contestants

As a new season of Married at First Sight UK begins today, we look at some behind-the-scenes facts, including how weddings are planned and how couples are matched

A new season of Married at First Sight UK will premiere this evening – with 18 singles lined up to marry a complete stranger on the show.

The programme, which airs on E4, is known for its dramatic moments and has proved extremely successful with fans in the past. The first trailer for the latest series dropped on Monday, revealing the first four couples and promising many twists and turns.

This year, producers have also announced a schedule shake-up meaning the show will air from Sunday to Wednesday each week at 9pm on E4 and Channel 4 on demand, which deviates from the usual Monday-Thursday episodes. Here, we look at some behind-the-scenes curiosities die-hard fans may want to know ahead of tonight’s premiere.

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How are contestants matched?

MAFs contestants are matched by a team of relationship experts who use extensive questionnaires and interviews to understand each person’s personality, core values, life goals and preferences. Initially, producers select the participants through a rigorous application and vetting process, which includes medical and mental fitness checks.

Then, experts such as Paul Brunson, Charlene Douglas and Mel Schilling pair individuals based on their psychological profiles, their lifestyles and believes to create compatible couples. The matched couples meet for the very first time on their wedding day – and sparkles don’t always fly between them.

How are weddings planned?

Contestants have a say in what they want their wedding day to look like, but ultimately it is the show’s production team that arranges all the details including the venue, catering, floral arrangements and other logistics. The matched couples can select their engagement rings and wedding attire and can select their preference for different aspects of the wedding through a booklet.

The production team then compares the preferences of the matched couple and tries to find compromises that align with both individuals’ tastes. The fact that producers are behind the organisation means many elements are often surprising for the couple – even key choices such as their honeymoon destination.

Costs, including everything needed to prepare the ceremony, stag and hen dos, as well as the honeymoon, are covered by the production.

Limited freedom while filming

While filming, the brides and grooms have limited freedom – and can only leave the house a certain amount of times per week, former contestant Luke Worley revealed. Stars also have their personal phones confiscated and are given a device by production which prevents them from having too much contact with the outside world.

Those who take part in the show are also not allowed to drink too much alcohol, according to Erica Roberts, who was matched with Jordan Gayle. She previously shared: “If [the crew] could see someone was having too much, or it was getting a bit out of hand, the alcohol would stop.”

Do couples actually get married?

Even though the show is called Married at First Sight, the couples don’t actually enter into a legally binding marriage on their wedding days. A spokesperson for the show previously said: “Following the Australian format, rather than legal marriages, the couples will make a lifelong commitment to one another at a glamorous ceremony, overseen by a wedding celebrant, that includes guests, bridal gowns, dancing, speeches and cake.

“After the ceremony and celebrations are over, true love is well and truly put to the test, as they embark on a luxurious honeymoon, before moving in with each other AND their fellow couples. Relationships will be put under the microscope, by fellow brides and grooms at weekly dinner parties – as well as by the experts, at recurring commitment ceremonies, where couples choose whether they want to stay in or leave the process.”

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Love Island viewers threatened to contact Ofcom after they watched a tense conversation unfold on the recent episode of the ITV2 show

Love Island viewers hit out at the ITV2 dating show after they watched a tense conversation unfold between Dejon and newcomer Billykiss. The duo initially had a connection when the bombshell picked him for a date this week, but he chose to stay partnered up with Meg during the recoupling.

Animosity grew between them after the Islanders took part in a Superman-inspired game which saw Yasmin and Gio pick Dejon as the least dedicated male Islander. “I don’t feel like you’ve dedicated yourself fully to the whole experience,” Yasmin said. “I hope you’ve only dedicated to getting to know one person…”

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Dejon responded: “I didn’t know when all of a sudden it’s become a problem wanting one woman,” to which Yasmin referred to his date with Billykiss.” The bombshell took the moment to point out how he claimed to be open with her but acts closed around Meg.

She told him: “You don’t want to hear the truth, which is why you’re feeling sour.” A day after the challenge, Billykiss and Dejon sat down to hash things out, with Dejon telling her: “The challenge yesterday, a lot of things were said that I don’t agree with at all.”

Billykiss said it wasn’t fair that he led her on despite knowing his “heart is with Meg” as she explained how she felt. However, he repeatedly shut her down and bluntly said: “You’re not someone that I would want to get to know in here, or on the outside, from the conversations that we’ve had.”

She tried to share her thoughts but he stood up and added: “Alright Billykiss. I’m not going to keep begging to speak,” before waltzing off.

Fans were furious with how Dejon spoke to Billykiss and rushed to social media to threaten to filed a complaint with Ofcom.

One user said: “Complaining to @Ofcom Love Island. Allowing Dejon to speak to BillyKiss like that is not appropriate.

“You need to do better, that was so bloody awful to watch.”

Another fan commented: “That comment from Dejon! “That was HORRID and such a show of his character. I honestly rate Billykiss for standing her ground during that conversation,” while one posted: “That was a horrible scene to watch play out.”

One fan added: “Why does Dejon think he can speak like that to Billykiss?” and another reminded people: “Mind you Billykiss was having a nap in the shade, Dejon brought himself to have this conversation and acted like he was forced to be there.”

Love Island continues on Sunday night at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX*

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With Love Island series 12 just around the corner, here is everything we know so far on the latest series, including ‘confirmed’ islanders, return date and the gorgeous host

It’s confirmed, Love Island will be blessing our TV screens once again for a summer of drama, scandals, and most importantly, love!

The official Love Island Instagram page recently dropped a teaser for the latest season, claiming that it is ‘coming soon’. The teaser displayed a pink printer which printed, “Attention: Love Island is coming soon. Attendance mandatory. Signed, CEO of love, Maya x.”

Fans were sent into a frenzy, with many sharing their hopes and dreams for the new series. One fan commented, “Please bring back the ‘step forward if you fancy’ at the beginning!!”, while another added, “The population has been waiting for this”.

As the first islander has been ‘revealed’, fans are keen to know as much information as possible. So, let’s dive into what we know so far…

Who are this year’s islanders?

Does a personal trainer who is 6 feet and 5 inches tall sound good? Well, that’s how tall Londoner Aaron Buckett is, and he is the first islander who is ‘confirmed’ to join the 2025 series of the popular dating show. Aaron isn’t short on muscles or followers as he boasts hundreds of thousands of fans on Instagram and TikTok.

A source claimed to The Sun: “It’s a fact of life that girls go crazy for a tall lad and Aaron is a man mountain. He’s got great chat too.” They continued, “Aaron is in the mix for this year’s cast but execs are still finalising whether he’ll be in the opening line-up or as a tempting bombshell.” Other islanders are yet to be ‘confirmed’.

When will Love Island return?

Unfortunately, all we know is that Love Island series 12 will be starting ‘soon’, so we all have to sit and wait impatiently. Last year’s series began on Monday 3 June, so we imagine the date won’t differ too much this year.

This year’s Love Island is expected to return to its usual stomping ground in Mallorca, Spain, where islanders will be surrounded by the iconic fire pit, rectangular pool and large kitchen. It is also expected that the terrace and the hideaway will be making a welcome return, as that is where most of the drama goes down.

Who is hosting the series?

It has been confirmed that Maya Jama will be returning, delighting fans. Ever since stepping into the role in 2023, fans have found her to be a perfect fit to host the show.

What channel is Love Island on?

Love Island will be returning to ITV and ITVX.

Who won last year’s Love Island?

Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan stole the hearts of the nation and were subsequently crowned the winners of the 2024 summer series. The sweet couple made history as the first Black couple ever to win the UK’s franchise.

Sadly, the couple decided to go their separate ways after a few months and announced their split in an emotional statement.

Mimi said: “I know a lot of you gave been wondering about Josh and I and why we haven’t been making appearances. The truth is we have been trying to figure it out since leaving the villa, but unfortunately things aren’t going to work between us right now.”

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The Chase viewers rushed to social media to share their thoughts after they saw the latest batch of contestants on the ITV show

The Chase enthusiasts didn’t miss a beat when they noticed an amusing connection between the contestants’ names on the show.

The latest episode featured four fresh contenders, Alvin, Simone, Theo, and Dave, ready to face off against one of Britain’s top quiz maestros for a sizeable cash prize.

Bradley Walsh welcomed them onto the ITV programme. The foursome, strangers until the show, hoped to outwit the Chaser—Shaun Wallace, aka ‘The Dark Destroyer’.

However, eagle-eyed viewers were quick to take to social media to highlight the humorous coincidence among the player’s names. A viewer was amused by the “Chipmunks reference”, while another chortled: “Are they all Chipmunks?”

A third added: “It’s the Chipmunks. Dave, and then Alvin, Simon, Theodore!” And yet another remarked: “Alvin, Simone and Theo on The Chase. They knew what they were doing there right? Please tell me they did.”

The Chaser Shaun also caught onto the reference commenting: “It’s the cast of Alvin and the Chipmunks.” Host Bradley responded: “I’m sorry I’ve never seen that, that was completely lost on me,” reports the Liverpool Echo.

In the beloved 2007 family flick, three chipmunks with a knack for singing—Alvin, Simon, and Theodore—set their sights on stardom in the music world, under the care of Dave Seville until discovered by a music producer.

Viewers couldn’t help but chuckle at the coincidence of Alvin, Simone, Theo, and Dave appearing together on ‘The Chase’.

However, this isn’t the first occasion the series has seen a group of contestants with intriguingly interconnected names.

An episode recently had viewers chuckling with an Avengers twist, featuring players named Tony, Steve, Thor, and Natasha, a fact that didn’t go unnoticed by fans or The Menace who made a quip on the matter. Earlier in the year, a “cheesy” event occurred when eagle-eyed viewers spotted names resembling cheeses – think Gordon Ola as Gorgonzola and Leslie Dale for Wensleydale on the popular ITV quiz programme.

On his regular quest for knowledge, Shaun faced off against Dave from Northumberland, who notched up £7,000 in the Cash Builder and nabbed a spot in the finale following an impressive round.

Theo was eager to match Dave’s success; however, after a nail-biting quick-fire session, Theo was eliminated by The Dark Destroyer’s swift takedowns. Simone crossed the pond from the USA for her chance at quiz glory. She chose caution over risk and brought back a modest £1,000 to the pot.

With high hopes, Alvin stepped up as the last contestant aiming to reach the final but found his efforts thwarted by The Chaser’s relentless pursuit.

In a tense final chase, Simone and Dave could only muster an 11-point lead, insufficient to best The Dark Destroyer who sent them home with over half a minute spare, ensuring they left with nothing but the experience.