September 16th 2024.
As a viewer, I have always been hesitant to watch dating shows. They often leave me feeling like I need to lock my doors, delete all my dating apps, and avoid making eye contact with any man ever again. The whole point of these shows is for single people to find love, but it seems like they always end up glorifying the very thing we should be avoiding.
We've all seen gaslighting on Love Island, and unfortunately, it has become synonymous with the show. And let's not forget Bad Boyfriends, the latest offering from ITV, which portrays toxic relationships as something to overcome together instead of something to run away from. Even seemingly perfect couples like Sabrina and Steven from Love Is Blind end up splitting up, and it's always heartbreaking to watch.
So forgive me if I'm a bit wary when it comes to this genre. But the new season of Married At First Sight UK might just change my mind. It's all thanks to Kristina, a 30-year-old dog walker, and Kieran, a 28-year-old mechanic, who tie the knot in the first episode on E4.
As the women and men gather separately for their hen and stag nights, we get to know the future bride and groom. They both share equal dominance in the conversation, making jokes and laughing loudly at their own contributions. It's clear from the beginning that they have a strong connection.
Kristina and Kieran are the couple that gives us hope for finding true love on a reality show. In her video introduction, Kristina is shown giving reiki therapy to sheep and dancing alone in her bedroom wearing a neon two-piece. But she also opens up about her past experiences with men, feeling used and afraid of being "too much." Thankfully, these fears prove to be unnecessary with Kieran.
Kieran, on the other hand, has been hurt in the past by a cheating ex-partner and has a hard time trusting someone again. He's sweet and proudly eccentric, even admitting to joining the circus in the past. And he loves living alone in a static caravan in the woods.
Watching these two showcase their unique personalities and quirks had me falling in love with them and rooting for their relationship to work out. And on their wedding day, Kieran makes a bold decision to wear fake buck teeth, which turns out to be the right call when Kristina laughs hysterically at the revelation that they are removable.
It seems like the experts, Mel Schilling, Paul C Brunson, and Charlene Douglas, have truly done their job in matching these two. Sure, there have been some questionable matches in the past, but when they get it right, it's magical to watch.
Of course, a positive first encounter doesn't guarantee a long-lasting relationship, and I can't help but fear that things may not work out for Kristina and Kieran. But the fact that I already care about them so much is a good sign that this season of Married At First Sight UK will be one for the books.
And let's not forget about the second couple who gets married in the first episode. We get unlikely doppelgangers and family disputes, making for an action-packed day. It's clear that the creators of the show have chosen a diverse and interesting cast for the 2024 season.
My only criticism is that the individual videos introducing the contestants can feel a bit cheesy and formulaic. One moment, they're telling us how great their life is, then the music dramatically slows as they share a heartbreaking experience from their past. Finally, the lively tunes pick back up as they talk about their upcoming wedding. It's a bit repetitive, but I understand that the editors have limited time to introduce us to the contestants' backstories.
Usually, I find myself impatiently waiting for the weddings to be over so we can get to the dramatic dinner parties. But this time, I am fully invested from the moment the couples say "I do." And as they vow to do everything in their power to make their relationship work, I vow to be on my sofa at 9pm every weeknight to watch their journey.
Married at First Sight airs at the same time every Monday through Thursday on E4. And if you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, don't hesitate to get in touch with the entertainment team at The Agency. They would love to hear from you!
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