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'Married At First Sight UK' to feature two LGBTQ+ couples in new series

Pictured: (L-R) Alexis, Jordon, Adam, Tayah (bottom row), Morag, Luke, Robert, Joshua, Megan (bottom row), Amy, Franky, Daniel, Marilyse, Matt, Ant and Nikita.
The Married At First Sight UK 2021 cast featured one same-sex couple. (Channel 4)

Married At First Sight UK has announced that this year's cast will feature two same-sex couples, making history for the show.

The revamped version of the E4 dating show had a new look last year, following the same format as the hit Australian version with couples living together in the same apartment block and meeting for regular drama-filled dinner parties.

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In the 2021 series, MAFS UK showed its commitment to diversity by including the first same sex couple, Matt and Dan, who fell in love and have built a strong relationship in the months since.

Now, E4 has bolstered the inclusivity of its cast for the new season by matching another male same-sex couple - and the show's first female same-sex couple, too.

Relationship expert Mel Schilling, who guides both the UK and Australian couples through the show, said: "We take the matchmaking process extremely seriously and when it comes to finding and matching our couples, it’s so important to us that we find matches that are authentic and reflect the diversity of the society we live in.

"That’s why I’m so thrilled that this year we’re welcoming not just one, but two same sex couples into the fold. I’m really looking forward to you meeting them – they are firecrackers and sure to keep you entertained."

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Last year’s same-sex couple Matt and Dan previously talked about starring in the show, saying: "It was such an amazing experience to appear on the latest series of MAFS UK and to be representing the LGBTQ+ community on a dating show with this sort of impact.

Mel Schilling, John Aiken and Alessandra Rampolla are back for 'Married At First Sight Australia' series 9. (Channel 4)
Mel Schilling (left) guides the couples through the series. (Channel 4)

"We went in not knowing what to expect from the process, other than we’d be marrying a stranger. The experts truly worked their magic.  We fell in love thanks to the process, and are still together now, happier than ever before!"

The dating reality series which saw its new format become an instant hit with viewers in 2021 is due to return to E4 later this year.

Channel 4 factual entertainment commissioning editor Lee McMurray said: "I am delighted to be making MAFS history by featuring two same-sex couples in a show that is committed to and celebrates diversity.  They are part of fantastic new cast whom I’m sure viewers will fall in love with."

Watch: MAFS Australia's Dom and Ella spill on their new podcast and moving in together