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

Author: Alex RossPublished 14th Sep 2023

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.

Now read:

Charlene Douglas admits the new series of MAFS UK is 'jaw dropping'

Married at First Sight UK tease start date with exciting post

Mel Schilling says upcoming series of MAFS UK is 'different level'

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