A BESOTTED couple, whose romance has entranced thousands of social media users, have spoken of their delight at being reunited for the first time since they married.

As reported in The Gazette last Thursday, the transatlantic love story between Peter Cowans and Zitta Rush began after they followed each other on picture-sharing website Instagram.

Peter, of Bennet Close, Oakridge, Basingstoke, and Zitta, from Oklahoma, had their first virtual date via Skype in April this year and were soon spending hours talking online, even leaving FaceTime – an app which allows users to see each other as they speak – on as they slept.

They met for the first time face-to-face in July when Peter flew to Oklahoma, and during his second trip to see her in September, the couple astounded their family and friends by tying the knot in Las Vegas.

They were both heartbroken when they had to say goodbye to each other just days later, but thanks to the kindness of their thousands of Instagram followers, who contributed cash to the couple after they put souvenirs from their wedding on sale, Zitta, 25, has now been able to make a three-week trip to England.

She arrived in Basingstoke last Thursday and the couple have plans to make several trips to Peter’s favourite spots in England, including Camden, Brighton and Reading.

Peter, who is in Basingstoke band Two Headed Coin, is also introducing his new wife to his family and friends, who have never met the burlesque dancer.

Peter, 33, said of their relationship: “It’s not easy for us. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Because of the time difference, I get up at 4am to speak to her for a couple of hours and then we’ll speak again at around 4pm and again at 11pm. I’m probably getting around four hours of sleep a night.

“It’s so good to be together and we can’t wait until we can be together all the time.”

The couple have already begun the application process for Peter to emigrate to Oklahoma, where he will live with Zitta and her one-year-old daughter Pearl Anchor Rose. He hopes to run a furniture business.