Married At First Sight UK

Married At First Sight UK is a British reality television programme in which single people who are strangers to each other get married immediately upon meeting (at the ceremony). They then live together, get to know each other, go through trials and decide whether to stay together at the end of the show. Mafs uk combines elements of psychological experiment, romance and reality drama.

Basic information about the show

The idea is that participants agree to marry without seeing their partner beforehand, placing their complete trust in relationship experts who match couples based on compatibility. After the ceremony, the newlyweds go on their honeymoon, then begin their life together and participate in regular discussions and ‘commitment ceremonies’ where they decide whether to continue the relationship or break up.

History of the show

Married At First Sight UK started in 2015 as a social experiment inspired by the Danish original Gift Ved Første Blik. Initially, the show aired on Channel 4. But over time, the format changed significantly, and viewer interest grew thanks to more intense, dramatic and realistic episodes.

Key milestones in the show's history:

1. Launch and early seasons (2015–2020). The first season aired on 9 July 2015. The format was as close to an experiment as possible. Couples were matched based on scientific compatibility, and the show included the wedding, cohabitation and the final decision.
2. Rebranding and transition to E4. In 2021, the show moved from Channel 4 to E4. The format was completely redesigned based on the Australian version of Married At First Sight. Dinner parties, commitment ceremonies, group meetings, arguments and discussions between participants were introduced. The ceremonies are no longer legally binding.
3. Expansion and success (2022–2024). The episodes became a trend on TikTok and Instagram. Same-sex couples were introduced. The number of episodes increased to 30–36 per season.
4. The present day. MAFS UK is becoming one of the highest-rated reality shows in the UK.

Format

Couples are matched by experts based on psychological tests, interviews, and personal data. Immediately after the ceremony, the participants go on their honeymoon and then move in together.

The show includes the following key stages:

1. Wedding. First meeting and ‘marriage’ ceremony.
2. Honeymoon. A trip for two to get closer.
3. Living together. Everyday life, meeting families, and real-life challenges.
4. Dinner Parties. Joint dinners with other couples, where discussions and conflicts take place.
5. Commitment Ceremonies. Participants decide whether to stay together or leave the show.

It is very interesting for viewers to watch the cast and their relationships in the episodes from scratch. This reveals the real emotions, difficulties and joys of living together in unusual circumstances.

Where the show was filmed?

The series has been filmed in various locations throughout the United Kingdom. Depending on the season, the film crew uses both urban and rural locations to reflect the different stages of the participants lives.

Main filming locations:

• Wedding ceremonies often take place in luxury hotels, country estates and special wedding venues.
• Honeymoons are filmed in picturesque locations both in the UK and abroad (e.g. Mallorca or Portugal).
• Couples usually stay in apartments or houses in London, Manchester or Brighton.
• Dinner parties and commitment ceremonies are filmed in specially rented studios and banquet halls decorated in the style of the show.
• Final decisions and filming of meetings over time may take place in studio pavilions or separate conference rooms.

Where to watch Married At First Sight UK?

The show is broadcast on the British channel E4, which is part of the Channel 4 media group. New episodes air ‘tonight,’ Monday through Thursday. Episodes can also be viewed online via the Channel 4 streaming platform, where both current and previous seasons are available.

For viewers outside the UK, the following viewing options are available:

• You can use a VPN to access All 4.
• Some seasons are available on YouTube or platforms such as Amazon Prime Video.
• Individual clips, reviews and highlights are posted on the official E4 YouTube channel and social media.
• On TikTok and Instagram, you can see clips, viewer reactions and interviews with participants. You can watch both full episodes and excerpts there.

How to apply for Married At First Sight UK?

To become a participant in Married At First Sight UK, you must pass the official casting conducted by the production company CPL Productions. You can apply online via the Channel 4 website in the Take Part section or on the show's page.

The main steps for applying are:

• Go to channel4.com/takepart.
• Find the Married At First Sight UK section.
• Fill out a detailed questionnaire with your personal information, photo, description of your personality, past relationship experience and expectations of a partner.
• Provide your contact details and upload a short video presentation (optional).
• Confirm that you are over 18 and single.
• Complete an interview, psychological testing and compatibility analysis. Casting takes place in advance, several months before filming begins.

Participants

Experts consider people of different ages, professions and life stories. During the existence of Married At First Sight UK, viewers have met many colourful and memorable participants, each of whom has brought their own uniqueness, emotions and drama to the project.

The most interesting participants of Married At First Sight UK

The most memorable faces on the project were:

• Ella Morgan. The first transgender woman in the history of the British show in the 2023 season.
• Chanita Stephenson and Jordan Emmett-Connelly. A couple from season 7 who won the hearts of viewers with their sincere connection and dramatic breakup.
• Thomas Hartley. An emotional and witty participant who became one of the most talked-about characters for his straightforwardness and charisma.
• Zoe and Jenna. The first same-sex female couple in the history of MAFS UK, who generated enormous interest and support on social media.
• Whitney Hughes. One of the most controversial participants, who created many scandalous moments and became the subject of memes. She is known as an aggressive person and instigator.

Couples who are still together

Although the show is often accompanied by drama, scandals and disappointments, some couples have managed to overcome the difficulties of the experiment and maintain their relationships even after filming ended. Given the complexity of the format, such as the pressure of cameras and the public, each such story is especially valuable.

Here are the most famous couples who, as of 2024, were still together:

Owen Jenkins and Michelle Walder (season 5, 2020).

After the show, they continued to live together, officially registered their marriage and celebrated their anniversary. They are often referred to as the ‘gold standard’ of a successful MAFS UK couple.

Zoe Clifton and Jenna Robinson (season 7, 2022).

The first female couple on the show. They often appear together at events and share photos on social media.

Matt Murray and Marilyse Corrigan (seasons 6 and 7).

Although they were not a couple in the experiment, their romance became well known and was actively discussed in the press.

Tayah Victoria and Adam Aveling (season 6, 2021).

In 2022, Adam and his wife had a daughter. They continue to live together and actively share family moments with viewers.

Other successful couples include Kieran, Lacey, Alex, Ryan, Nathan, Luke, Charlie, Polly, Amy, Hannah, Hall, and Stephen. They all shared an openness to dialogue and emotional maturity, the ability to listen and understand each other without unnecessary drama, support outside the cameras and a sincere interest in building relationships, as well as compatible life goals and values.

Married At First Sight UK Experts

There are currently three experts working on the show:

Paul C. Brunson. An experienced relationship coach, entrepreneur and television personality. Known for his strict but fair approach. Previously worked on American dating shows.

Mel Schilling. Psychologist and personal growth expert. Also works on the Australian version of MAFS. Helps participants develop emotional intelligence and trust.

Charlene Douglas. Sexologist and relationship therapist. She joined the show in 2021. She discusses intimate issues and helps couples establish physical and emotional intimacy.

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