Married at First Sight UK to return with TWO new series
E4 have said “I do” to a brand new series of Married At First Sight UK - and it’s going to be bigger than ever.
The popular format, which sees singletons meeting new partners on their wedding day, is now going to be 30 episodes long when it’s screened later this year.
And in even better news for wannabe contestants, another batch of weddings will follow as the broadcaster has signed a “multi-series” deal with MAFS makers CPL Productions.
A TV insider said: “Married At First Sight UK was a huge hit last year and E4 were keen for it to continue.
“The show rates highly with the much sought-after youth market and caused a huge buzz online, which is a big deal for E4.
“So they’ve backed it and asked for substantially increased series, which means they’ll be drowning in real-life drama”.
Last year’s series, which featured 21 episodes, was the first in its new revamped format, based on the huge success of Married At First Sight Australia.
Previously the series had more of a documentary feel and only featured two couples - who only mixed once.
But in a bid to boost ratings, producers wanted to replicate the Aussie version and become a rival for Love Island.
So the couples had weekly dinners and update sessions, with the show’s relationship experts, all together - as well as living in the same Brighton apartment block - which saw sparks fly, and certain individuals being tempted by other contestants in different couples.
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Two of the last series’ couples - Adam Aveling and Tayah Victoria and Dan and Matt, the experiment’s first gay partnership - are still together having decided to commit to each other at the conclusion of the season.
Speaking about MAFS, Adam and Tayah said: “The MAFS experience was a once in a lifetime opportunity and not a day goes by where we aren’t thankful for what we have gained from the process and the life-long friends we have made along the way.
"We’ve now settled in Doncaster and are living our happily-ever-after with our dog, River!”
Returning to bring their expertise to the matching process will be experts Mel Schilling, Paul C. Brunson and Charlene Douglas.
In the 2021 series of MAFS UK, the expert panel had an impressive success rate.
Couples Dan & Matt and Adam & Tayah have gone from strength to strength, outside the process, and continue to build on their relationships in the real world.
Singletons who fancy meeting their dream man or woman for the first time at the aisle are being encouraged to apply.
Head to to put your name down. You never know…
Debicki wraps up role as Di's double
ELIZABETH Debicki celebrates Princess Diana's love of chunky red puffer jackets while filming the forthcoming fifth series of The Crown.
The Aussie actress, who takes over from Emma Corrin in the Netflix hit, was snapped wearing the coat during scenes shot in London.
The jacket is reminiscent of one the late royal wore on a visit to Highgrove in 1991 – and was matched with another Diana garment, the baseball cap complete with emblem.
Key to the new series, which premieres in November, is the breakdown of Diana’s relationship with Prince Charles.
Speaking about her role, which will continue into series six, Elizabeth said: “Diana’s spirit, her words and her actions live in the hearts of so many.
"It is my privilege and honour to be joining this masterful series.”
Imelda Staunton takes over the role of Elizabeth II from Olivia Colman.
Top Boy is back
THE long-awaited fourth series of gritty Netflix drama Top Boy will finally air on March 18.
The show stars Ashley Walters and was written by Belfast novelist Ronan Bennett.
It was last on our screens at the end of 2019 and fans have been champing at the bit for its return.
Phil's big trunks giveaway
THIS Morning loves a cash prize competition.
But on today’s show viewers will compete for something very different indeed.
The ITV juggernaut teamed up with The Woodland Trust to donate 60,000 trees in what is its biggest ever giveaway.
Julia Bradbury is kickstarting the campaign in the This Morning forest as part of the show’s eco-drive.
It will be Julia’s first appearance on the show following recent surgery.
Presenters Phillip Schofield and Rochelle Humes will also play a part.
Walsh up with that?
BRADLEY Walsh admits cheating in order to land the gig as The Chase host.
During a pilot, he was challenged to beat one of the Chasers.
Bradley told Roman Kemp on his Capital Breakfast show: “The sheets with answers on were lying face down.
"I could see the print and read them backwards.”
Martin's drama is so sharp
THE previously bearded Martin Compston has taken a razor to his latest role.
The Line Of Duty star has lost his famous facial hair to play Bram Lawson in new ITV thriller Our House.
Downton Abbey actress Tuppence Middleton features as his estranged wife Fi, who returns to her home only to discover her family possessions and furniture are nowhere to be seen.
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She attempts to reach her former partner but he’s disappeared, causing her to reflect on the relationship unravelling – and discover unexpected secrets and shocking revelations.
The series hits screens this spring.