MAFS UK viewers are rooting for Jay and Luke after first episode

A match made in heaven?!

Author: Alex RossPublished 19th Sep 2023

The brand new series of Married At First Sight UK finally burst onto our screens on Monday 18th September, as the 2023 cast attempt to find love with the help of experts Paul C Brunson, Charlene Douglas and Mel Schilling.

As viewers got to meet this year's singletons, the opening episode featured two weddings as the experts paired together Luke and Jay, and Arthur and Laura.

And despite 34-year-old finance manager Laura not exactly being thrilled with her tennis coach husband Arthur, it seems like it's been a match made in heaven for 30-year-old Luke and 31-year-old Jay!

The pair, who both work in sales, were matched together and first set eyes on each other during their nuptials which aired during the launch show. And despite Jay being slightly apprehensive about what her groom would think of her disability, things couldn't have worked out any better.

Jay was born without part of her left arm and bravely opened up on the show about the rejection she has experienced from men in the past, saying: "Hopefully, they've found someone who is right for me and I do have faith that everything happens for a reason."

Luke also opened up to bosses about his past relationship trauma, revealing he was in a stable and happy relationship for eight years until his ex-girlfriend turned around one day and revealed she was leaving him out of the blue.

After fans witnessed how compatible the pair were during their wedding, and how well they got on during the ceremony, many viewers took to social media to express their love for the new couple, admitting they can see a future for the two.

One wrote: 'I love these two already.. I really hope it works for them', with another adding: 'Love these two hope it works out what a genuine couple ❤️'. A third then wrote: 'Hoping sooooo hard this one works out! 🤞🏾🤞🏾'. (sic)

Another commented: 'My favourite already hope they make it'. (sic)

Check out the cast of this year's MAFS UK:

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.

With two weddings down, Tuesday night's (19th September) episode will see the show's first transgender bride walk down the aisle.

29-year-old Ella, who transitioned at the age of 21, will marry 36-year-old Nathanial and later reveal details about her change during the ceremony, something bosses have since been forced to clear up after 'fakery' claims.

Married At First Sight airs on E4 Monday-Thursday at 9pm.

Now read:

MAFS UK accused of ‘faking’ scene with groom and first transgender contestant

Mel Schilling says the new series of MAFS UK is 'different level'

Which MAFS UK couples are still together after the show

How to listen to heat radio:

If your favourite music icons are the Spice Girls and your favourite Ks are Kylie and the Kardashians, you need heat Radio in your life! heat Radio is portable, so you can listen to us on the move. Simply download our app from your phone’s app store, listen online at heatradio.com and at heatworld.com. We’re on all the smart speakers too, just say “play heat Radio".