Married At First Sight returns!

“There was a spark from the start”

Gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes as they exchange their vows, it’s hard to believe that Jack and Verity only met for the first time just minutes earlier. The newlyweds are one of the latest couples to have put their faith in the matchmaking skills of hit TV show Married At First Sight.

Channel 4’s controversial dating show, now in its fourth series, matches singles according to the results of a set of scientific tests – including personality questionnaires and DNA matching. Crucially, the couples don’t meet until they get to the altar. They then live together for five weeks, before deciding on whether to stay married, or get divorced.

So far, none of the previous series of the hit show has produced a happy union – with all ten couples getting divorced. But Jack and Verity are determined to break the curse.

Speaking as the show returns, Verity, 28, who had been single for two years before taking part in MAFS, says, “All I wanted was to find someone nice and kind, but every date was awful.

FALLING IN LOVE

“I’ve always been a fan of the show, so when I learned that they were looking for new applicants, I thought, ‘Why not leave it up to the experts?’ I decided to put my trust in science because I clearly wasn’t having any luck myself.”

While Verity says marriage had never been at the top of her agenda, Jack was eager to tie the knot. He says, “My parents were married by the age of 25 and their relationship has been a big influence in my life. But I’ve always gone for looks, even if there’s no connection. I’ve never had something deep and meaningful.”

Once accepted on the show, Verity and Jack revealed the news to family and friends. While Verity’s parents were supportive, Jack admits that his dad thought he was making a mistake. He reveals, “My dad told me I was completely mad. He said he wanted it work but didn’t think it would.”

With just six weeks to prepare, Verity chose a fitted lace gown with a Bardot neckline.

She says, “When I told the sales assistant in the bridal shop that I’d never met my groom, she looked horrified and dropped her pin box! But I never doubted my decision. The only moment I can remember feeling really nervous was as I stood waiting to walk down the aisle.”

WEDDING NIGHT

But Verity reveals that as soon as she first laid eyes on Jack, she felt relaxed. “I saw his cheeky grin and the relief just washed over me,” she says. Jack agrees, “I’d be lying if I said I fancied Verity straight away, but as soon as I saw her, laughing as she walked down the aisle, I knew we’d get on.” And the couple say they clicked instantly. Verity says, “The conversation flowed and we just had so much in common. My favourite band is Florence And The Machine and Jack chose one

of their songs as our first dance, which was fabulous.”

The couple spent their wedding night together and, while Jack admits to rushing into sex in the past, the pair didn’t consummate the marriage.

NO REGRETS

Verity says, “We chatted for hours, but that was it – we were practically strangers after all. But we were tactile from the beginning. On our way to our honeymoon, we were cosying up on the plane and holding hands.”

And it was in Tenerife that Jack first thought Verity might be The One. “We’d climbed up to the top of a volcano and I was freezing,” he said. “Verity gave me a cuddle and I remember thinking I could fall for her.”

Returning to the UK, they moved into a flat in London, arranged by the show. Although viewers will have to tune in to see whether Verity and Jack stay together, they both say they loved taking part.

Jack says, “It’s been amazing and I’d do it all over again. I’d encourage anyone who is considering it to apply for the show.” While Verity adds, “This has been a once in a lifetime experience. I’ve got no regrets.”

AS SOON AS I SAW HIS CHEEKY GRIN THE RELIEF WASHED OVER ME ❜