By Indigo Jones
Copyright walesonline
It’s that time of year again. Married at First Sight UK is back on our screens, which means that everybody across the nation will be glued to their telly watching E4 for three days a week. From fake teeth to potential wife swaps past seasons have really seen it all and that drama is exactly what draws audiences in year upon year. Meanwhile this year’s cohort includes a grandmother, some international hopefuls, a midwife, and even one groom from Bridgend. All will be hoping they’ll find their perfect stranger at the end of the aisle. The series starts on Sunday, September 21, at 9pm on E4 and Channel 4 on demand. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . But, who are the newlyweds who will be saying: ‘I do’ to a complete and utter stranger? Let’s meet them. Age: 54 Location: Durham Occupation: Operations manager Anita is a proud mum of two and a doting grandmother to three and credits them with keeping her young, energised, and full of life. After a tough chapter that saw her lose her mother, her job, and the end of a 17-year relationship (all within six weeks) she made a bold decision to turn her life around and embrace every adventure she’d ever dreamed of. From fire-eating and helicopter-flying lessons to dancing solo in Ibiza Anita is living proof that it’s never too late to start again. Now divorced and ready for her next chapter she’s on the lookout for a partner who shares her adventurous spirit and passion for life. She’s hoping the experts can match her with a daring silver fox who’s ready to live life to the fullest. Age: 35 Location: Bridgend Occupation: Operations director Described by the channel as a true old-school gent and proud father of one he’s travelled the world through his work in marine construction. An outdoor enthusiast Ashley is happiest on a rugby pitch, catching waves, camping under the stars, or hiking in the fresh air – but he’s ready to share those adventures with someone special. After a few relationships, including a brief romance with a former Miss Universe, Ashley is ready to leave the dating game behind for good. He’s looking for a genuine connection. This includes someone he can take to the gym, out for a pint, or off on a spontaneous weekend getaway. His ideal match? Blonde hair, bright eyes, great smile, and a love for staying active. You can read more about Ashley here. Age: 36 Location: St Albans Occupation: Sales manager Bailey grew up as the man of the house, raised by his mum alongside his younger sister. Without a father figure of his own he learned early on the value of strength, loyalty, and showing up for the people you love. Eight years ago he made the move to Brighton and built a new life from the ground up where he launched his own micro-brewery and embraced the city’s vibrant culture. Whether he’s at a festival, deep in meditation, or enjoying a laid-back Sunday at the pub Bailey lives life with purpose and passion. He’s a father to a three-year-old daughter who lights up his world. Bailey’s been single for the past year and is now ready to meet someone who can match his energy and share his values. He’s hoping the experts will find him a kind, grounded partner who’s family-oriented and can be a positive role model in his daughter’s life. Age: 33 Location: Portugal Occupation: Cabin crew Having moved from Portugal to Paris as a child Davide credits the City of Love for shaping his romantic spirit. He had been planning the wedding of his dreams for 2025 but when the relationship ended unexpectedly he was left heartbroken. Now, with his heart open and hope renewed, Davide is ready to find his future husband. He’s searching for someone kind-hearted, handsome, and romantic – someone who not only shares his values but also his love of cats. More than anything Davide hopes the experts can help him better understand what he truly wants (and needs) in a lifelong partner. Age: 31 Location: Feltham Occupation: Team-building host A true hopeless romantic Dean is ready to meet the girl of his dreams – so much so that he once flew all the way to Venice for a first date. Inspired by the deep love he’s seen between his parents he’s holding out for something just as real and lasting. Known for his infectious positivity and ability to make people smile Dean wasn’t always so outgoing. But after years working as a darts player, stand-up comedian, magician, cruise ship host, and team-building facilitator he’s grown into a confident, charismatic man who knows how to make an impression. Single for about a year Dean’s last relationship ended when he was told he wasn’t “the one”. Now, fully healed and hopeful, he’s ready to find his soulmate (someone who shares his sense of humour and zest for life). He’s counting on the experts to help him find the perfect match to bring even more fun and laughter into his world. Age: 29 Location: London Occupation: Musician Divarni is a proud dad and a self-proclaimed ladies’ man with a playful spirit and a few unexpected twists. He likes writing poetry and unwinding with a Marvel movie marathon. Charming, cheeky, and known for his smooth talk and childlike heart Divarni has never struggled to attract attention. Unfortunately for him lasting love has remained just out of reach. Now single for two years he’s ready to find something real. He’s hoping to meet someone with a radiant smile and kind eyes. Bonus points if they’re quirky, driven, artistic, and intellectually curious. Age: 31 Location: Norwich Occupation: Midwife in mental health services Grace is quick-witted, razor-sharp, and can crack a joke about almost anything – although she admits her bold sense of humour has left a few men feeling a little out of their depth. With a dating history full of unforgettable moments (including the time she got a taxi driver to send a voice note explaining just how bad her date was) Grace says she could easily write a book about her romantic misadventures. Since her last serious relationship ended in 2023 she’s found herself stuck in a cycle of situationships. Now she’s ready to break the pattern and meet someone who’s the real deal. Her ideal match? Tall, dark, handsome, and confident enough to keep up with her energy and wicked sense of humour. Age: 31 Location: Huddersfield Occupation: Personal trainer Joe, a proud northerner from Huddersfield, is said to have spent his 20s chasing adventure across the globe. This means racking up passport stamps and phone numbers in equal measure. Life was one big party and Joe freely admits he often prioritised fun over forming real connections. But a heart-to-heart with his mum proved to be a turning point. Since then he’s taken a long hard look at himself and reshaped his priorities. Now Joe’s ready to dive into the Married at First Sight UK experience with open eyes and an open heart. He acknowledges that in past relationships he had a habit of running when things got tough but this time he’s sticking around. What he’s looking for now is a true partner in crime: someone who shares his zest for life and is ready to take on the adventure together. Age: 29 Location: New Zealand Occupation: Professional dancer Originally from South Africa Julia-Ruth has also called New Zealand and the UK home but her early years were far from easy. At 16 she was adopted by her sister who stepped in to give her the love and support she needed to grow into the woman she is today. Now a successful professional dancer Julia-Ruth is thriving and embraces every challenge life throws her way. She’s previously appeared on television, where she experienced a whirlwind romance, but it wasn’t meant to be. This time she’s hoping to meet her true match. After being single for two years Julia-Ruth has come to realise she’s been drawn to the wrong type of men. With a few rocky relationships behind her she’s ready to break the cycle and is putting her trust in the experts to help her find someone grounded, ambitious and, above all, empathetic. Age: 33 Location: London Occupation: Marketing manager Keye thrives in a high-pressure industry and has a taste for the finer things in life but beneath the polished exterior he’s on a journey of self-discovery seeking a life filled with deeper meaning and real connection. For Keye that begins with finding the man of his dreams. Since his marriage ended in 2018 he hasn’t had a serious relationship but he’s ready to open his heart again. The marketing manager is hoping the experts can match him with someone who’s confident, takes pride in themselves, and knows how to care not just for their own wellbeing but for his too. Age: 35 Location: Liverpool Occupation: Business owner Leah is fun-loving, adventurous, and deeply connected to her family. Whether she’s playing sports, exploring new places, or simply enjoying the moment she embraces life with energy and a great sense of humour. A driven and accomplished businesswoman Leah has worked incredibly hard to build her success and is proud of the thriving businesses she now owns. After years of dating men and never quite feeling that spark Leah had her first kiss with a woman at 25 and everything clicked. Now she’s ready to find someone who truly makes her heart race. Leah is looking for a woman who’s joyful, spontaneous, and knows how to laugh through life. Most of all she hopes to find someone who feels like family. Age: 30 Location: Romford Occupation: NHS clinical coordinator Leigh is a self-proclaimed girly-girl who loves getting glam and dressing up – but don’t be fooled by the heels and lashes. Beneath the sparkle is a fiery, passionate woman who’s never afraid to speak her mind – especially when pushed. Single for about a year Leigh has sworn off the traditional dating scene and absolutely refuses to touch the apps. Having once been engaged she was left heartbroken and lost her confidence. But that’s all changed. Now stronger and more self-assured than ever she’s ready to find something real. Leigh is serious about meeting someone who matches her energy. Someone ambitious, upbeat, and with a strong, confident presence. She’s ready for her forever and hoping the experts can help her finally find it. Age: 29 Location: Newcastle Occupation: Aesthetics practitioner Maeve proudly owns her past as a self-confessed “troublemaker”. Known in her hometown for butting heads with her parents (especially over boys) she’s come a long way. Now older, wiser, and grounded she’s turned her life around and is a devoted mum to her son Archie. Maeve knows her worth and refuses to settle for anyone who doesn’t show up or put in the effort. Strong-willed and fiercely independent she’s not one to nod along just to keep the peace. She values honesty, mutual respect, and real connection. Now ready for something mature and lasting Maeve is calling on the experts to help her let her guard down just enough to stay strong but also open herself up to real vulnerability and love. Age: 30 Location: Manchester Occupation: Cosmetic dentist Known to her loved ones as Nelly she’s made a name for herself at one of Manchester’s top dental clinics. Confident, outspoken, and full of warmth Nelly isn’t afraid to say what everyone else is thinking and she fiercely protects the people she loves. After spending the past year focusing on herself Nelly is ready to leave her single days behind and find something real. She knows her worth, knows what she brings to the table, and won’t settle for anything less than a partner who can truly keep up. She’s looking for someone strong, emotionally intelligent, and secure enough to stand beside a woman who knows exactly who she is and isn’t afraid to show it. Age: 60 Location: Edinburgh Occupation: Retired Originally from Scotland Paul made the move to Bath at 18 and he’s never looked back. Bursting with energy and known for his youthful outlook this fun-loving father of three feels the time is right to truly embrace life and take one more chance on love. Since his divorce in 2011 Paul has remained single. Though he’s dipped a toe into dating apps he’s yet to make it past a first date. Now he’s putting his faith in the experts to find someone who shares his zest for life – someone outgoing, adventurous, and ready to join him in his favourite hobbies. Age: 32 Location: Liverpool Occupation: Aesthetics nurse and clinic owner Fiercely independent and unapologetically direct Rebecca doesn’t do drama or excuses. With a strong will and a no-nonsense approach she took control of her career and launched her own successful business in the world of aesthetics. At home she’s kept on her toes by Dotty, her beloved three-year-old cockapoo. In her spare time she keeps her mind and body strong as a self-proclaimed gym bunny. Proud to call herself a ‘girl boss’ Rebecca believes there’s nothing she can’t achieve when she sets her mind to it. Following a broken engagement and a whirlwind romance she’s been single for more than a year. Now she’s ready for something real. Rebecca is looking for a man who’s confident enough to take the lead. This means someone strong, grounded, and able to let her be her bold authentic self. Age: 31 Location: Aberdeen Occupation: Recruitment consultant Sarah is convinced there are no eligible bachelors left in her hometown – and if there are she’s probably already met or dated them. Since losing her mum Sarah has been determined to honour her memory by finding the kindest, most genuine partner and settling down for good. With friends around her tying the knot she’s more eager than ever to find “the one”. Single for two years Sarah’s dad – pending his seal of approval – is eagerly hoping to see her walk down the aisle with the perfect man. Age: 34 Location: Essex Occupation: Investment banking manager Towering in both height and humour Essex lad Steven is hard to miss. A man of many talents he juggles writing, acting, and playing football – all while holding down a high-pressure career as an investment banker. Single for more than a year this devoted father of two has poured his energy into raising his kids and building his career. But now, he’s ready to put love back on the agenda. Steven’s looking for a partner with a big personality. Specifically someone bubbly, confident, and unafraid to challenge him. You can watch Married at First Sight UK on E4 on Sunday, September 21, from 9pm or from then on Channel 4’s on-demand service .
