NewsBite

Married At First Sight: Producers hope to improve love success rate on the show

REALITY TV juggernaut Married At First Sight might be an enjoyable experience for viewers — but not so much for the couples looking for love. Despite more than 24 couples taking part since 2015, only two couples have remained together.

Naked Dating contestant to appear as groom on Married At First Sight

REALITY TV juggernaut Married At First Sight might be an enjoyable experience for viewers — but not so much for the couples looking for love.

Despite more than 24 couples taking part in the show since it started in 2015, only two have managed to keep their relationships going well after the cameras stopped rolling — season one’s Zoe and Alex, who now have a baby together, and season two’s Erin and Bryce who have rekindled their love.

Zoe Hendrix and Alex Garner are the only success story from the show, with the couple having a baby together. Picture: Tony Gough
Zoe Hendrix and Alex Garner are the only success story from the show, with the couple having a baby together. Picture: Tony Gough

The low success rate is something producers are hoping to rectify in the upcoming fifth season.

“The success rate is not as high as we’d like,” said executive producer Tara McWilliams. “However our objective is still as high as ever, which is to find relationships for these singles.”

Distance is one of the main hurdles to lasting love on the show, which often matches singles from opposite ends of the country, as happened last year with Perth-based Susan Rawling and Queensland farmer Sean Hollands.

MORE: 2018 MAFS BRIDE’S HORROR ARM TATTOO

MORE: NORTHERN BEACHES DUO TO APPEAR ON MAFS

MORE: FANS HIT BACK AT 2018 ‘SEXIST CONTESTANT’

Distance was the main issue for many couples, which is what happened to Susan Rawling and Sean Hollands. Picture: Channel Nine
Distance was the main issue for many couples, which is what happened to Susan Rawling and Sean Hollands. Picture: Channel Nine

“Our experts only match people interstate if they say they would be willing to move for love. However when push comes to shove, a lot change their mind,” said McWillilams.

This year matchmakers, John Aiken, Dr Trisha Stratford and Mel Schilling, have made a conscious effort to match couples who live in the same state. And with 5000 applicants — more than ever before — McWilliams said it has been easier to achieve.

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/married-at-first-sight-producers-hope-to-improve-love-success-rate-on-the-show/news-story/8bc4aef0eee3a77d63364ae1d9732b41