The wait is almost over. Married at First Sight Australia is set to premiere in New Zealand on February 9th, just six days after it airs across the ditch.
This season boasts a number of first. For starters, there’s a Kiwi-born contestant. And while we’ve seen a number of same-sex couples in the past, this will be the first time a lesbian couple has taken the plunge.
We’ll also see the re-introduction of intruder couples – debuted last year in a “world first” with the ill-fated matches of Dan and Tamara and Billy and Susie.
While the identities of the intruder couples are being kept mostly under wraps for now, one of the brides is familiar to viewers; none other than unlucky-in-love Elizabeth Sobinoff. Lizzie found herself at the centre of controversy last season when she was ditched by her groom Sam Ball on their honeymoon, only to be blindsided towards the end of filming when she discovered he was having an affair with fellow contestant Ines Basic.
If you thought that sort of drama would be hard to top, by all accounts 2020’s instalment is set to be the most explosive season yet. Former bride Jules Robinson has met some of the cast and has accused the producers of going for “bullies”.
Even expert Mel Schilling has admitted that drama comes in to play when the couples are being matched.
But at the end of the day it’s a reality TV show, and it wouldn’t be the ratings juggernaut it is if everyone was as nice-as-pie as 2019’s sweethearts Cam and Jules.
So let’s meet the new batch of hopefuls putting their hearts on the line to marry a stranger at first sight.
Poppy, 38
When Poppy’s twin boys were just six weeks old, she was left heartbroken when her ex-husband left her for another woman. Despite the lasting trauma, she’s maintained a sense of humour about it, telling producers her husband “had a terrible accident. He tripped and fell and landed in his co-workers vagina and he’s still stuck there.”
The 38-year-old is entering the experiment with a clear mission: she wants a dependable man. One who can be a good father to her now two-year-old boys. “I deserve a chance and my boys deserve a chance to have a father-figure in their life,” she says. “If I could bring them up with a family unit – doesn’t everyone want that?”
Tash, 31
Tash is a far cry from the bullied overweight teenager she once was. Identifying herself as sexually fluid and open, Tash has dated both men and women, and her striking looks and lean physique are set to capture everyone’s eye.
Mishel, 48
Despite having two grown children aged 18 and 20, 38-year-old Mishel insists she is the one being parented due to her no-filter approach to life.
First married at just 20, she has been cheated on by seven of her eight former partners and is determined to find her perfect match on this experiment. Sadly for Mishel, the experiment gets off to a rocky start when she learns at her wedding that her new groom had been unfaithful in the past.
Understandably the news doesn’t go down well, and she is filmed storming out of the reception uttering the words “Get me out of here! Once a cheater, always a cheater!”
Aleks, 32
In Serbian years, Aleks is 100, which explains why her traditional parents are still confused about why she isn’t married with four kids. The fiery brunette says the dating pool is small in Perth, and her high standards aren’t helping her find a suitable man.
This isn’t Aleks’ first foray into television matchmaking – she appeared on Aussie dating show Take Me Out in 2018.
Stacey, 25
Stacey has it all: beauty, brains… and baggage. The Adelaide based mum-of-two admits her broken engagement and young family have been barriers to finding a long-term partner.
The law graduate is determined to find someone who can handle her straight-shooting attitude.
Cathy, 26
Trust issues have seen Cathy develop impenetrable walls when it comes to relationships. But the Kiwi-born beauty hasn’t given up on finding The One entirely, and is hoping to be matched with a faithful guy she can enjoy a beer with.
Her new groom had better watch out though – Cathy has a YouTube channel dedicated to all of her bad dates.
Connie, 27
A self-confessed introvert, Connie has often found herself asking, “What’s wrong with me?” when it comes to finding love. And with her mother firmly against Connie’s wishes to take part on MAFS, her journey is set to be one bumpy ride.
“When your child tells you ‘Hey mum I’m going on a show that you don’t like’, that’s made it worse. I can’t stand your show,” Connie’s over-protective mum confesses during filming. “Was it an experiment? I thought it was an experiment that went wrong.”
Ouch!
Natasha, 26
Despite having a taste for older men – including her 50-year-old ex-fiancé – this bride-to-be refuses to be a trophy wife. Determined to break her cycle of falling for powerful men, Natasha is looking for a man she can call her equal.
Vanessa, 31
Crippling acne throughout her teen years saw Vanessa attract nasty bullying at the hands of her school peers. Suffering with low-self-esteem has seen her shielding herself against potential partners, but she hopes to find someone who can look beyond her scars.
This isn’t Vanessa’s first brush with Married at First Sight. She’s the ex-girlfriend of 2019 groom Bronson Norrish, who, according to Vanessa, broke up with her to be on the show.
Amanda, 34
Don’t let Amanda’s tough-girl exterior fool you – she’s a big softie who wants to meet a woman to love deeply. The strength coach is proud of who she is, but her sexuality hasn’t always been accepted by her family – something that has made it difficult for her to find lasting love.
Sadly for the Melbourne local, she is left in tears at her wedding when she finds out her dad isn’t attending the nuptials.
Hayley, 32
Hayley has had a tough life and had fought a drug addiction for almost 10 years. Thankfully, her dedication to health and fitness pulled her out of her darkness and she’s never looked back.
The tattooed bodybuilder and finance broker is looking to find someone who can accept her – for who she was then and for the person she’s become.
Josh, 28
Resident party-boy Joshua has put the dancefloor before his girlfriends in the past. The tradie’s larrikin ways saw him lose the love of his life – a moment he identifies as his deepest regret.
This “serial monogamist” from Newcastle is now looking for his forever bride.
Chris, 37
With parents who have been married for 38 years, Chris is the first to admit that being a single dad to two young boys is not the life he imagined he’d live.
After two failed engagements, Chris is keen to complete his ideal family portrait.
Steve, 51
After surviving testicular cancer eight years ago, Steve knows what he wants – and it’s no longer younger women.
When his then-girlfriend nursed him through his pain, it made him realise the level of compassion he hopes to find in a future wife.
Luke, 39
This fly-in fly-out worker has endured his fair share of heartbreak. Having grown apart from his wife of 10 years, Luke eventually found love with a woman who then left him for his neighbour.
Despite the difficulties his job brings, his priorities are his daughters and finding a woman he can call his wife.
Michael, 28
Single dad Michael became a millionaire at just 24 when he became a shareholder in the family business he now runs.
The Adelaide local is on the hunt for a woman who can whip him into shape and keep him on the straight and narrow.
Ivan, 30
Fiercely loyal, Ukrainian-born Ivan has very traditional family values. His strong opinions have meant he has undoubtedly offended some people along the way.
The real estate agent’s ultimate hope is that his new bride sticks around long enough to get to know who he really is.
Mikey, 29
Cheeky but charming, Sydneysider Mikey has enjoyed the spoils of an affluent upbringing, but still has a solid work ethic and level head.
He’s hoping the experts can help him find a partner who he can share his fortune with and overcome his awkwardness.
Jonethen, 27
Jonethen is more than ready to put in the effort to find love. One of five boys, his roguish charm means he has not struggled to attract women, but thanks to his work he has failed to land a relationship beyond a few months.
David, 31
Horse-obsessed David is a wannabe cowboy who is looking to lasso a wife. Having endured a severe spinal injury resulting in surgery, David managed to rehabilitate himself and with his life now in check, he’s searching for a love to mirror his parents’ long-lasting marriage.
Married At First Sight Australia premieres on Three on Sunday, February 9.
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