Married at First Sight UK: the couples paired up on 2021 season, who Nikita married - and when is it on E4?

If you’ve got a Love Island shaped gap in your evening viewing after the dating competition ended on Monday 23 August, then do not fear - E4 is here to save the day with Married at First Sight.

This is what you need to know about the show, who has been paired up so far, and when you can watch it.

What is Married at First Sight?

Married at First Sight is pretty much exactly what you would expect from the title - it is a reality TV show where single people, matched up by experts, marry total strangers.

The first time that they see each other is on their wedding day.

The dating show first aired in the UK in 2015 and, up until now, has followed more or less the same formula from when it was launched. This year however, things are set to look a bit different.

The experts this year see’s matchmaker Paul C Brunson return for a second series, Mel Schilling, who Married at First Sight fans might recognise from the Australian version of the show, and newcomer Charlene Douglas team up in the name of love.

Speaking to Radio Times prior to the launch of the new series, Schilling said that this year’s line up featured a lot more diversity than previous seasons.

She added: “There is our first gay couple, which is incredible. I mean, that’s such a milestone and I think that’s really going to set the course for the next few years of this experiment.”

Who are the couples?

With only one episode aired so far of the new season, only three couples have officially been paired up, with more to come as the show progresses.

These are the couples that have been matched up so far on Married at First Sight UK.

Megan and Bob

Megan is a 26-year-old Wellness Coach from Stoke, who describes herself as a “constant entertainer” who loves to sing, dance and share good energy with everyone she meets.

Megan said: "My dating history is horrendous, I have terrible taste. Of course, it is a good option to get someone to do it for me. It just felt like an opportunity I couldn’t miss. Each step of the way has felt more and more right."

She has been coupled up with Robert, 26, a business protection specialist from Dorset. Known to friends as “Big Bob”, he’s looking for someone with a big personality to share a laugh with.

He said: “He said: "I want to have fun all the time, so I want someone who wants to go out and do things. Someone who is on my wavelength with how I look at life.”

Nikita and Ant

Nikita, 27, is a saleswoman based in County Durham. She believes that Married at First Sight will be the third time lucky for her, as she’s already fallen in love twice before.

Nikita said: "Ideally, we all want our Prince Charming who we are going to be with until the day we die. I just think that if I meet someone who blows me away and we’re on the same wavelength and have proper banter it will be great."

She has been coupled up with Ant, 28, who works in business development in Manchester. He said: “The best that could happen is that the experts find me a match and it works out perfectly and find our happily ever after.

“The worst case is it doesn’t work out and I make some new friends and I learn a bit about myself as a person.”

Daniel and Matt

Daniel, 27, works in sales in Northern Ireland, and wants to find someone who shares his passions for hiking, meditation, cold water swimming and vegetarianism.

He said: “Married at First Sight UK is a big experience and quite nerve-racking in many ways, however, it is something that will allow me to shift my pattern in terms of relationships and it is a blessing to have the professional and scientific advice that will help me.”

He has been coupled up with Matt, a 39-year-old charity worker from West Yorkshire. Following a tough breakup, he feels like he’s finally ready to get out there and find The One.

He said: “The reason I’ve come onto the show is because I’m really wanting to meet that special person that I can start building a life with and have a family. I’m really excited.”

Daniel and Matt are the first gay couple to appear on the show.

How can I watch Married at First Sight?

The new season of Married at First Sight kicked off on Monday 30 August at 9pm on E4 - for anyone who missed it when it was on, you can catch up on the Channel 4 website. 

There will be a total of 21 episodes, and will air every Monday to Thursday at 9pm on E4.

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