'Friends say we're like a couple of teenagers'

Married At First Sight UK stars Marilyse Corrigan and Matt Murray tell new how bonding over the show led to a blossoming romance between them

- RHIANNA BENSON

‘We were having a conversation on the phone when Matt said, “I do quite fancy you”’

Married At First Sight UK may not have gone entirely to plan for Matt Murray and Marilyse Corrigan, but while they didn’t find love on the E4 dating show, they have certainly found it since – with each other.

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, we got the loved-up pair together for an exclusive photoshoot. Marilyse, 38, from Beverley in East Yorkshire, tells us that their friends refer to them as a “couple of teenagers” and, as she nestles her head into Matt’s shoulder and he lovingly rubs her thigh, we can see why.

It’s fair to say Matt, who appeared on MAFS UK last year, and Marilyse, who was in the 2021 season, have different feelings about their time on the show. Marilyse, who was paired with Franky Spencer in her series, says she has nothing but “good memories”, even though they ended their relationship once MAFS UK had finished. While Matt, 32, who comes from Huddersfield, had a much more turbulent experience and saw his romance with salon owner Gemma Rose crumble after it emerged that he’d shared a secret kiss with co-star Whitney Hughes.

But while personal trainer Matt says he’s been a victim of trolling since taking part, he’s grateful for the fact that it introduced him to fellow personal trainer Marilyse.

“It’s like having your best friend and your partner in one person,” he tells us.