IT’S the popular matchmaking show that sees unlucky-in-love singletons meet for the first time when they say ‘I do’ at their wedding ceremony.
But rather unfortunately, Married At First Sight has a success rate of just SEVEN per cent – and for those that don’t make it, there’s often plenty of drama behind their split.
Erica and Jordan were one of the most explosive couples on the show last year[/caption]
Georges and Peggy’s relationship was plagued with arguments about squatting videos[/caption]
Fans quickly noticed the red flags in Brad and Shona’s marriage[/caption]
Although Erica and Jordan tried to make it work, their relationship turned toxic[/caption]
The show is a ratings success, averaging two million viewers per episode last year, thanks to the mix of high-stakes romance, awkward introductions, and intense emotional drama.
And for those who have followed the cast’s journeys after the cameras stopped rolling, they haven’t been disappointed.
There have been savage cheating scandals, blazing rows and surprise recouplings.
One former contestant has even found himself in the spotlight numerous times after his relationship with a controversial media personality.
Today, the brides and grooms of this year’s series have now been revealed and they include a former beauty queen and a retired clown who admits he has been “unlucky in love”.
With the ninth series of MAFS expected to kick off later this month, we reveal what became of some of the show’s most memorable couples.
Erica and Jordan
When it comes to explosive couples on the show, very few come close to the combustible nature of Erica Roberts and Jordan Gayle’s relationship.
Although the pair decided to stay together during the final vows, they split earlier this year after months of rows turned their relationship toxic.
Their break-up came just two months after they revealed plans to move in together in Manchester.
A source at the time told Mail Online: “It was Erica that ended her marriage with Jordan… she did everything possible to make it work but sadly they struggled and in the end, she had no choice but to give up.”
They continued: “Jordan can be hotheaded and Erica’s looking for someone who’s a bit more laidback so in the end it was a constant personality clash.
“Of course, both parties are upset and didn’t want this to be how their story ended but also in the long-term, it’s better for them both to move on.”
After the news of their split broke, Erica took to Instagram to write: “It’s disappointing that Jordan and I weren’t able to share this on our own terms due to the press leak but we would just like to confirm that we are no longer together.
“This hasn’t been an easy decision for us both as we really wanted to make our relationship work.
“I truly wish him all the best and there is no bad blood between us.”
Paul and Tasha
Paul and Tasha have been one of last year’s best success stories and are still together[/caption]
Fans of the show were firmly behind Paul Liba and Tasha Jay after they found a strong connection as soon as they met.
Although fiery Tasha got into some arguments on the show, Paul continued to stand by her and support her.
Away from the experiment, they decided to stay together and appear to be going strong.
Shortly after their final vows, Tasha took to social media to share a post of them with the caption: “I choose you now, tomorrow & forever.”
Georges and Peggy
Georges and Peggy tried to make it work after the show, but they split earlier this year[/caption]
When Georges Bert, 30, and Peggy Rose, 32, first met, fans had high hopes, as their chemistry was undeniable.
But it soon fizzled out when Peggy’s sister did not warm up to Georges and called him rude.
Their dwindling bond went from bad to worse after he revealed details about his online gaming channel, which included videos of him squatting in what appears to be a leotard.
The MAFS couples who are still going strong
MAFS UK has a minuscule success rate of just seven per cent.
Here we reveal the couples that are still going strong:
- Paul and Tasha
- Matt and Shona
- Jenna and Zoe
- Adam and Tayah
- Owen and Michelle
In an attempt to get her on board, he even described his backside, saying he had “great cheeks.”
In addition, Georges was not pleased about Peggy’s parents’ reaction to their relationship, which sparked rows. They also faced claims that they were faking their union.
Although they decided to stay together and try to make it work, they announced their split earlier this year.
Ella and JJ
JJ is now in a relationship with Katie Price, with the pair sparking engagement rumours[/caption]
Ella Morgan‘s time on the show as its first transgender woman was not a smooth ride.
She was first paired with Nathanial Valentino but when it became clear that it would lead nowhere, she soon found herself with new arrival JJ Slater, 31, who was already paired up.
Although they had a bond from the start, they decided to go their separate ways.
JJ is now in a relationship with former glamour model Katie Price, 46, and has been by her side throughout her latest run-in with the law.
The couple hit it off after Katie reached out to JJ to wish him well after he was diagnosed with diabetes.
They have since been on several holidays together and have even sparked rumours of an engagement.
Ella has said that she harbours no ill will toward the couple and that Katie even reached out to her. Currently, she is looking for love again on reality show Celebs Go Dating.
Thomas and Adrian
Thomas and Adrian, who appeared on MAFS last year, didn’t work out romantically[/caption]
The pals pictured in May this year[/caption]
Everyone can remember Thomas Hartley’s cheeky smile and immaculately faded haircut – but these days the Liverpudlian looks almost unrecognisable.
The 33-year-old reality star now sports a shaved noggin after deciding to ditch his dark locks in a rebrand.
Thomas has also openly admitted to undergoing a string of cosmetic procedures including a hair transplant, filler, having his ears pinned and two sets of veneers in his quest for beauty perfection.
He was very open about his work on the show but admitted getting Botox injected into his creaseless face was a “stupid” thing to do.
He told Closer Magazine: “I don’t want to end up looking like Michael Jackson. But you can’t have bad brows in Liverpool… They’re like the nipples of the face.”
Things didn’t work out romantically for him and Adrian Anderson, who soon after their split labelled him a “cruel bully”. The pair have exchanged verbal blows since and do not appear to be in touch.
Terrence and Porscha
Porsha claimed that Terrence cheated on her with multiple women[/caption]
Last year, fans were confused about why Terrence Edwards and Porscha Pernelle stayed together for as long as they did when they were paid together.
The couple seemed to be complete opposites of each other and had fiery clashes.
After a game of spin the bottle, their relationship became even more fractured. They both decided to leave the show early.
Porscha also sensationally claimed that Terrence cheated on her with multiple women while they were filming the show. She even claimed she had proof of his infidelity.
Speaking on the Reality with Will podcast, she said: “Well since the show has been airing, I’ve had multiple women message me to say he was in a relationship with them.
“I kid you not, and I’ve got the receipts – I will show you. I’ll get my phone and show you the DMs I’ve been getting.”
Terrence, however, has strongly denied her claims.
Shona and Brad
Fans began to notice signs suggesting Shona and Brad’s relationship wouldn’t last[/caption]
Shona is now with Matt Pilmoor, who was also on the show[/caption]
Shona Manderson, 31, and Brad Skelly, 28, seemed to have found their perfect match in each other when they first started their married life.
But fans soon began to spot traits that convinced them that the union wouldn’t last. During one explosive dinner party, Brad told her to “shut up” sending the internet into a meltdown.
I don’t want to end up looking like Michael Jackson. But you can’t have bad brows in Liverpool
Thomas Hartley
Their relationship ended when the show’s experts asked them to leave.
While Brad went on to a new relationship with Hollie Balwin, Shona ended up with Matt Pilmoor, who was also on the series. The couple are still together.
George and April
Financial advisor George Roberts thought he’d found the one when ex Ms Great Britain April Banbury held his hand through the vow renewals last series.
However, the promising couple announced their split in August last year, following a Spanish holiday.
Fans were left shocked when it later emerged that the reality TV hunk had been arrested for alleged controlling and coercive behaviour – he has continued to deny wrongdoing.
The Sun revealed cops were investigating George after three of his ex-girlfriends raised concerns when they saw him on the show.
The three women made independent complaints about his alleged “obsessive”, “manipulative” and “abusive” behaviour.
Shortly after George’s arrest, April told fans she was seeing a therapist to deal with “trauma” from the show.
She added the “show ruined her life”, claiming: “No one should apply to take part until they put in place more stringent background checks.”
April said: “When the show told me about The Sun story, they told me I needed to be there to support George. I felt like they silenced me when I wanted to speak.”
Channel 4 insisted it was “untrue to suggest April was asked to take a position against her wishes, nor would we seek to silence her.”
Jenna and Zoe
When a proud meat-eater got hitched to a vegan, most thought it was a recipe for disaster.
But lovers Jenna Robinson and Zoe Clifton proved the critics wrong and have become last season’s biggest success story.
The series’ first-ever lesbian couple did experience some bumps in the road early on, but according to social media, they are still going strong.
He was divorcing me. He had cheated on me. He was announcing it on the radio. There are very few moments in your life that truly rock you to your core
Stephanie
Just last month they were pictured clinking glasses during a “stay at home” date night.
Zoe recently shared a heartfelt anniversary post, writing: “Just like the Queen had two birthdays… we have 2 anniversaries.
“First on April 7 and the other is the day our wedding aired and you all saw the beginning of our journey.
“I guess we’ll have a third when we get married for real which I’ve just realised is going to cost me a fortune.”
In June, the couple announced that they had gotten engaged.
Ben and Stephanie
Ben and Steph initially seemed to be off to a great start[/caption]
Their marriage ended after he got another woman pregnant[/caption]
As tumultuous break-ups go, it doesn’t get much worse than this.
Ben and Stephanie were a solid fan favourite during the early stages of season three as they seemed to really hit it off.
It all came crashing down, however, when Ben revealed he’d got another woman pregnant before his stint on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.
It was reported heartbroken Stephanie heard about their divorce in the news, despite him claiming they’d had a conversation before he announced it.
At the time, she said: “He was divorcing me. He had cheated on me. He was announcing it on the radio. There are very few moments in your life that truly rock you to your core.”
To make matters worse, Ben admitted he’d cheated on Stephanie before they went on their honeymoon.
Ben is now pursuing a career as an actor and professional boxer, while Stephanie is living her best life showing fans pictures of her holidays on Instagram.
She also shaved her head in 2019 to raise money to help her friend who was battling cancer.
Michelle and Owen
They are still happily married and run a joint Instagram account[/caption]
It was love at first sight for these two lovebirds, who tied the knot in season five in 2020.
They remain happily married now, and have even bought a house together.
The loved up pair even share an Instagram account where they post snaps of their life as a married couple.
After the show Michelle moved from Hastings to Sheffield to be with her man.
On their one year anniversary, Owen gave Michelle a diary he’d been keeping since they met on the experiment, inscribed with the words, ‘I chose you’, before getting down on one knee.
The fan-favourite couple welcomed their first child, Jessica, in December 2023.
Tayah and Adam
The couple are now proud parents to a baby girl[/caption]
A huge success story from 2021, it couldn’t have gone better for this couple, who now live together in Doncaster.
Tayah and Adam were the first ones to declare their love for each other while on honeymoon.
After a whirlwind romance, Adam proposed at the end of the show when they decided to stay married.
She was simply hoping for a more spiritual not a logic [sic] thinker I guess
David
In October 2022, the smitten couple announced the arrival of their baby daughter Beau Emily.
In July Tayah shared a snap after going wedding dress shopping and revealed she’d said yes to the dress.
In January, they revealed that they had gotten married at a stately home in North Yorkshire.
Speaking about their big day, Tayah said: “It was such a beautiful day, everything went so amazingly well. But I think because I held it together during the day, it all hit me later on and I got quite emotional.”
Steph and Jonathan
Steph and Jonathan’s marriage ended after he served her annulment papers in a Christmas card[/caption]
Jonathan cemented himself as the king of savage break-ups when, after a few weeks together, he handed his new bride annulment papers stuffed inside a Christmas card.
The couple tied the knot in December 2018, but had a disastrous honeymoon in Spain.
However, he clearly saw the errors of his ways and pleaded with her for another chance, though Steph refused.
In January 2021, The Sun revealed Jonathan was reportedly blocking the divorce and ‘refusing to let go’.
A source claimed it was a “nightmare” for Steph who just wants to move on, but they were still legally married. It’s not known if they did finally divorce.
Melissa and Clark
Clark and Melissa on their wedding day[/caption]
The season two couple had viewers in their corner in June 2016 as they seemed to be such a great match.
When Melissa started a new job in Milton Keynes, Clark found a flat in the area just to be close to her.
However, they couldn’t make it work and the couple divorced in November 2017 – having not seen each other for a year.
He moved back to London and later slammed the show, claiming its participants were “goaded” into having arguments by producers.
Kate and Jason
Kate and Jason’s marriage came crashing down after he was spotted on Tinder[/caption]
Their honeymoon in Ireland was short-lived after Jason Knowles cut it short in order to go back to work in London.
Three weeks after that, he was caught using Tinder, which was the last straw for Kate.
I had no idea about the long-term effects. When you are taking part, you are not thinking about 10 years down the line
Emma
He later insisted he only joined the dating app after he realised their marriage was doomed – and scathingly revealed he never fancied her.
Having never consummated their marriage, it was annulled eight months later.
Shereen and David
For Shereen, one look at her new husband’s tattoos on their honeymoon was enough to put her off – but the final nail in the coffin was him unpacking his stash of 30 condoms, burning scents and massage oil.
Deciding she’d seen enough, the pair went their separate ways and didn’t bother to remain friends.
David, however, did jump to Shereen’s defence when she admitted internet trolls attacked her accusing her of only joining the show to find fame.
He said: “Shereen has many wonderful characteristics and is a kind, positive person, an amazing mother with a good soul. She was simply hoping for a more spiritual not a logic [sic] thinker I guess.”
Emma and James
Emma and James had no chemistry in the bedroom[/caption]
Sexual incompatibility resulted in the breakdown of Emma and James’ union after 34 weeks.
They were the last remaining couple of the first series to call time on their marriage.
In an interview, Emma said the show had “ruined her life” because a lot of men refused to meet her after finding out she was on it.
“I had no idea about the long-term effects. When you are taking part, you are not thinking about 10 years down the line,” she said.
Matt and Dan
Their inclusion in the sixth series was praised by the LGBTQ community and made way for the first lesbian couple set to appear in the new series.
Matt and Dan instantly made a connection and declared their love on the show.
Their relationship appeared to go from strength to strength, with Matt making the move from Leeds to Northern Ireland.
But sadly they called it a day after two years in December, claiming they’d agreed they were “better off as friends”. Matt later told The Sun there were “so many factors” that pushed them beyond the brink.
One of the most contentious issues was children, which proved a dealbreaker in the end.
Morag and Luke
Luke and Morag had an explosive time on the show[/caption]
Viewers always suspected Morag didn’t care as much for Luke as he did for her.
She bluntly admitted she didn’t find him attractive and had a huge dislike of his fashion sense.
After the show ended, Luke revealed Morag had ghosted him, leaving him gutted.
Luke now has a Cameo account where fans can pay for customised videos from him, while Morag works with a sexual wellness brand called Vush.
Megan and Bob
BMegan cheated on Bob with his friend[/caption]
Cheating on your new husband with his mate is probably not the best way to kickstart a marriage.
But that’s what happened in 2021 when Bob discovered Megan had kissed Jordan, who was married to Alexis.
Although Bob tried to make it work, it all proved a bit too much for him and the pair called it quits.
But Bob was able to find love with someone else after the show.
Meanwhile Megan has gone back to acting and Bob has taken up modelling.
Ally and Paul
Ally Acklan and Paul Todd were in an unaired episode of the show[/caption]
The pair finally tied the knot in July after Covid cancelled their plans[/caption]
Although these two were paired for the show, they never actually met at the aisle due to the outbreak of Covid.
Desperate to meet the woman producers had matched him with, Paul begged producers to put him in touch with Ally – and good job too.
The pair hit it off immediately and Ally moved from Worth in West Sussex to Weston-Super-Mare to be with Paul.
They welcomed a baby daughter in July 2021 – a month after getting engaged – and chronicle their life together on Instagram and YouTube.
In an interview, Ally said: “Paul and I were made for each other. From the moment we started chatting to each other it was obvious we were a perfect match.”
They are still in touch with show expert Paul Carrick Brunson, who met their baby girl last year. In July, the couple finally tied the knot with Paul and other show experts in attendance.
