MAFS UK's Sarah and Dean reunite outside of show

Sarah Gillanders and Dean Vary were one of the most-talked about couples on series 10 of Married At First Sight UK, after they met at the altar and tied the knot during the opening episode on Sunday 21st September.

Whilst couples like Rebecca and Bailey and Abi and John seem to be a match made in MAFS heaven, the same couldn't be said for 31-year-olds Sarah and Dean, with Sarah constantly struggling to gain a physical attraction to her hubby.

Are Sarah and Dean still together?

The couple left the experiment during the third commitment ceremony, but it appears they are still VERY friendly, recently reuniting in Aberdeen, Scotland!

Both Sarah and Dean shared photos together of their own 'Home Stay' in early November 2025, with Sarah writing on Instagram: 'meanwhile… we did our own home stays! When Dean came to Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 golf ⛳️, darts 🎯 & fancy dress 👶🏻 what a fun weekend we had 🙌🏻'. (sic)

Dean also shared a set of lovely photos to his own page, writing: 'With all the home visits, I thought I'd pop up to Aberdeen 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿. Play some golf 🏌️‍♂️, watch some darts 🎯 (in fancy dress 🍼) & see Sarah!'.

Fans of the show were quick to comment on the posts, with many expressing their delight that Sarah and Dean have found a friendship.

One wrote: 'Sometimes people aren't meant to be a couple but can be the very best of friends and support each other 😍', with another adding: 'How much is this just a vibe ❤️ love this guys'. (sic)

Another wrote: 'Aww I love this ❤️', with somebody else writing: 'Might not have gained a wife in her but you definitely have a friend for life ❤️ I'm so glad the way the show was edited, it hasn't left any bad blood between you both xx'. (sic)

Now Sarah and Dean are the best of friends, check out their MAFS UK journey below...

What happened on their wedding day?

Dean attempted to break the ice at the top of the aisle, rapping for his new wife, something which didn't go down well with Sarah. But the disappointment didn't end there, with Sarah going on to reveal she wasn't physically attracted to him, before telling him her usual type is a bad boy who 'looks like he's just got out of jail'.

As Dean confirmed he's a 'very good boy' and described himself as a 'mummy's boy', he later went on to sing for his wife during the wedding reception, which again left her feeling awkward and unhappy.

Despite Dean's best efforts to impress his new wife, Sarah told the camera she can see why they've been matched, but continued to admit she sees it as 'friend vibes', and she didn't go on the show to find a friend.

Sarah's dad did try and talk her round, telling his daughter he thinks Dean will look after and treat her well, urging her not to judge him too early.

After seeing the awkwardness between the two unfold, fans of the show were quick to express their thoughts on social media, with many slamming experts Charlene Douglas, Paul C Brunson and Mel Schilling for pairing them together in the first place.

One wrote: 'Why on earth did these two get matched', with another adding: 'I’m sure the experts do it on purpose! Put polar opposites together, it’s a shame though, dean is so sweet'. (sic)

A third then wrote: 'I know irs probably not actually good telly, because let's be honest they want telly fireworks not something to actually work. Why don't they just pair the actual nice person to someone actually nice and they can go and live happily ever after'. (sic)

Another annoyed fan wrote: 'They really have set Dean up to fail', with someone else adding: 'The show should be ashamed. Putting him the position where's he going to get hurt'. (sic)

Sarah responds to viewer backlash with statement:

After social media comments continued as viewers witnessed their honeymoon in The Maldives unfold, Sarah released a statement about the backlash she'd received online.

Sharing a photo of herself and Dean from their wedding day, she wrote: 'I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has reached out with kindness and support. Being part of Married at First Sight has truly been a once in a lifetime experience, but it’s important to remember that what is shown on TV is only a very small part of a much bigger journey.

'Not every conversation, emotion, or bit of context makes it to air. There have been many lighter, happy moments - including plenty of laughter during our honeymoon - that viewers have not seen.

'I take full accountability for the things I have said, even if they don’t always reflect how I would normally express myself. This was a unique and intense environment, and I did my best to remain honest and open throughout.

'At the heart of it, I am simply a 32 year old woman who decided to take a leap into something completely new. I have always been honest with Dean, and while not everything has been shown, we shared many genuine and positive moments together during filming.

'Once again, thank you to those who have shown kindness and understanding - it means more than you know. ❤️'. (sic)

What happened on their honeymoon?

Sarah and Dean's honeymoon was a hard watch for viewers! Whilst Dean tried his best to make his new bride laugh, she quickly admitted there was no physical attraction present for her.

When Dean asked if she'd ever been with a 'bigger man', she said no and later told producers in order to gain a physical spark she'd need him to 'get tattoos and lose some weight'.

Dean's constant singing, rapping and barking like a dog also seemed to grate on Sarah, with her telling the camera his personality traits were annoying her.

After their honeymoon aired on TV, Sarah posted some behind-the-scenes photos to Instagram, writing: 'TV gave you the drama 🎬😅 but here’s the real Maldives… fun, drinks & a lot of laughs 🌴🏖️🍹'. (sic)

Did they move in together?

Yes, Sarah and Dean moved in to their MAFS apartment in London together.

What happened during the first commitment ceremony?

Following the first dinner party the night before, where Sarah expressed her concerns about her husband to her fellow cast mates, the experts wanted to call Sarah out on her 'disrespectful' behaviour towards Dean.

The experts revealed they think Dean is willing to modify his behaviour in order to be accepted by her, but the same cannot be said for Sarah. After listening to Paul, Sarah apologised to Dean for her harsh words, before breaking down in tears.

Despite a tricky start, Sarah and Dean both chose to stay in the experiment to work on their relationship, with Sarah admitting she wants things to work out.

Following the tough scenes airing, Sarah took to Instagram to admit she's 'not perfect'. She said: 'The last couple of episodes have been really tough, and watching last night’s Commitment Ceremony was not easy. I know there’s been a lot of criticism, and while it’s hard to hear, I truly accept the feedback from Paul, Charlene & Mel.

'I am determined to take this as an opportunity to learn and do better.

'At the end of the day, I’m only human. I’m not perfect. But I am listening, I am learning, and I’m moving forward with that in mind❤️'. (sic)

What happened during the second commitment ceremony?

Things got off to a good start during the second commitment ceremony, with Sarah and Dean telling the experts they have started to hold hands, despite still taking the intimacy side of things slowly.

However, the pair soon got into it, revealing they endured their first argument after Sarah made comments that she fancied one of the show's producers during a night out. Following another telling off by expert Mel, Sarah once again got emotional, admitting she doesn't like the way she's behaving and isn't usually like this outside the experiment.

Sarah went on to reveal she thinks the world of Dean and called him a 'gem', before apologising once again for disrespecting her husband.

At the end of their chat with Mel, Paul and Charlene, Dean and Sarah chose to stay.

When did they leave the experiment?

Sarah and Dean left the MAFS UK experiment during episode 17 on Tuesday 14th October.

Whilst sitting on the couch chatting to the experts, Sarah declared she needed another week with Dean, saying: "For me things have been moving positively... I want to see if a romance develops. I think we're at that point now if I take a step back ... I'm worried if I give up, I'm worried I'll be like, did I try? So if I stay another week, plan another date... "

However, expert Mel Schilling was quick to step in, saying: "Sarah, I think you know how you feel. I think you're clutching at straws here. And this is not to be harsh, this is to be real.

"We are halfway through this experiment."

Charlene Douglas then added: "I think perhaps you're making excuses here... there isn't any desire here at all. At what point do you call it quits? Sarah has also said that the affection is too much. I think you are both in denial and I say that with respect. Do we think this is a relationship that is moving in a good direction? No."

When it came to the decision, both Sarah and Dean had written 'stay' on their cards, but after listening to the expert's honest feedback, the pair changed their minds, with Sarah breaking down in tears.

She said: "I don't want to hurt you anymore. I just don't think we're right for each other romantically."

Dean replied: "Thank you for being honest," before the Mel asked to confirm their final decisions. Both then declared: "My decision is to leave."

Sarah and Dean react to leaving MAFS

Following the episode airing, both Sarah and Dean took to social media to express their feelings towards the relationship.

Sarah wrote: 'Leaving Married at First Sight, at this stage in the process, was the right decision.

'The process for me started over a year ago, and after months & months of interviews and matchmaking chats, I was over the moon when I was told I had a match.

'You walk into that experiment with so much hope - hope that the experts have found your person, hope that love will grow in unexpected ways, and hope that you’ll walk out with your forever partner.

'But sometimes, even with all the effort, honesty, and heart in the world, things just don’t align the way you want them to.

'Behind the cameras and the dinner parties are real emotions, real confusion, and real people trying their best to make something work.

'Firstly, thank you to Dean - you are an amazing person; you were my rock during the really difficult times and my biggest supporter. I am so thankful to have shared this experience with you, and I am forever grateful for the happy (and hilarious!) memories we shared during this process.

'Thank you to the rest of the cast in the show, the friends I made during this time - I am so thankful to have you in my life and for us to have shared this crazy experience together.

'As many of you will see, I completely lost myself during this experience. It was not an easy time for me, and watching it back has been so much harder than I ever thought it would be.

'Since leaving and healing from the process, I can now look back and be grateful for what it taught me about relationships, honesty, communication, and my own strength. To everyone who’s supported me, I would like to thank you so much. Your support & kindness means more than you will ever know.

'Sarah🤍'. (sic)

After commenting with a love heart on Sarah's post, Dean shared his own post, writing: 'Don't cry because it's over smile because it happened 💜

'That was definitely an emotional watch, and I think doing this show is probably the best thing I could have ever done for myself. I have learned so much watching this back and I hope Dean there would be proud of where I am now, doing him proud and doing so with a smile on my face.

'I would like to thank everyone involved in the show and outside of the show for their kindness and support throughout. Sarah was really a rock for me in there and helped me learn so much about myself.

'That happy ever after is still coming and I am so blooming excited! 💫💜💫 This isn't an end, it's just a new beginning.....'.

How old is Sarah?

At the time of filming, Sarah was 31-years-old.

Where is she from?

She's from Aberdeen, Scotland.

What is her surname?

Sarah's surname is Gillanders.

What is her job?

Sarah currently works as a Recruitment Consultant.

Is she on Instagram?

You can follow Sarah on Instagram at sarahgillanders_x.

How old is Dean?

Dean was 31-years-old at the time of filming.

Where is he from?

He's from Feltham.

What is his surname?

Dean's surname is Vary.

What is his job?

Fitting with his bubbly personality, Dean is a Team Building Host.

Is he on Instagram?

He is, you can follow Dean at vary_dean.

Check out this year's MAFS UK cast below:

MAFS UK airs Sunday-Wednesday at 9pm on E4.

Now read:

Your ultimate guide to MAFS UK series 10

Meet the singletons for Married At First Sight UK series 10

A MAFS Australia All Stars series is reportedly in the works

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