Sophie Dahl and Jamie Cullum

Jazz thimble Jamie Cullum is a good-looking bloke. He's successful, talented and would probably delight the parents of any girl who took him home. But... Sophie Dahl? How did he do that?

The news that Jamie and Sophie are to get married gives hope to all of us who are too short, too "curvy", too unconventional or too hard-up to be on the dating A-list. With the right mix of charisma and confidence, you really can pull above your weight.

The world is littered with marriages between ugly old farts (or footballers) and gorgeous young wives. But they're not really what we’re talking about, because their attraction tends to be financial. It’s fair to say that Sophie Dahl isn’t after Jamie Cullum's cash.

The life-affirming fact is, personality really does count. Looks may turn your head at first, and money and status are irresistible for some, but there are plenty of other factors in play as well.

Here's how to make the most of what you've got, even if you’re no oil painting (or worth as much as one).

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