Married at First Sight UK to welcome two LGBTQ+ couples. See Love Island, it’s not that hard

Matt and Daniel, both wearing suits, with arms around one another

Channel 4 has confirmed that Married at First Sight UK will welcome two same-sex couples for the first time.

Having previously announced that the upcoming season of Married at First Sight UK will feature a lesbian couple, Channel 4 has announced that a same-sex male couple will also be walking down the aisle later this year.

It comes after the 2021 season introduced a gay male couple, Matt Jameson and Daniel McKee, whose relationship has gone from strength to strength after starring on the hit reality show.

Married at First Sight UK sees a panel of experts matchmake couples, who meet for the first time, as the title suggests, at the altar.

The show then follows the couples as they get to know each other, with the results often explosive.

The show’s relationship expert, Mel Schilling, said: “We take the matchmaking process extremely seriously and when it comes to finding and matching our couples, it’s so important to us that we find matches that are authentic and reflect the diversity of the society we live in.

“That’s why I’m so thrilled that this year we’re welcoming not just one, but two same-sex couples into the fold. I’m really looking forward to you meeting them – they are firecrackers and sure to keep you entertained.”

Channel 4’s factual entertainment commissioning editor, Lee McMurray, said: “I am delighted to be making MAFS history by featuring two same-sex couples in a show that is committed to and celebrates diversity. They are part of fantastic new cast whom I’m sure viewers will fall in love with.”

Daniel McKee (L) and Matthew Jameson (R) in a promotional image for Married at First Sight UK.

Daniel McKee (L) and Matthew Jameson (R) in a promotional image for Married at First Sight UK. (Simon Webb)

After falling in love on Married at First Sight, Matt and Daniel moved in together in Northern Ireland, with Matt relocating from Leeds.

The couple previously said: “It was such an amazing experience to appear on the latest series of MAFS UK and to be representing the LGBTQ+ community on a dating show with this sort of impact.

“We went in not knowing what to expect from the process, other than we’d be marrying a stranger. The experts truly worked their magic. We fell in love thanks to the process, and are still together now, happier than ever before!”

As Married at First Sight UK leads the way on LGBTQ+ representation, Love Island once again trails behind.

The ITV2 show returned to screens in June, and is once again focused exclusively on mixed-sex pairings.

However, queer fans were thrilled when contestants Amber and Tasha shared a quick kiss during the first episode’s game of truth of dare.