MAFS UK accused of ‘faking’ scene with groom and first transgender contestant
The groom pretended to be unaware he was partnered up with a transgender woman
As fans of Married At First Sight will know, the hugely-anticipated new series begins on Monday 18th September, but before the drama has even kicked off, bosses have found themselves in hot water.
Following the cast announcement earlier this month, it was revealed that 29-year-old Ella Morgan would make history by becoming the show’s first ever transgender woman to feature in the experiment.
Ella, who is from Weston-Super-Mare, transitioned at the age of 20 and said of appearing on the E4 show: “This experiment is so much more than just me getting married. I see this as a big deal for someone who has transitioned."
However, ahead of the nuptials next week, Channel 4 bosses have been caught up in a ‘fakery’ row, as scenes due to air appear to show Ella’s new husband not being aware that she is a transgender woman. According to the Daily Mail, Ella doesn’t tell the groom until some time after the ceremony, with drama building during the episode.
Now, at the risk of viewer complaints, a Channel 4 spokesperson has confirmed the groom was told in advance of any filming.
The statement reads: 'This is the first time MAFS UK has featured a trans bride so, to ensure fully informed consent, and with the permission of the bride, the groom was told that the match found for him was a trans woman, after which both parties chose to continue in the process.
'In all other ways, the integrity of the format was preserved. Our priority during matchmaking is to protect the wellbeing of the cast and create compatible matches, based on detailed assessment of individual preferences, as part of an in-depth, careful matchmaking process.'
Check out the cast of MAFS UK 2023 below:
Ella
Age: 29
From: Weston-Super-Mare
Occupation: Clinic Consultant
She said: This experiment is so much more than just me getting married. I see this as a big deal for someone who has transitioned."
Jay
Age: 31
From: Lancashire
Occupation: Sales Manager
She said: "Hopefully, they've found someone who is right for me and I do have faith that everything happens for a reason."
Laura
Age: 34
From: Hampshire
Occupation: Finance Manager
She said: I have my fingers firmly crossed for a positive outcome – I don't want another divorce."
Peggy
Age: 32
From: Kent
Occupation: Technology Risk Partner
She said: "I want that lover and someone who can also be my best friend."
Porscha
Age: 36
From: London
Occupation: Executive Assistant
She said: "I'm trying not to think too much about the fact that I'm marrying a total stranger because I'll probably psych myself out."
Rosaline
Age: 28
From: Crewe
Occupation: Florist
She said: "I'm excited, but I'm also feeling quite nervous. It doesn't feel real."
Tasha
Age: 25
From: Leeds
Occupation: Childcare Assistant
She said: "I have faith in the experts that I could find the love of my life – the Ant to my Dec!"
Shona
Age: 31
From: Nottingham
Occupation: Performing Arts Teacher
She said: "My happily ever after would be for him and I to go through the experiment and really try and grow together."
Arthur
Age: 34
From: London
Occupation: Tennis Coach
He said: "I'm ready to find the love of my life."
Brad
Age: 27
From: Grimsby
Occupation: Model
He said: "I trust the experts with all my heart that they have matched me well."
Georges
Age: 30
From: Surrey
Occupation: Sports Rehabilitator
He said: "I said to the Experts that I will give 120%. I trust them and I'm going to trust the process."
Luke
Age: 30
From: Clacton
Occupation: Sales Executive
He said: "I'm really open so I know I can make things work and build, I'm just hoping she has the same attitude."
Nathanial
Age: 36
From: Manchester
Occupation: Events Marketing Manager
He said: "I don't trust anyone but myself, but I hope they've done a good job that's all I can say!"
Paul
Age: 26
From: Chesham
Occupation: Account Manager
He said: "I hope the experts literally hand delivered my best friend and life partner."
Terence
Age: 40
From: Reading
Occupation: DJ/Youth Worker
He said: "I'm looking forward to it and I'm excited. The only bit I'm worried about is whether she'll like me."
Thomas
Age: 27
From: Wiltshire
Occupation: Investment Communications
He said: "I'm excited to meet this person and see what we could do together."
Adrienne
Age: 26
From: Cumbria
Occupation: Project Support Officer
About Adrienne: Having recently lost a massive eight stone, Adrienne now feels the time is right to meet her perfect partner, after admitting she's run out of dating options in her hometown of Cumbria. Adrienne knows what she deserves and won't settle for any less.
Bianca
Age: 29
From: Buxton
Occupation: Hair Extension Specialist
About Bianca: As she approaches her 30s, Bianca is keen to find the one, admitting she doesn't want to be alone forever. Despite struggling with self-doubt in the past, Bianca wants to marry a stranger as she feels it's time to put her love life first!
Erica
Age: 25
From: Edinburgh
Occupation: Dance Teacher/Social Media Manager
About Erica: Scottish girl Erica feels she's been unlucky in love far too often and is ready to branch outside of her home town in order to find love. Having been single for over a year, Erica is desperately looking for the one after having her heartbroken in the past by 'players'.
JJ
Age: 30
From: Essex
Occupation: Fashion Brand Owner
About JJ: After spending time in Los Angeles dating models, JJ has moved home and is ready to find the love of his life. Admitting he's a romantic at heart, JJ is the only single one out of his mates and is ready to ditch the 'Essex boy' stereotype.
Jordan
Age: 26
From: Sheffield
Occupation: Personal Trainer
About Jordan: Describing himself as a complete socialite, Jordan is keen to find a partner to share his life with. Despite going through some tough times in the past, Jordan has huge amounts of energy and enthusiasm for life and says he's a big kid at heart. After giving up on dating, he's hoping the experts find his perfect match.
Mark
Age: 36
From: London
Occupation: Customer Service Manager
About Mark: After being single for 10 years and exploring every avenue to find Mr Right, Mark is now ready to put himself through the ultimate test to help him find his match. Although he likes to stand out from the crowd and loves the glitz and glam, Mark has had his fair share of heartbreak in the past.
Matt
Age: 29
From: Harrogate
Occupation: Window Cleaner/Athlete
About Matt: Laid back and a secret softie, Matt is ready to find love after being single for almost one year. Matt has revealed he's very caring and wears his heart on this sleeve.
Sean
Age: 31
From: Durham
Occupation: Store Manager
About Sean: Having only come out as gay to his family later in life, Sean admits he's been confused and misunderstood for his whole life, revealing his friends and family members knew he was gay before he did. Having not had a relationship before, Sean believes the time is right to find love.
Meanwhile, ahead of the new series, which will air on E4 every Monday-Thursday, relationship expert Charlene Douglas has teased the show will be ‘jaw dropping’.
Speaking to OK! Magazine, she said: “I’m bursting at the seams, I would love to say so much about this season.
“The thing I can say is we don’t disappoint and if I had to sum it up in two words – jaw-dropping would be the words that pop to mind.”
Married At First Sight UK begins on E4 on Monday 18th September.
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