The show is bigger and better than ever.

By Katelyn Mensah

Published: Tuesday, 17 October 2023 at 14:07 PM


Season 8 of Married at First Sight UK is currently underway, and what an explosive season it’s been thus far.

The starting line-up of brides and grooms are now more than halfway through the experiment after getting married on the first day that they met, and almost all of the intruder couples have said “I do”.

As well as this, we’ve seen two couples exit the experiment, with Porscha and Terence bowing out, as Terence couldn’t move on from her playing spin the bottle with the other couples and kissing several of the other husbands.

As well as this, the Married at First Sight experts Paul C Brunson, Mel Schilling and Charlene Douglas put an end to Shona and Brad’s time on the show, as they felt the “intensive” environment wasn’t working for the couple.

Similarly, Luke was removed from the show after ‘coming to blows’ with intruder husband Jordan Gayle. His removal also meant Jay’s time on the show had to come to an end.

According to reports, Ella and JJ are set to re-enter the show as a new couple.

Currently, JJ is married to Bianca. However, he admitted that she isn’t his type – something she says she and JJ got over.

Ella, who makes history as the show’s first transgender bride, is married to Nathanial, but they’ve been in the friend zone for the past few weeks.

Recently, Ella admitted that she fancied JJ, and during a game, she revealed she’d most like to kiss JJ out of all the other grooms, and he felt the same.

It comes after rumours that Ella cheated with another groom who entered later in the experiment. Channel 4 declined to comment on the speculation. The scenes will reportedly air on the show soon.

Nathanial has since revealed he quit the show before the final vows.

As the show continues, here’s everything you need to know about the Married at First Sight UK 2023 cast.

Married at First Sight UK 2023 cast

Read on for more on this year’s cast.

Adrienne

Adrienne wearing a white dress and smiling into camera
Adrienne on Married at First Sight UK.
Channel 4

Age: 26

Job: Project support officer

Location: Cumbria

Adrienne has ran out of dating options in rural Cumbria, and so has turned to the experts to find a man worthy of her. The 26-year-old knows what she deserves and won’t settle for anything less.

Bianca

Bianca from Married at First Sight UK 2023.
Bianca from Married at First Sight UK 2023.
Channel 4

Age: 29

Job: Hair extension specialist

Location: Buxton

Bianca wants to marry a stranger, because she has prioritised her career for most of her adult life and it’s time to put her love life first for once!

Erica

Erica from Married at First Sight UK 2023 wearing a white dress, smiling into camera with a hand under her chin
Erica from Married at First Sight UK 2023.
Channel 4

Age: 25

Job: Dance teacher/ Social media manager

Location: Edinburgh

Erica has been heartbroken one too many times and is looking for the one. She has been single for over a year and is adamant her soulmate isn’t from Edinburgh – so is handing over control to the experts.

JJ

JJ from Married at First Sight UK 2023.
JJ from Married at First Sight UK 2023.

Age: 30

Job: Fashion brand owner

Location: Essex

JJ is eager to the ditch the ‘Essex boy’ stereotype, as he prides himself on being down to earth and a massive softie. The 30-year-old is keen to find love closer to home, and deep down he is a hopeless romantic and is sick of being the only single one in his group of friends.

Jordan

Jordan from Married at First Sight UK 2023.
Jordan from Married at First Sight UK 2023.

Age: 26

Job: Personal trainer

Location: Sheffield

Jordan is a complete socialite, with unrivalled energy and enthusiasm for life and adventure. Having gone through tough times, Jordan is more confident than ever – and the only thing missing in his life is a life partner.

Mark

Mark from Married at First Sight UK 2023.
Mark from Married at First Sight UK 2023.
Channel 4

Age: 36

Job: Customer service manager

Location: London

Mark’s motto is “too much is never enough” and looking good always comes first. Underneath all of the glitz and glamour, Mark is a loving man who has had his fair share of heartache and is looking for a change.

Matt

Matt from Married at First Sight UK 2023.
Matt from Married at First Sight UK 2023. 
Channel 4

Age: 29

Job: Window cleaner and athlete

Location: Harrogate

Yorkshire lad Matt is laid-back and wears his heart on his sleeve. He has been single for the last year and is ready to find his perfect match.

Sean

Sean from Married at First Sight UK 2023.
Sean from Married at First Sight UK 2023.

Age: 31

Job: Store manager

Location: Durham

Sean describes himself as a social butterfly – but despite being a party animal, he is very career-driven. Having come out later in life, Sean feels he is behind and has lost years he could have spent navigating the gay scene.

Arthur

Arthur from Married at First Sight UK 2023 wearing a navy suit
Arthur from Married at First Sight UK.

Age: 34

Job: Tennis coach

Location: London

Arthur is ready to find the love of his life. The tennis coach travels all over the world to coach the most successful players, and is ready for a committed, loving relationship. Arthur has been dreaming of a fairy tale ever since he was a young boy, and is hoping the experts can provide that for him.

Brad

Brad from Married at First Sight UK 2023 wearing a pink suit
Brad from Married at First Sight UK 2023.

Age: 27

Job: Model

Location: Grimsby

Grimsby-based model Brad is comfortable and secure in who he is and doesn’t care what people think of him, as long as he is being his authentic self.

Brad has had success from a young age with his modelling career, and he has ended up feeling overwhelmed with the party lifestyle, and so turned to spirituality.

“I trust the experts with all my heart that they have matched me well,” he told Channel 4 ahead of his appearance on the experiment.

Georges

Georges from Married at First Sight UK 2023 wearing a grey suit
Georges from Married at First Sight UK.

Age: 30

Job: Sports rehabilitator

Location: Surrey

After being single for the last four years, Georges describes himself as “weird and wonderful”. He is outspoken and unafraid of ruffling feathers. The 30-year-old aspires to live a life of luxury, ideally with a like-minded partner by his side.

“I said to the experts that I will give 120 per cent. I trust them and I’m going to trust the process,” he told Channel 4.

Luke

Luke from Married at First Sight UK 2023 wearing a black suit with his arms crossed
Luke from Married at First Sight UK 2023.

Age: 30

Job: Sales executive

Location: Clacton

Luke is a social butterfly who is always hitting his goals, except when it comes to finding a wife. The 30-year-old has had his fair share of rejection over the years, and has struggled to meet a girl who is willing to be all in.

Describing his dating life as “a mess”, Luke is sick of dating apps and is hoping the experts can help him find a down-to-earth woman who is going after the same end goal as him.

“I’m really open so I know I can make things work and build, I’m just hoping she has the same attitude,” he told Channel 4.

Nathanial

Nathanial from Married at First Sight UK 2023 wearing a burgundy suit
Nathanial from Married at First Sight UK 2023.

Age: 36

Job: Events marketing manager

Location: Manchester

Nathanial exudes charisma and charm and is on the search for love with an open mind. Being an events marketing manager with a jet-set lifestyle, Nathanial is always on the move.

“I don’t trust anyone but myself, but I hope they’ve done a good job – that’s all I can say,” he told Channel 4 ahead of his appearance on the experiment.

Paul

Paul from Married at First Sight UK 2023 wearing a chequered blue suit
Paul from Married at First Sight UK 2023.

Age: 26

Job: Account manager

Location: Chesham

Paul has an extremely active lifestyle and is a keen footballer, boxer and gym-goer. The account manager is looking to meet someone with a similar outlook on life. After failing at conventional dating methods, Paul is determined to tackle this experiment head on in a bid to meet is soulmate.

“I hope the experts literally hand deliver my best friend and life partner,” he told Channel 4.

Terence

Terence from Married at First Sight UK 2023 wearing a navy suit
Terence from Married at First Sight UK 2023.
Channel 4

Age: 40

Job: Youth worker/DJ

Location: Reading

Father-of-three Terence is the life and soul of the party with a heart of gold. His friends and family describe his personality as optimistic and vibrant.

After spending the last two years as a bachelor, he feels he is now ready to find love. He told Channel 4: “I’m looking forward to it and I’m excited. The only bit I’m worried about is whether she’ll like me.”

Thomas

Thomas from Married at First Sight UK 2023 wearing a grey suit
Thomas from Married at First Sight UK 2023.

Age: 27

Job: Investment communications

Location: Wiltshire

Wiltshire-based Thomas is a traditional, animal-loving gent who is looking to find a soulmate who will accept him and his feline friends. After spending his teenage years living in Indonesia, Thomas has a passion for travel and adventure.

Thomas’s love language is gift-giving – so wants to find someone who he can spoil and look after.

Ella

Ella from Married at First Sight UK 2023 wearing a white dress
Ella from Married at First Sight UK 2023.
Channel 4

Age: 29

Job: Clinic consultant

Location: Weston-super-Mare

Clinic consultant Ella has a big heart and a big sense of humour and is looking forward to settling down with the right person one day. Ella lives with her nan, describing them as the dynamic duo everyone needs in their life. She told Channel 4 there is no one else in the world she is closer to.

“This experiment is so much more than just me getting married. I see this as a big deal for someone who has transition,” she told Channel 4 ahead of her appearance on the series.

Ella will make history as the first ever transgender contestant on the show. Ahead of her MAFS UK debut, she opened up about her decision to join the series, praising Channel 5 for giving her the opportunity to take part.

Speaking to RadioTimes.com and other press, Ella said: “It’s a lot of pressure that I’ve put on myself. But again, I can’t speak for everyone, my journey is different from all the other trans girls I know. There’s similarities in it, but I feel like Channel 4 gave me this opportunity to be a voice.”

Jay

Jay from Married at First Sight UK 2023 wearing a white dress
Jay from Married at First Sight UK 2023.

Age: 31

Job: Sales manager

Location: Lancashire

Jay has been single for a few months and is looking for the right person to settle down with. Ideally, Jay wants a cheeky chappy and someone who can make her laugh. The sales manager has a positive and happy-go-lucky personality and isn’t afraid to take the mickey out of herself.

“Hopefully, they’ve found someone who is right for me and I do have faith that everything happens for a reason,” Jay told Channel 4.

Laura

Laura from Married at First Sight UK 2023 wearing a white dress
Laura from Married at First Sight UK 2023.

Age: 34

Job: Finance manager

Location: Hampshire

Laura loves the finer things in life, whether it be weekends out in Chelsea or the latest designer handbags. She describes herself as a “boss b***h” who knows what she does and doesn’t want in life.

“I have my fingers firmly crossed for a positive outcome – I don’t want another divorce,” she told Channel 4.

Peggy

Peggy from Married at First Sight UK 2023 wearing a cream dress
Peggy from Married at First Sight UK 2023.

Age: 32

Job: Technology risk partner

Location: Kent

Peggy is looking for someone who can be her lover and best friend at the same time. Over the years, she has picked up the nickname “Picky Peggy” because of how she is with men, but is now trusting the experts to fulfil her fairy tale.

Porscha

Porscha from Married at First Sight UK 2023 wearing a white dress
Porscha from Married at First Sight UK 2023.

Age: 36

Job: Executive assistant

Location: London

Executive assistant Porscha is old-school when it comes to love and has traditional values. She is a loving single mum who has joined the experiment to find her alpha male.

“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,” she told Channel 4 ahead of her appearance on the experiment.

Rosaline

Rosaline from Married at First Sight UK 2023 wearing a white dress
Rosaline from Married at First Sight UK 2023.Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now and celebrate the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who with a special issue of Radio Times. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Age: 28

Job: Florist

Location: Crewe

Rosaline is on a mission to meet her dream man, get married and have a happily ever after. After splitting up with her boyfriend six months ago, the florist is hoping to find her perfect match.

Shona

Shona from Married at First Sight UK 2023 wearing a white dress blowing a kiss
Shona from Married at First Sight UK 2023.

Age: 31

Job: Performing arts teacher

Location: Nottingham

Shona is a performing arts teacher who isn’t afraid of speaking her mind. The 31-year-old has everything going for her, but is missing one thing – a husband. She is looking to break the cycle of whirlwind flings with the help of the experts.

“My happily ever after would be for him and I to go through the experiment and really try and grow together,” she told Channel 4.

Tasha

Tasha from Married at First Sight UK 2023 wearing a white dress
Tasha from Married at First Sight UK 2023.

Age: 25

Job: Childcare assistant

Location: Leeds

Leeds-based childcare assistant Tasha is the life and soul of the party who has dreams of starting a family and is looking for someone who loves children as much as her.

Over the years, Tasha has dated men who have wanted to be with her just for her looks – and now she wants to find someone who can go deeper than the surface level.

“I have faith in the experts that I could find the love of my life – the Ant to my Dec,” she told Channel 4.

Married at First Sight UK 2023 is on E4 on Monday to Thursday. Past seasons are also available to stream on Channel 4.

If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide or visit our hub for more Entertainment news.

Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now and celebrate the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who with a special issue of Radio Times. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.