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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

E4 Married at First Sight UK expert Paul Brunson hits back at criticism during series debut

Married at First Sight got off to an interesting start as the brides and grooms-to-be met up separately for the first time. The hit E4 series returned to TV screens on Monday night (August 29) with a 90-minute special and as ever, the social experiment sees 16 singletons get married having never met each other before.

During the first episode, viewers were introduced to the singles for the first time as they enjoyed their own group hen and stag do's before tying the knot with a stranger.

The couples, who have been matched by experts Melanie Schilling, Paul C. Brunson and Charlene Douglas, will make a lifelong commitment to one another at a glamorous ceremony. Then over the series, which is this year set to run to 30 episodes, viewers will see the pairings getting to know each other as they head off on a honeymoon before moving in together.

READ MORE: E4 Married at First Sight UK viewers 'turn off' amid complaints moments into new series

There will be commitment ceremonies, where couples choose whether they want to stay in or leave the process. This will build up to a dramatic series finale with glossy vow renewals in which each couple must decide if they will recommit to their partner or go their separate ways for good.

The first episode saw the first two weddings of the series with Duka and Whitney, and Chanita and Jordan both tying the knot. Prior to seeing them walk down the aisle, fans found out a bit more about each person and saw Melanie, Paul and Charlene's reasons for pairing them.

The new Married at First Sight singletons (E4)

But some of those watching at home were left unsure about the parings and began commenting on social media. And one post in particular caught the attention of professional matchmaker and Celebs Go Dating star Paul. @Contessgadabout tweeted: "The ‘experts’ track record is as bad as Englands male Football team attempts at winning the World cup! #MAFSUK #MarriedAtFirstSight."

Clearly disagreeing, Paul responded on Twitter: "Actually, we have the highest match success rate of all Married At First Sight shows around the world (5 couples are still together from the last two series, already have one baby, and a second baby is on the way). #MAFSUK."

He was then quizzed on which of the couples have become parents with one viewers only knowing Adam and Tayah from last year's series are expecting their first child together. "The first baby came from series 5 of #MAFSUK with Paul & Ally," Paul said before adding: "Take a look," and sharing a link to his Instagram page to show a photo of him and baby Penelope.

The post, made in April, showed him cooing over the baby girl as he penned: " Let me tell you how special she is...⁣ Just two years ago, almost to this exact week, alongside @genevieve_gresset and @drangelasmith, I matched her parents (@unseen_couple) for Married At First Sight.

⁣"This makes Penelope the UK’s first-ever baby from the series.⁣ I’m often asked what I like most about being a matchmaker. The answer is moments like this. ⁣ It’s a surreal feeling to know I played a role in creating a life."

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