TV nuptials a last resort Bachelor just wants a bride
IT is the kind of controversial reality TV series people either love or love to hate, but whichever camp you fall into, it’s hard to resist wondering what on earth makes someone want to marry a total stranger.
Michael Hughes, 32, is one of three Gold Coast singles who walk down the aisle on the new, third series of Channel 9’s controversial reality show Married At First Sight.
“I haven’t had any luck with the whole dating thing,” he said. “I want to settle down.” Sure, but why do it in front of a national audience?
“I’ve tried everything else,” Michael said.
“I thought if someone else is crazy enough and willing enough to go through that process, surely it will work out.
“It’s hard to find someone who wants to make a commitment.
“I didn’t think I was a hard marker but apparently I am.
“I guess I am particular as well. I definitely have things I am attracted to and not attracted to.”
Born in New Zealand, Michael moved to Australia in 2009 and founded his own fashion brand, Eminence, before selling it to a Sydney company.
He has now landed a new job working for Melbourne menswear brand Peter Jackson at its new Pacific Fair store.
“It’ll be the gossip around the centre, won’t it,” he said, laughing.
Michael said he was already fielding calls from former flames who had spotted him on the show’s promo clip.
“Almost every single date I’ve ever been on has been in touch in the past two weeks,” he said laughing.
He said a few had even suggested he could have married them.
“There was definitely one I didn’t realise (felt that way),” he said.
Viewers will have to wait until the series premieres over two nights on Monday and Tuesday to find out which bride the show’s experts chose for Michael.
Of course, much of the series’ drama comes from the reaction of the participants’ families.
“It was a bit of a shock (for family),” Michael said.
So what did the fashion professional make of his bride’s dress when they met at the altar?
“It was quite a revealing dress really,” he said. “It was very nicely detailed. She looked gorgeous.”
DOUBLE-EPISODE PREMIERE SCREENS MONDAY AND TUESDAY AT 8.40PM ON NINE.