Take your front-row seat at the year’s most unforgettable weddings when Australia’s most talked about social experiment returns on Monday January 30 at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Celebrating its 10th season, the new series of Married at First Sight will test the relationship bonds of our couples in ways they could never imagine.
This year, in their quest to find love, 10 new brides and 10 new grooms will meet for the first time at the altar on their wedding day after being matched by relationship experts John Aiken and Mel Schilling, and clinical sexologist Alessandra Rampolla.
The new season of MAFS begins with the biggest shock ever to rock a wedding, followed by honeymoons ranging from the deeply romantic to the extra-spicy and drama-filled, interstate and overseas.
Alessandra will encourage a sense of adventure in our couples as they step out of their comfort zones with unprecedented Intimacy Week tasks to set pulses racing.
Then, in a brand-new twist to the experiment, our experts will task the couples with a never-seen-before element that thrusts them – and their relationships – into the unknown with dramatic consequences.
Throwing themselves into the intensity of a real-life, fast-tracked relationship, this year’s brides and grooms are honest, raw, and vulnerable – baring all for Australia in the hope of a successful and meaningful marriage.
In 2023, prepare to fall in love with an incredibly passionate and heartfelt new group of participants entering the experiment. And of course, it wouldn’t be MAFS without more bombshells and relationship dramas, explosive dinner parties, mind-blowing secrets and Commitment Ceremonies that will even shock the experts.
This year the greatest search for true love will once again captivate the nation and spark conversation across Australia. Get ready to pop the champagne – the spellbinding new season of Married at First Sight is almost here.
MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT season 10 – premieres Monday 30 January 7:30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
MEET THE BRIDES
ALYSSA, 35, NSW
Executive Assistant
Growing up in Utah, Alyssa was raised a Mormon, and family is a huge part of her life. None more so than her two-year-old son she prioritises over all else – including finding love.
Alyssa has been single for 12 months since her seven-year marriage ended. She finds dating as a single mum extremely hard, especially on dating apps which are overwhelming. Walking down the aisle again, Alyssa is a little more trepidatious but hopeful of finding love once more.
Although Alyssa seems as bubbly and sweet as the Instagram-worthy baked foods she spends hours creating in her kitchen, don’t be mistaken: she admits she can be bossy and digs her heels in even when she knows she’s wrong.
Alyssa believes that her soul mate is out there waiting for her – he just needs to be over six foot tall, and he better cry when she walks down the aisle.
BRONTE, 28, WA
Online Beauty Educator
Outspoken, fiery and confident, Bronte loves to love. At 5’3” (160cm) she is a pocket rocket used to getting a lot of attention from men, but constantly finding herself in “situationships” with guys who break her heart.
Too many experiences with hurt and betrayal have left Bronte with trust issues. She admits to letting men walk all over her as they take advantage of her kindness – something her family are constantly on the lookout to protect her from. Putting her faith in the MAFS experts, Bronte hopes she can learn to open her heart again.
Bronte is attracted to the Alpha male and wants someone who can hold a conversation. With a lot of love and affection to give, she wants to spoil her man. Forever the optimist, Bronte believes there must be someone out there for her.
CAITLIN, 27, Qld
Makeup Artist
Caitlin is a hopeless romantic. She’s that funny and self-deprecating “relationship girl” who admits to falling very hard, very fast, but always for the worst men.
A makeup artist by day and nightclub host by night, Caitlin is always surrounded by people. However, unlike how her glamorous looks might suggest, she is a true homebody who would much rather hang at home with her cat and play video games with her dad than be out clubbing.
With high standards and unwilling to settle for anything less than she deserves, Caitlin has struggled to find anyone remotely close to her forever person. She’s chosen a solo life after dating too many “douchebags with big egos”, but after two years of no intimacy she’s looking to the experts for an “intervention”.
CLAIRE, 31, Vic
Kindergarten Assistant
Unapologetically loud, direct, vivacious and energetic, Claire was raised in a chaotic Greek household. Her parents are divorced and she is extremely close to her grandparents, who are the result of an arranged marriage. Now she wants to be the one in the third generation to “make it” in love.
A tomboy and car fanatic, she has a classic Holden Kingswood tattooed on her arm and loves all things adventurous, as well as fishing, motorbikes and camping. Despite the tattoos and rock-star vibes, Claire has a softer side and cares deeply for those she loves. Deep-thinking, spiritual and reflective, she loves her crystals and knows her way around an astrology chart.
Claire is not here to date; she is looking for a soul mate she can have kids and grow old with – she’s “all in” when it comes to love. Her ideal man is playful and sexy, someone who can match her passion and love for a deep and meaningful chat.
JANELLE, 28, WA
Beauty Influencer
Direct, self-assured and driven, Janelle grew up in a very strict Singaporean Chinese family with high expectations.
She describes her upbringing as tough at times, but Janelle is incredibly close to her two brothers and parents, who are still happily married. It comes as no surprise then that for Janelle her family must love and approve of her partner.
Janelle dates for marriage only, never casually. Managing her auto-immune disease, lupus, means her biological clock ticks louder than for many women nearing thirty, so she feels pressure to have kids sooner than later.
Janelle says she is a handful in relationships. She’s bossy, clingy, short-tempered and “ridiculously picky” when it comes to men, finding any reason for confrontation. Janelle is sick of settling for men who are not good enough for her – she wants to be the one doing the reaching in a relationship for once.
LYNDALL, 27, WA
Accountant
Living with cystic fibrosis, Lyndall never thought she’d make it to the age of 30, let alone marriage and children, so she didn’t prioritise any long-term plans. But thanks to new medicine that has dramatically extended her life expectancy and given her the lung capacity of someone without CF, Lyndall has a renewed outlook on finding love.
After living with such major physical restrictions all her life, Lyndall has now become a risk-taker who grabs every moment by the horns and says yes to big life decisions – and her match needs to live his life the same way.
Opinionated and fierce, Lyndall stands up for what she thinks is right and isn’t afraid of confrontation. She will always seek justice, no matter the cost. Lyndall wants to make up for lost time, to experience everything that life and love has to offer . . . all the things she never thought she could one day enjoy.
MELINDA, 32, Qld
CEO, Fashion & Beauty
Alpha female Melinda is a confident and sassy businesswoman who doesn’t suffer fools. She is the centre of attention in any room and people can find her looks and intelligence intimidating. But while Melinda has no problems attracting men, the right kind of men always seem to elude her.
Beneath her tough exterior, Melinda is very emotional and admits to picking fights in a relationship when she gets bored or insecure about not being number one. She can “get in her head” about the smallest things and magnify issues – all of which can lead to constant conflict in a relationship, which has driven partners away in the past.
With high expectations and a lot to lose, Melinda wants an ambitious man who is equally business-minded, understands her lifestyle and won’t be clingy – but he must be patient.
MELISSA, 41, NSW
Hairdresser
At the age of 41, Melissa believes this is her final shot at looking for real love. While she has no problems meeting men, it’s a long-term relationship she truly craves.
Melissa’s 10-year marriage ended several years ago and she co-parents her son whilst living with her twin sister on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Life as a hairdresser is social and busy, but Melissa is not meeting the man of her dreams at school pickup.
Melissa has a huge heart, and after kissing a lot of frogs she is now looking for Prince Charming – or better yet, Thor! Upbeat, charismatic, cheeky and flirtatious, Melissa is very comfortable with her sexuality and expects her sexy man to keep up with her.
SANDY, 36, Vic
Dental Hygienist
In her mid-thirties, Sandy has never been in a serious relationship and has had very little experience with men.
Growing up as an Indian woman born in Australia, Sandy’s parents were very strict in upholding the traditional values of Indian culture. She had limited exposure to the opposite sex – she was not allowed to mix with boys and had no male friends. She went to a girls school and achieved a Bachelor of Nursing among predominantly female peers.
Sandy struggles with insecurities that come with the lack of dating experience and the fear of being used for “one thing”. Now she wants to fast-track her experience with someone who can respect her boundaries and help her overcome these fears.
With her parents still happily together in an arranged marriage, Sandy believes the MAFS experiment could work for her. She’s trusting the experts to match her with someone compassionate, who she hopes to meet at a beautiful Bollywood wedding.
TAHNEE, 27, NSW
PR Manager
Fast-talking, passionate and bubbly, Tahnee goes a million miles an hour, but when it comes to love she’s all out of steam.
A product of her generation, Tahnee is sick of dating apps and the shallow swipe-right culture that results in “situationships” being all about looks and no real connection. Having grown up being the awkward teenager, Tahnee now gets attention from guys, but they’re still not asking her out and she’s left wondering what she’s doing wrong.
She may work in a high-pressure position, but Tahnee is not high maintenance. As the daughter of a Thai mum who cooks her national cuisine daily, the quickest way to Tahnee’s heart is with some Thai cooking – takeaway can suffice – and a simple but thoughtful date.
Proud of her heritage and her professional successes in life, Tahnee is hopeful that the experts can help her tick true love off her bucket list.
MEET THE GROOMS
ADAM, 35, Qld
Business Owner
Cocky and confident, Adam is a modern-day entrepreneur who is always on the lookout for the next business opportunity – and the next beautiful girl to court. At 35, he’s done with dating apps and wants to find something more meaningful with someone who is ready to settle down.
Born in England with Jamaican West Indian heritage, Adam was adopted by Australian parents who raised him in Queensland. In his twenties he was in a relationship for almost 10 years, and they became engaged before he realised he was too young to settle down. After fine-tuning his dating skills out in the world for many years, Adam now finds dating apps fruitless in the search for new love because he says everyone “just sits behind a keyboard”.
Since calling London home for the past six years, Adam has flown halfway across the world with hopes of finding love Down Under with someone who is as mature, honest and open as he is.
CAMERON, 27, NT
Carpenter
Aussie larrikin Cameron grew up on a farm in Queensland before moving to Darwin to work as a carpenter in Indigenous communities in the remote Northern Territory.
Down-to-earth, cheeky and laidback, Cam has never had a girlfriend, so being part of the MAFS experiment is far beyond his comfort zone. Although he’s nervous to jump in the deep end with a stranger, he’s doing it with full faith that the experts will find him someone who is open to loving him and his transient lifestyle.
One key moment shaped Cam’s experience with women and left him heartbroken. The girl he started developing true feelings for left him gutted when he brought her flowers in hospital, only to discover that she was with another man. Cam took off for a job “out bush”, far away from civilisation to mend his broken heart, and that routine is now part of his identity. He spends months at a time sometimes as far as 600km from a grocery store – which is not helping his search for love.
DAN, 42, Qld
Digital Marketing Business Owner
Career-driven, charming and successful, semi-retired businessman Dan lives an active outdoor lifestyle on the beach at his beloved Gold Coast.
At 42, Dan has been married twice and is the father of a 16-year-old girl who is his world. Dan is looking for someone who is healthy, fit and motivated like himself, who can match his lifestyle, dreams and ambitions.
Born into humble beginnings, Dan has worked hard to reach his level of success and enjoys a very comfortable lifestyle, including driving around in a Porsche 911. The only thing missing from his perfect life is Mrs Right.
DUNCAN, 36, NSW
Regional Director, Cyber Security Sales
Cue Prince Charming. A chivalrous gentleman who has no trouble meeting women, Duncan finds himself falling quickly into a relationship, only to realise after months have passed that they aren’t compatible.
In a relationship Duncan is “the best friend and the lover”, and he’s searching for a woman with class, emotional intelligence and confidence. Physical attraction is also crucial for Duncan to spark a connection, so he’s hoping the match-up experts get it right.
Duncan’s parents have been married for 44 years, the kind of relationship success he aspires to. Growing up in a close family unit on the Northern Beaches of Sydney with two older sisters means Duncan understands and appreciates women on a deeper level, which has helped his past relationships.
HARRISON, 32, NSW
Builder
With a bone-dry sense of humour that can catch people unaware, Harrison doesn’t take himself too seriously, although he’s serious about finding love.
The single dad of a three-year-old, Harrison is open to having more children with the right woman. But he won’t just settle for anyone – he sets the bar “ridiculously high” to achieve greatness in love. Harrison’s parents have been happily married for 33 years and are the blueprint he wants himself and his future partner to aspire to.
After around two years on the singles circuit, Harrison was dating with no intention of commitment. But now he’s eager to change his ways and settle down with a beautiful woman who shares his zest for life, goals, values and sense of humour.
JESSE, 30, WA
Marriage Celebrant
Formerly in a heavy metal band, Jesse is a marriage celebrant in Perth who officiates in the style of a rock star. He has done over 500 weddings, and while he thrives in his job, experiencing the constant level of love and commitment leaves him wanting that for himself.
Honest and emotional, Jesse has had two serious relationships which grew from an instant connection, so his expectations to find that spark again are high.
Jesse is extremely fussy when it comes to choosing partners. His list of turnoffs is extensive, with wine snobs, cosmetic enhancements and gym junkies – to name a few – really setting him off. Given Jesse gets “the ick” quickly if his date isn’t perfect, he is seeking the chance to take the plunge in the experiment in the hope that love can flourish regardless.
JOSH, 40, NSW
Advertising Client Director
The self-proclaimed and self-deprecating “station wagon” of relationships, Josh is stable, dependable and solid as a partner. This loveable single father of two loves Disney – so much so that he named his kids after his favourite characters. Simply put, today he’s looking for his plus-one.
Since his marriage ended, Josh has attempted to navigate a whole new dating game that has evolved dramatically since he was last single. He struggles in the modern world of apps and is coming to terms with ghosting, among other unfortunate side effects.
He misses the small things about being in a relationship, like sharing his day with his partner and having a laugh. Although he says he’s a “yes man” who can become submissive in a relationship, his priority this time around is to establish a solid emotional connection with his partner and find his voice.
LAYTON, 35, NSW
CEO, Biotech
To call Layton a self-starter is a massive understatement. An entrepreneur since he was 19, Layton has started a number of successful businesses, including his latest project in medicinal cannabis for pets.
While describing himself as motivated and driven in his businesses, Layton is less committed to making love a priority. He struggles to compromise, so more often than not he puts work first. This sees him spending more time in the office, on his computer and in meetings than with a significant other, which takes its toll on relationships.
At 35, Layton is the only single person in his close-knit group of friends, and he’s finally realised that something must change or this will become his reality for life. He’s also close to his parents and wants to be there to care for them as they grow older.
Over the past few years Layton has taken a lot of time considering and re-evaluating what is important in life. He is looking for a woman who shares his work ethic, his sense of determination and drive – ultimately someone to grow his empire with.
OLLIE, 26, WA
Voice-Over Artist
Confident, charismatic and mature beyond his years, voice-over artist Ollie literally has the gift of the gab.
Although his age could suggest dating apps are all he knows about finding romantic connection, Ollie is no fan of modern dating and has sworn off swiping for love. He’s had one serious relationship and knows what it’s like to fall in love – he just hopes that next time it’s with ‘The One’.
Having been raised by three women – his mum and two sisters – Ollie is looking for a strong, independent and patient woman who can accept his sometimes lazy and stubborn nature. But don’t get Ollie wrong: there’s a romantic deep down, and he wants to love and be loved.
Equal parts goofy and earnest, Ollie is hard not to love. His candour and wit are often hard to come by, and he’s put full faith in the experts to find him a match as unique and vulnerable as he is.
SHANNON, 30, Vic
Personal Trainer
At first, with his self-assuredness and jokey attitude, Shannon might appear like your average carefree bachelor – but deep down he’s another sensitive soul who wants to be loved.
With a three-year-old daughter he loves dearly, Shannon was in an on-again-off-again relationship with his ex-partner for many years. Although they share custody, he has ended things with his ex and is ready to move on with someone he can build a future with.
Shannon is sometimes hot-headed and his no-nonsense, say-it-how-it-is attitude can often land him in trouble. But having spent the last year on self-development and reflection, he believes he is now the best version of himself, ready to settle down again with someone who accepts him just as he is.
MEET THE EXPERTS
ALESSANDRA RAMPOLLA
CLINICAL SEXOLOGIST
Alessandra Rampolla, a certified clinical sexologist from San Juan in Puerto Rico with over 20 years’ experience, returns to Married at First Sight for its 10th season in 2023.
Alessandra began her career as a clinical sexologist counselling individuals and couples. She was educated in the United States, has a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, and holds a number of other degrees and certifications in the field of sexology.
Alessandra has brought her expertise in sexology to television since starting out on a news program in Puerto Rico. She has starred in various programs around the world, such as the international Emmy Award-nominated School For Husbands seen throughout Latin America and Sex Hospital in the UK. She has also been a regular guest on international shows like Dr Phil. Alessandra has hosted her own radio show, is the bestselling author of five books, and maintains a close relationship with her fans, amassing over two million followers on social media.
“I remain dedicated to helping our couples build open, non-judgemental, pleasure-positive sexual connections as a means to nourish and strengthen loving, committed, romantic relationships,” she says.
In 2023, Alessandra will co-host the official Married at First Sight podcast with relationship expert John Aiken.
JOHN AIKEN
RELATIONSHIP EXPERT
John Aiken has been working in the field of relationships for over 25 years. He has successfully run a private practice over this time, giving out practical advice to singles and couples.
He thrives in his role as relationship expert on Married at First Sight and says: “Over the seasons my role has become very clear, to give out hard-hitting advice to the couples and hold them accountable for their actions during the experiment. I need them to listen, and then do better as they progress in the experiment and hopefully find love.”
As well as providing expert skills on Married at First Sight, John has hosted and provided expert commentary on a number of other TV shows, including ABC’s Making Couples Happy and Making Families Happy. He has appeared as the relationship expert on Channel 9’s TODAY, TODAY Extra and A Current Affair, and is the weekly dating and relationship expert for 9Honey.
John is also a bestselling author, runs exclusive relationship retreats, and is a sought-after speaker.
“This experiment is a unique and ground-breaking experience for all the couples who take part. They enter the process with dreams of finding someone special and are then confronted with their own problem patterns that they need to address,” he says.
“It’s our job as experts to hold a mirror up to them, to give them direct feedback, and hope that they break these toxic cycles and find love. It’s compelling, dramatic and heartbreaking, and has the possibility of a fairy tale at the end of the journey.”
In 2023, John will co-host the official Married at First Sight podcast with clinical sexologist Alessandra Rampolla.
MEL SCHILLING
DATING AND RELATIONSHIP EXPERT
Mel Schilling is a dating and relationship expert who is passionate about educating, motivating and inspiring people to be their best. She has the privilege of working with a variety of clients across all stages of life – from dating to relationships, parenthood, career and divorce.
She firmly believes that the number one ingredient for happiness is having great relationships, whether that’s with intimate partners, family, friends or work colleagues.
Of Married at First Sight, she says: “One of the great challenges for our couples is to let go of old behaviour patterns. When they enter the experiment, they have often been single for a long time and there are always underlying reasons for this. Our couples need to unlearn old habits, trust the process and take risks in order to learn new ways to not only communicate but also flourish in relationships.”
Mel has more than 20 years’ experience in both the corporate and therapeutic arenas. She has worked as a business and personal coach to people at all business levels, from graduates to C-suite professionals, and has operated in Australasia and the Middle East. In 2021, Mel joined Married at First Sight UK which underwent a massive makeover, adopting the Australian format. Mel has worked alongside sex therapist Charlene Douglas and “the world’s most influential matchmaker”, Paul C. Bronson for two UK seasons so far.
Mel has also penned a book and an online membership experience – The C Word, expertly aimed at helping high-achieving women to live confident, extraordinary lives without leaving their comfort zone. Mel says: “Courage emerges when what you want is bigger than what you fear.”
one word…..trash