Married At First Sight: Why falling in love IS possible on TV (and show's fatal flaw)

Married At First Sight's TV bride and groom meet for the first time at the altar but it begs the question: can we ever realistically expect the stars to fall in love?

From the outside looking in Kate Taylor — dating expert for Ourtime — has the answer and in short: 'yes'. She said: "It’s possible.

"One important point about the show is that it attracts singles who are ready (or at least believe they’re ready) to settle down. They’ve had enough of dating and want to have a go at a very long-term relationship. That attitude is essential to creating a lasting bond."

With Married At First Sight under the microscope as the latest series of E4's dating show draws to a close, the relationship mastermind examined why it truly is possible for the stars of the show to fall in love under these circumstances.

Famously 2022's Tayah Victoria and Adam Aveling are one of the picture-perfect love stories to be born from Married At First Sight UK.

On the flip side, the love guru also looked at the reasons why the reality series format fails to create long-lasting love for a lot of the couples.

It was reported only three Married At First Sight UK 2023 couples were together out of 12 couples after five months of filming, according to Daily Mail.

Married At First Sight format

Married At First Sight follows the same reality TV format for maximum dramatic impact. The bride and groom meet for the first time at the end of the aisle where they vow to spend the rest of their lives together.

The next few hours follow the couple as they try to get to know each other a bit while enjoying their wedding that has been planned for them.

After the filmed TV wedding, the newlyweds head off on their honeymoon and then they return home where they live together.

When couples sign up to the show, they know what they are letting themselves in for and that they are committing to live with the stranger they have just married where they will spend 24/7 with them for the foreseeable future.

It is at this point in the show that the cracks begin to show between the new lovebirds and often their true characters are revealed. We can all understand how these situations could prove to be disastrous at times but could it lead to love?

The relationships expert lifted the lid on how this process in the show has a huge impact on the couple’s romance.

She told us: "I love this part of the show because this is where the work begins. Couples can learn a LOT about their approach to relationships here, and they can also learn important marriage skills like compromise, tolerance and communication. Or they can learn to drive each other nuts in the same house.

"Sexual desire thrives on mystery. Dopamine (one of the most important chemicals for motivation and sexual attraction) thrives on delayed rewards and challenge.

"That’s why you want sex every time you see your long-distance partner, but stop wanting it as soon as they move in. Living together is an important test of how much you like each other. That’s super important in marriage."

Can reality TV lead to love?

So, the burning question we all want to know is, can Married At First Sight lead to love?

"Just walking down the street can lead to love, so being set up by relationship experts is bound to have a chance," Ms Taylor concluded.

"It’s a good show for people who tend to repeat the same mistakes – like only going for a certain physical 'type', or always choosing partners who are avoidant or distant. The experts will almost definitely match people up with a partner who breaks that mold.

"If you look back over your dating history and realise you’ve repeatedly chosen the same kind of partner – and repeatedly been hurt – then you could consider getting your friends to help you find someone who’s a better match for you."

Why does Married At First Sight fail?

While love can be on the cards, Ms Taylor pointed out one of the major flaws in the show that can spell the end for many of the TV couples.

Detailing her thoughts on love at first sight, the matchmaker revealed one of the crucial elements to falling head over heels for someone else is physical attraction.

The love guide delivered the brutal blow that without physical attraction, the relationship is unlikely to last for the long term.

She explained: "Intense physical attraction is possible at first sight, and that can feel very much like love. It’s important to remember that the “eyes across a crowded room” moment is based on physical attributes, not character. Nobody ever notices your sense of humour across a crowded room, or your kindness. It’s physical lust."

"This is why some couples fail on the show," she said. "They don’t fancy each other. As Dan, an Australian MAFS contestant, famously said about his arranged-partner Sandy: 'She is the last person that I'd be attracted to. She's 100 percent not my type.' Unsurprisingly, they broke up.

"Relationships that last are a mix of respect for each other’s character, and desire for each other’s bits. You need both."

Read more dating advice from Kate on her website, www.lovekatetaylor.com

Read more: Married At First Sight

• Married At First Sight's expert Mel Schilling: ‘We don’t create the drama’ (exclusive)

• Married at First Sight's Peggy and Georges: Inside their rocky dating show romance

• MAFS UK star Porscha says show helped her discover 'triggers' she didn't know she had

• MAFS UK star Paul says his mum categorically 'denied' he was on the show

• MAFS UK star Nathanial Valentino calls E4 show a 'complete sham'