foothills of the Himalayas … to riding Route 66 … and trekking the Swiss Alps’ largest glacier – we are very lucky! We’ve been in helicopters, hot air balloons, luxury trains … and travelled four of the seven continents together. But there is life outside of work! We once spent the entire day bike riding while on holidays. Cycling, swimming and eating on repeat. Lots of laughs too once we realised I got the e-bike and Jed had to tackle the hills by pedal. We laugh a lot together.

What is the most romantic thing he has ever done for you?

Jed is so thoughtful. To this day, he still often races around to open my car door. I also remember in the middle of renovations, I had mentioned I wouldn’t mind a barn door on the bathroom, and when I came home that day, he, along with the help of my dad, had gone out and organised one. Completely unexpected. But romantically, I recall one time Jed was away filming on Lady Elliot Island and sent me a photo of my name written in the night sky, which he had drawn using long exposure. Was so sweet to receive after a few days without phone signal … it was his way of letting me know he missed me. We did actually just visit Lady Elliot together recently (my first time!), and it was even more special to experience it with Jed. He’s virtually a local there!

Sammy and Jed.

What is the secret to a happy relationship?

Be in your own bubble. Be grateful, happy and enjoy life with your loved ones and those who champion you.

What is the thing you argue the most about?

We rarely argue. I think that’s our key to working together. But I bet he’ll say something about us deciding on where to eat. No one is great when they’re hangry, ha!

What do you find the most annoying about each other?

Jed is too punctual. I like being on time. But I do admire him for that.

Who does the most cooking?

We’ve dined in many spectacular spots in our travels but nothing beats a home-cooked meal. I love making a midweek roast, and Jed likes to eat a midweek roast. We also love our local Thai restaurant when neither feel like cooking or cleaning up.

What is the trait you like most about him?

His positivity. Jed is grateful for life, and I think most people would agree that you can’t help but feel the same when around him.

Sammy and Jed.

Jed

How did you meet?

At work, we shoot and produce travel shows together at Channel 7. Creek to Coast, Weekender and, more recently, The Great Outdoors. It really is the dream gig. Travelling the world, sharing those experiences with Australia, and also first-hand with my best friend, as Sammy is the producer. We are so lucky.

What was the first thing you noticed about her?

Her eyes and her smile. When Sammy looks at me, it’s like I have tunnel vision, all I can see is her. Her smile is infectious and makes me feel so happy.

When did you first know it was love?

Every time I saw her my heart raced, and it still does every day.

Sammy and Jed.

What was your most standout date?

There have been some really lovely ones over the years. We once took a chopper flight over the Flinders Ranges while on holidays in South Australia, followed by a delicious dinner at a sheep station. More locally, we love getting a takeaway meal while watching the sun set from Kangaroo Point on a picnic rug. We could not be happier.

What is the most romantic thing she has ever done for you?

Sammy does so many romantic things. One memory that stands out is when she wrote me a birthday card – by way of song lyrics. It hadn’t quite clicked but then it was a cameo video that revealed we were in fact going to a Blink 182 concert. So special, considering they’re one of my favourite bands, and not hers. But it’s also the little things she does every day. If I am home late, she will have dinner on standby and my pyjamas set out on the bed. So lovely.

What is the secret to a happy relationship?

Being loved as much as you love.

Sammy and Jed.

What is the thing you argue the most about?

Surprisingly, for a couple that work together we don’t argue much at all. Maybe only when deciding where or what to eat!

What do you find the most annoying about each other?

I think she is pretty close to perfect but when Sammy says “I’m ready to go” she often means “I’m ready to go in about 10 minutes.”

Who does the most cooking?

Sammy. She is an amazing cook and very creative with recipes. I am amazing at eating and creative at washing up after dinner! We complement each other.

What is the trait you like most about her?

Her intelligence and ability to relate to everyone.

The Great Outdoors airs this weekend on Channel 7 and 7plus