Are MAFS UK's Matt and Whitney still together? 👀
Here's what we know!
Last updated 15th Mar 2023
You don't need us to tell us how dramatic the latest series of Married At First Sight UK was. If you watched the 2022 season, you'll be aware of the tension between April Banbury and Thomas Hartley, and of course THAT affair between Matt Murray and Whitney Hughes.
But, of course, as we process the drama that unfolded on the 2022 season of MAFS UK, there's one question on most of our lips... Are Matt and Whitney still together? Well, from clues they dropped as the series was on air, to the final dinner party and post-season photos, here's what we know...
Are Matt and Whitney from MAFS UK still together?
As the 2022 series of MAFS UK came to a close, we learned that Matt and Whitney's relationship sadly did not last until the reunion dinner. Despite this, it was clear that there was still chemistry between the pair.
But, whilst promoting some of the concluding week's set of new episodes, Matt and Whitney posted a cosy snap, where Matt had his hand on Whitney's knee, leading fans to think that the couple may have still been together.
Matt, who was originally matched with Gemma Rose in the process, was the first to post the picture, writing: 'You making a brew? Could you make me one please ?
'Thank you, I appreciate you.' (sic)
Posting the same photo to her own Instagram page, Whitney wrote: 'I Appreciate You Too 🤍'.
The pair also commented on each other's posts with love heart emojis, leading fans to think they could still be together now the experiment has finished.
One wrote: 'Happy to see you together 😍 great that it worked out for you both 🙌', with another adding: 'Made for each other ❤❤'. A third then wrote: 'Was glad to see you two together because it was obvious you both had a genuine connection, you guys are cute together 🥰🥰'. (sic)
Sadly, however, the final dinner party (which aired on Monday 17th October) saw the pair arrive separately, revealing that they had ended their romance.
Why did Matt and Whitney split?
As the couples began arriving to the final dinner party, fans were shocked to see Whitney enter the doors on her own, with Matt nowhere to be seen. Explaining why she arrived solo, Whitney said that they had decided to go their separate ways, for various reasons.
With the three hour distance, strain was put on the pair's relationship, as well as Matt having a 'lot going on' in his life. After Matt arrived solo later on, he revealed that he is sadly 'losing' his mum, and that he and Whitney had hit an 'emotional brick wall'.
Despite Whitney saying that she wasn't going to 'jump back into things', she revealed during the infamous Honesty Box challenge that they both have a lot of things going on, but once they are done there may be something there between them.
Were Matt and Whitney allowed to stay in the experiment?
After things didn't work out with her original husband Duka Cav, Whitney made the decision to get to know Matt following his late entry into the experiment. As fans will know, this caused uproar within the group, as Matt left his wife Gemma for Whitney.
After asking if they could stay in the experiment with each other, it was then confirmed that the experts had allowed Matt and Whitney to return as a new couple. Consequently, both Duka and Gemma went home.
Fans were later surprised, when Matt and Whitney declared their love to one other after just two weeks of getting to know each other.
Did Matt get a tattoo of Whitney?
Not quite, but he certainly did get some ink in honour of Whitney! As the pair approached the final vows ceremony, they presented each other with thoughtful gifts to commemorate their time in the experiment.
Surprising Whitney, Matt revealed that he has got the words 'Appreciate You' tattooed on his leg, in honour of her. The phrase references the pair's first chat in the kitchen at the couple's retreat, when their affair began.
Matt and Whitney's final vows ceremony
During the final vows ceremony's, viewers got to see whether the remaining couples were set to finish the show hand-in-hand, or go their separate ways. Matt and Whitney had a loved-up ceremony, declaring their love to each other.
Following the episode airing, Whitney took to her Instagram to share a snap of her and Matt sharing a kiss.
Did Matt and Whitney get back together?
Despite revealing that they had ended their romantic relationship, Matt and Whitney informed their fellow cast, and viewers at home, that they were still maintaining a good friendship, with Whitney supporting Matt through his tough times.
Although it looked like there was chemistry still lingering between the two, Matt soon got people talking when he sparked romance rumours with a MAFS UK 2021 cast member - Marilyse Corrigan.
Just a few months after filming concluded for MAFS UK 2022, Matt sparked rumours he's now dating Marilyse, sharing a number of photos with the 2021 cast member whilst on holiday in Turkey. Matt wrote: 'Lovely week, great hotel and staff and great company.
'Thank you ❤️'. (sic)
The pair later confirmed their romance, and in an interview with OK! Magazine even talked about marriage and children!
When asked if he'd like to tie the knot with Marilyse one day, Matt gushed: "Yes. For me, the future of our relationship is extremely bright. Sometimes, the more and more you learn about somebody, the more it puts you off, but this has gone the opposite way. We’re just clicking. It’s like having your best friend and your partner in one person."
And it appears Marilyse feels the same way, adding: "Yeah. I haven’t been engagement ring shopping yet because I already know the style I want – a Haribo ring will do just fine."
Despite talking about their future together with OK! Magazine, Marilyse confirmed in March 2023 that the pair have broken up.
Both Matt and Marilyse shared statements announcing the split, with her wishing Matt all the best with his future.
Are Matt and Whitney friends?
It sounds like there's no hope that Matt and Whitney will rekindle their romance, and by the looks of their socials, it doesn't appear like they spend any time together. On top of that, in November 2022 Whitney revealed to OK! Magazine that she 'really regrets' her relationship with Matt.
Speaking about her time on the show, Whiney said: "I don’t regret how I carried myself but I do really regret being with Matthew. I think I would have been better off going home – but I ran with my feelings, so it is what it is!"
Check out all of the MAFS UK couples' journeys below:
Jenna and Zoe
32-year-old Jenna from Blackpool and 30-year-old Zoe from West Midlands made history when they became the first lesbian couple to feature on MAFS UK.
The pair were very happy on their wedding day and later jetted off to Iceland on their honeymoon, where they clashed over Veganism.
Viewers were left worried when Zoe showed up to the first dinner party alone, but she was quick to reveal Jenna was unable to attend due to suffering from Coronavirus, admitting 'things are going well'.
Jenna was back alongside Zoe for the first commitment ceremony, where the couple admitted they are having zero issues in the intimacy department. After revealing they worked out their differences in a good way, the pair both chose to stay in the experiment.
Although 'yes week' didn't exactly go to plan for Jenna and Zoe, with more arguments over Jenna being a vegan, the pair both chose to stay, admitting they believe they can get over the arguments.
Zoe and Jenna confessed they'd had a better week during the third commitment ceremony, but Zoe aired concerns that the pair never have a good laugh when alone. This didn't sit well with Jenna, who later called Zoe out for dropping issues onto her in public. The pair both chose to stay.
During the fourth commitment ceremony, Jenna and Zoe confirmed they were looking forward to the home stay week, both deciding to stay.
Zoe and Jenna's different opinions on having children was once again re-visited during the home stays, but the pair both decided to just enjoy the then and now, both choosing to stay during the final commitment ceremony.
When the final vows took place, both Jenna and Zoe brought up their differences of wanting a family, as well as living situations, but the girls both acknowledged that while they had tough choices to make about their future, it would eventually be worth it.
Are Jenna and Zoe still together?
Fans were buzzing to see both Jenna and Zoe rock up to the reunion dinner together, declaring their love for each other. After two years of sharing cute photos together on social media, showing they are very much in love, their June 2024 announcement proved the experiment most certainly worked for them - as the pair are now happily engaged!
Chanita and Jordan
29-year-old Social Worker Chanita married 29-year-old Account Manager Jordan during the 2022 series.
The pair immediately hit it off at their wedding, with their families also getting along very nicely. Chanita and Jordan then enjoyed their honeymoon in Mauritius, with zero issues.
During the first commitment ceremony, Chanita and Jordan looked happier than ever, admitting they are loving each other's company and both deciding to stay.
The pair were met with their first issues during 'yes week', after Chanita revealed she thought Jordan had ADHD, something he got very upset over. Despite admitting they'd had a bad week together, the pair both chose to stay during the second commitment ceremony.
It was all change for Chanita and Jordan during the third commitment ceremony, with the pair both looking visibly happy whilst admitting their relationship is currently a 9/10.
The couple enjoyed another drama free week during the retreat, making it an easy decision to stay during the fourth commitment ceremony.
Despite a small hiccup when Jordan confessed he wouldn't move in with Chanita until he was at the 'love' stage, the pair enjoyed successful home stays, and both chose to stay during the final commitment ceremony.
During the final vow ceremony, Chanita admitted she can't wait to start life as a couple outside the experiment, whilst Jordan promised Chanita he is willing to open his heart and life to her.
Are Chanita and Jordan still together now?
The pair shocked fans by walking into the reunion dinner alone, before telling their co-stars they'd split not long after the final vows. Although the pair are amicable, Chanita broke down in tears during a chat with Jordan in the reunion episode, admitting she wishes he'd told her his true feelings before the final vow ceremony.
Whitney and Matt
Following their 'affair', Whitney and Matt asked the experts if they could re-join the experiment as a new couple. Despite viewers of the show urging the experts to send the pair home, Whitney and Matt were put back into the experiment as a dating couple.
After meeting each other's friends, Whitney and Matt shocked their fellow contestants by confessing their love for each other, and later revealed how happy they were together during the final commitment ceremony to the experts.
Unsurprisingly, Matt and Whitney chose to stay together during their final vows, pouring their hearts and feelings out to each other.
Are Matt and Whitney still together?
Although it looked like these two would make it, the pair showed up to the reunion episode separately, with Whitney admitting the distance between the pair wasn't working out. However, the pair did both admit that when they don't have so much going on, they may try and work things out.
Matt actually went on to date 2021 star Marilyse Corrigan, but despite talking about their plans for marriage and children, the pair announced they'd split earlier this year.
April and George
32-year-old April, who has appeared on a number of reality TV shows in the past, was paired with 40-year-old Financial Advisor George.
Despite George dropping the bombshell he's a dad-of-four just moments after the wedding, the pair seemingly got along very well.
However, things took a turn on the honeymoon when April kissed a female hotel guest during a game of dares in the hot tub, with George going on to say he was devastated he'd been 'cheated' on. Despite this, the pair seemed to make up, but April wasn't best pleased when George told their co-stars about the kiss during the first dinner party.
Despite this, the couple expressed their affection for each other at the first commitment ceremony and admitted they'd like to stay to see where the experiment takes them.
'Yes week' was very successful for April and George, and despite April missing the second dinner party due to an illness, George defended his girl over drama surrounding Thomas and Chanita. The couple then chose to stay during the second commitment ceremony.
Despite a good week, April broke down on the sofa during the third commitment ceremony, with George admitting he's not sure if their relationship would work outside of the experiment. Despite this, the pair both agreed they think they could overcome their issues, and therefore decided to stay for another week.
Despite being told they are in a 'fake' relationship by Thomas and being involved in a number of tense arguments, George and April both decided to stay ahead of the home stays week.
After successful home stays, April and George revealed they were in a great place, with April praising George for being there for her. The pair both agreed they definitely have love for each other, with both choosing to stay in the experiment.
The couple then declared their affection for each other during the final vow ceremony, with April admitting she was falling in love with George.
Are April and George still together?
Although the pair were still together during the reunion episode, which was filmed at the end of July, in recent weeks, reports have suggested that George was arrested on suspicion of controlling and coercive behaviour. It's also been reported that April has now moved back to her London home, where she's undergoing therapy.
Although George has remained silent on the matter, April has now confirmed the pair have split. Announcing the news on Unveiled, she said she was: "Ready to kiss a few more frogs before I find my prince."
Sophie and Jonathan
26-year-old Sophie and 32-year-old Jonathan were the other late arrivals to the experiment, getting married in front of their closest friends and family.
Although the pair seemed to be from totally different background and have totally different tastes on first look, the pair hit it off immediately, enjoying their honeymoon together in Portugal.
Sophie and Jonathan looked very happy together during their first dinner party, where they met their fellow cast mates for the first time, before both choosing to stay during their first commitment ceremony.
The pair endured their first problems during the retreat, when Jonathan made comments about Sophie going to the gym, as well as him admitting he wasn't yet feeling a sexual connection. Despite this, the couple both chose to stay.
Sophie and Jonathan met each other's friends and family during the home stays, where Jonathan was grilled on his future by Sophie's dad. But after admitting they'd taken the pressure off and were a lot happier, the pair chose to stay during the final commitment ceremony.
Despite Jonathan's words sounding like he was ready to walk away from Sophie during the final vow ceremony, both chose to carry on their relationship on the outside.
Are Sophie and Jonathan still together?
Despite revealing they tried following the experiment, Sophie and Jonathan turned up separately to the reunion dinner, with Sophie later posting on social media that she is now single.
Adrian and Thomas
37-year-old Digital Designer Adrian was matched with 31-year-old Mental Health Care Assistant Thomas, with both boys from Liverpool.
Despite the pair being happy with each other at the alter, things took a turn during the wedding reception when Adrian's best friend gave Thomas a grilling.
The pair jetted off to Mexico on their honeymoon where they endured a massive falling out, after Thomas accused Adrian of 'holding back'. The pair fell out again when Adrian dubbed Thomas 'manipulative', but after talking out their issues, they return back to the UK on good terms.
The couple both chose to stay during the first commitment ceremony, but later that night they fell out and endured an explosive argument over their fellow co-star's drama.
After making up following the first ceremony, Adrian and Thomas enjoyed a successful 'yes week', but things kicked off again during the second commitment ceremony. After Thomas broke down in tears about the abuse he's suffered in the past, Adrian supported his man and chose to stay, with Thomas ripping up his initial decision to leave to stay in the experiment.
Intimacy week worked wonders for Adrian and Thomas, with Thomas even dubbing it the 'best week ever'. The pair both chose to stay during the third commitment ceremony and looked happy than ever.
Despite Thomas getting involved in more drama during the retreat, the pair confessed at the fourth commitment ceremony that they were very happy together, with Thomas admitting he's more than happy to wait for a sexual romance until Adrian is 100% ready.
However, after meeting each other's family and friends during the home stays, Thomas was advised by his mum to end things with Adrian, due to the lack of intimacy in their relationship. When the final commitment ceremony arrived, despite admitting he always wants to be friends and stay in touch with Adrian, Thomas chose to leave. There was yet another twist for the couple when Adrian revealed his true feelings, choosing to stay, which in turn changed Thomas' mind.
Despite this, the pair didn't make it to the final vows, making the decision to split and end their journey during the final dinner party, in very emotional scenes.
Are Adrian and Thomas still together?
Although the pair aren't together romantically, Adrian and Thomas were friends for a little while after the show, but now it looks like they don't speak at all. Despite this, Thomas did share photos from the wedding to mark the one-year anniversary in April 2023.
Kasia and Kwame
42-year-old Kwame was matched with 36-year-old businesswoman Kasia.
The pair both had a doubt with their match and Kwame didn't exactly make the best impression with his in-laws. Kasia was later left shocked by Kwame's 'sex ban' on the night of their wedding.
Despite this, the couple jetted off to the Maldives on their honeymoon and later attended the first dinner party together.
Despite revealing some of their differences during the first commitment ceremony, Kasia and Kwame both decided to stay, admitting they hope they can turn their friendship into something more.
Following an argument over their intimacy during the second dinner party, which led them to staying in different apartments, things were a little awkward for Kasia and Kwame during the second commitment ceremony. However, the pair admitted they were both willing to work on their romance for another week.
Intimacy week worked wonders for Kasia and Kwame, who enjoyed their best week yet thanks to sex expert Charlene. The pair, who were beaming with smiles during the third commitment ceremony, both chose to stay.
Despite Kwame thinking the pair's relationship would work better outside of the experiment, he agreed to stay for another week at the request of Kasia.
Are Kasia and Kwame still together?
After Kwame refused to let Kasia into his home during the home stays, he was grilled by her sisters, which resulted in them advising Kasia to end things. During the final commitment ceremony, Kasia made the decision to leave, and despite Kwame initially saying he'd like to stay, after hearing Kasia's reasons, he also agreed to leave the experiment.
Jess and Pjay
The experts chose to pair 31-year-old Dental Hygienist Jess with 31-year-old dancer/performer Pjay, and it looked like it was love at first sight thanks to their joint love for Harry Potter.
Although Pjay was nervous to tell Jess he had a young son, it was the bombshell that he's a stripper which really caused issues. After discovering the news, Jess stormed out of the wedding ceremony and confessed she didn't want to go on honeymoon with Pjay.
However, after speaking things out with Pjay, the pair jetted off on their honeymoon where Jess broke down at dinner whilst opening up about her ex who cheated on her with a close family member.
The couple both decided to stay during the first commitment ceremony, despite Pjay admitting he's been holding back out of fear.
Are Jess and Pjay still together?
Despite enjoying each other's company during 'yes week', Jess admitted she saw the relationship more as a friendship, before going on to reveal she wanted to leave. After Pjay asked if there was anything worth fighting for, and Jess responded by saying "no", Pjay also chose to leave the experiment.
Despite this, the pair rocked up to the reunion dinner together revealing they are great friends. However, fast-forward a few months and things took a sour turn, after Pjay began liking comments online about how Jess came across on the show. After calling him 'fake', Jess went on to block Pjay.
Lara and Richie
The experts made the decision to pair 49-year-old waitress Lara with 51-year-old former rock band star Richie.
Despite Lara being married and divorced twice, this will be Richie's first taste of a long-term relationship, which alarmed Lara. Despite this, the pair seemed to get on during the wedding ceremony, with Richie also getting the seal of approval by one of Lara's sons.
The pair later travelled to Bavaria for their honeymoon, where Lara was left scared by the pace Richie wanted to take their relationship.
Richie got emotional during the first commitment ceremony, admitting he's prepared to change his ways for his wife. After seeing his commitment to the relationship, Lara also chose to stay.
Are Lara and Richie still together?
Although 'yes week' started well for Lara and Richie, things took a turn when the pair showed up at the dinner party separate. During the second commitment ceremony, the pair both revealed it would be 'cruel' for both to carry on with the experiment, resulting in the pair leaving as friends. At the reunion dinner, the pair revealed they'd had zero contact since the show, but Lara did share throwback photos from their wedding day to mark one year since the wedding.
Whitney and Duka
The experts matched 31-year-old Whitney from St Albans and 31-year-old Duka from Birmingham.
It was immediately clear to see Whitney wasn't happy, with viewers dubbing her attitude 'rude' towards Duka. The pair headed off to South Africa where they bickered throughout the holiday, with Whitney even losing her wedding ring and calling Duka 'fake'.
Things then got heated during the first commitment ceremony, which led to Whitney storming off set in tears. After returning to the sofa, Whitney chose to leave the show, but as Duka made the decision to stay to fight for their relationship, the pair will remain for now.
In a total turnaround, Whitney and Duka were like a different couple during the second commitment ceremony, admitting they've enjoyed each other's company. The pair both chose to stay another week to try and seek an emotional connection together.
However, this didn't last too long, with Whitney looking very glum during the third commitment ceremony. Despite Duka being more optimistic about their relationship, Whitney expressed she would like him to show more actions rather than just words, with the experts telling Duka he needs to show more emotion towards Whitney. Although Whitney chose to leave, Duka's decision to stay means the pair will have another week to work on their romance.
Are Whitney and Duka still together?
After having a secret meet up with Matt, Whitney went on to enjoy a kiss with her cast mate, before going on to spend the night with him. After the affair was exposed, both Whitney and Duka chose to leave the process as a couple. Duka has now revealed his dating again.
Gemma and Matt
30-year-old Gemma and 32-year-old Matt were late additions to the experiment, joining the series just before the half-way stage.
With both having passions for tattoos and hairdressing, it had looked like a match made in heaven on their wedding day, with sparks seriously flying! However, as the pair went to Portugal on their honeymoon, Matt started to get annoyed at Gemma's constant sexual comments, which led to a huge argument.
As the pair met the rest of the cast for the first time during a dinner party, Gemma and Matt endured another argument, which led to Matt storming out of the party.
Although it had looked like things may be over, following their first commitment ceremony with the experts, Gemma and Matt both chose to stay to work on their commutation.
Are Gemma and Matt still together?
After realising he had something with cast mate Whitney, Matt made it clear he'd like to explore his feelings, resulting in the pair spending the night together at the retreat. After Gemma found out about the 'affair', both decided to leave the process as a couple.
Why were Matt and Whitney allowed to stay on MAFS UK?
Despite fans of Matt and Whitney being thrilled for them in the comments section, it appears not everybody was a fan of the expert's decision to allow them to stay on the show, with many admitting they were going to 'boycott' the show.
Experts Paul Carrick Brunson, Mel Schilling and Charlene Douglas announced their tough decision on Thursday night's episode, after admitting they had checked the science between the two.
Mel told the pair: "You are a strong match on paper but the way you went about this, we’re not happy with.
"We’re really disappointed in the way that happened, but we can see that there is something real here. The science backs it up and we are willing to allow you back into the experiment as a new couple, not as a married couple, but as a dating couple.
"We really hope you honour this op and make the most out of it."
So, sadly it looks like the romance is over for the pair.
Now read:
MAFS UK's Matt looks totally unrecognisable without tattoos and muscles
MAFS UK fans beg experts not to let Whitney and Matt stay as new couple
MAFS UK 2022 set to be 'best series of reality TV ever'