UK but the series has already made show history with the inclusion of the first trans person.
is among the singletons, who are committing to marriage before even meeting their groom.
The 29-year-old clinic consultant from Weston-super-Mare is hopeful she’ll find her happily ever after on the E4 series, and the production team has worked hard to ensure that happens.
In order to give the partnership the best chance, they made the informed choice to speak to the groom about his partner.
A Married At First Sight UK spokesperson explained to Metro.co.uk why they made this decision.
‘Since we revealed this year’s cast, there’s been much speculation on Ella’s match and what her match was told in advance of the meeting at the altar,’ they began.
‘We want to address this recurring question, out of respect for everyone involved.
‘In this specific instance, with Ella’s permission, the groom was made aware his bride was trans, to ensure full, informed consent before entering the experiment.’
Although the groom was told his bride is trans, the production did not discuss anything else about her in order to maintain the authenticity of the format.
‘In all other ways, the integrity of the format was preserved,’ the spokesperson said.
‘No further information was given, and the couple met and married as strangers.
‘Our priority during matchmaking is to protect the wellbeing of the cast and create suitable matches that we believe will work and thrive in the outside world and are based on a detailed assessment of individual preferences as part of an in-depth, careful matchmaking process.’
Ella has also spoken out about her participation, and what it means to the LGBTQ+ community.
‘This experiment is so much more than just me getting married,’ she explained.
‘I see this as a big deal for someone who has transitioned.’
The series prides itself on its diversity and inclusion, and has previously featured a trio of same-sex couples – Matt Jameson and Daniel McKee, Thomas Hartley and Adrian Sanderson, and finally, success story Zoe Clifton and Jenna Robinson, who are still together after meeting on the 2022 series.
‘Since moving to E4 in 2021, Married at First Sight UK has been a pioneer in terms of diversity and inclusion,’ the spokesperson shared.
‘Over the course of the past two series, the show’s cast have reflected the many and varied ways people look for and express love in modern Britain.
‘After featuring three same-sex couples in previous series, this year the show will include its first trans and its first pansexual contributors, a unique milestone for a mainstream dating format, and something we are incredibly proud of.’
Once again dating experts Charlene Douglas, Paul C Brunson, and Mel Schilling will be helping the marriages stay on track.
This time we will see formed, but who will make it to the final commitment ceremony? We can’t wait to find out!
MAFS UK will return on Monday September 18 at 9pm on E4.
