MAFS IS BACK
Spy hears Married at First Sight NZ isa dead cert to go for a second season, but first a marathon of MAFS Australia starts on Three tomorrow night.
Spy caught up with Aucklander Ben Blackwell and Christchurch-based Aaron Chisholm from the first series — the first gay couple married on the TV in New Zealand. Both are going to the Pride Parade in Ponsonby on February 17.
“Ben and I haven’t spoken since the end of the show so it’s unlikely that we’ll catch up on my fleeting visit, but I’m not necessarily opposed to the idea should he want to do so,” said Chisholm.
“I’ll be walking with the St John Ambulance Here For Love contingent for the parade where we’ll have a number of ambulances ‘prided up’ for the big day with a large group of staff walking together.
“I’ll also be coming up to Auckland for the Big Gay Out this month, where again I’ll be representing St John and will also be one the judges for the Mr Gay NZ competition, so I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone there and seeing what the contestants can bring to the table in terms of their commitment to representing the NZ LGBTQ community on the world stage.”
Blackwell said he’d have a chat with
Chisholm “if I see him”. Does Canterbury not have a parade?”
Blackwell said he had declined offers to be on a float, choosing instead to be with his mates including his bestie and fellow unsuccessful MAFS’ spouse Vicky Gleeson-Stokes.
Chisholm and Blackwell experienced a tumultuous time on the show but both have happily moved on.
Chisholm has been out on a few dates but has not found the one yet, but Blackwell may well have.
“I have been dating someone since the New Year, but I won’t name them on the basis they have no idea that I was a part of MAFS, which in a way can be fun, watching his head explode when people ask me for photos when we’re out.”