We've got just over a month left until the finale of this season's Married At First Sight UK. Since September, we've watched a group of singletons enter the most daunting social experiment of their lives: saying 'I do' to a complete stranger, in the hopes of finding long-term love.
So far, there's been quite a lot of drama, from Divarni confronting his wife Julia-Ruth about their intimacy to Maeve revealing the reason she stayed in the experiment when Joe wasn't there.
Of course, there have been some funny moments, too. Who will ever forget Dean's awkward freestyle rap to Sarah, his wife-to-be, as she walked down the aisle?
As for the latest episode on Wednesday, viewers watched the rural retreat become a romantic break for some, while it was heartbreak for others. As the drama continues, read on for everything you need to know about this year's cast and newbies.
Married At First Sight UK 2025 cast
Below is a full list of this year's brides and grooms:
- Neelima (Nelly), 30, cosmetic dentist from Manchester
- Anita, 54, operations manager from Durham
- Rebecca, 32, aesthetics nurse from Liverpool
- Julia-Ruth, 29, professional dancer from New Zealand
- Leah, 35, business owner from Liverpool
- Maeve, 29, aesthetics practitioner from Newcastle
- Grace, 31, midwife in mental heath services from Norwich
- Leigh, 30, NHS clinical coder from Romford
- Sarah, 31, recruitment consultant from Aberdeen
- Davide, 33, cabin crew from Portugal
- Joe, 31, personal trainer from Huddersfield
- Steven, 34, investment banking manager from Essex
- Ashley, 35, operations director from Bridgend
- Keye, 33, marketing manager from South West London
- Dean, 31, team building host from Feltham
- Paul, 60, retired, Edinburgh
- Bailey, 36, sales manager from St Albans
- Divarni, 29, musician from London
Intruder brides and grooms:
- Abi, 34, veterinary nurse from Bournemouth
- April, 31, crepe stall owner from Weymouth
- John, 38, marketing consultant from Flintshire
- Leisha, 31, dental marketeer from Edinburgh
- Leo, 31, graphic designer from Chichester
- Reiss, 33, painter and decorator from Essex
Married At First Sight UK 2025 couples
- Keye and Davide
- Divarni and Julia-Ruth
- Dean and Sarah - Left the experiment
- Paul and Anita - Left the experiment
- Grace and Ashley
- Nelly and Steven
- Leigh and Leah
- Maeve and Joe
- Bailey and Rebecca
- Abigail and John
- Leisha and Reiss
- April and Leo
For more on the cast keep scrolling...
MAFS UK 2025 brides
Abi
Age: 34
From: Bournemouth
Job: Veterinary nurse
Abi grew up in Lebanon before settling in Bournemouth, where she now works with animals - a job she loves. Outside of work, she’s a dedicated gym-goer and competitive bodybuilder.
Despite never having a relationship last over a year, Abi refuses to settle. She tends to fall fast, which has often led to heartbreak. Now, she's hoping the Married at First Sight experts can break the cycle and match her with a respectful, athletic man who shares her healthy lifestyle.
April
Age: 31
From: Weymouth
Job: Crepe stall owner
April is bold, honest, and never afraid to speak her mind. As the owner of a crêpe stall, she’s ready to stop serving at weddings and finally be the bride.
Single since 2023, she’s hoping to leave unhealthy relationships behind and find someone who matches her fun, quirky energy. Her dream guy? Tall, confident, blonde, funny, and ready for a fairytale ending.
Leisha
Age: 31
From: Edinburgh
Job: Dental marketeer
Independent and driven, Scottish marketeer Leisha is ready to settle down and start a family. Inspired by her parents’ 40-year marriage, she’s looking to build something just as lasting.
She admits her high standards might have held her back, but now she’s turning to the experts to find a tall, athletic man with bright blue eyes.
Nelly
Age: 30
From: Manchester
Job: Cosmetic dentist
Instagram: drnellyp
Married to: Steven
Known to her friends as Nelly, she has made a name for herself at one of Manchester’s leading dental clinics. Her ambition doesn’t stop at work either. Outspoken, confident, and full of warmth, Nelly isn’t afraid to say what others are thinking and is fiercely loyal to the people she cares about.
After being single for a year, Nelly has taken the time to focus on herself, but now she’s ready to leave that chapter behind and start searching for real love. Nelly knows her worth, she knows what she deserves, and she has no intention of settling for less. She is looking for someone who is strong, emotionally intelligent, and “not intimidated by a woman who knows exactly who she is."
Rebecca
Age: 32
From: Liverpool
Job: Aesthetics nurse and clinic owner
Instagram: bec.fen
Level-headed business woman Rebecca decided to become her own boss in the world of aesthetics. She's mum to her three-year-old Cockapoo, Dotty and is gym obsessed. She calls herself a "girl boss" and believes she can achieve anything she sets her mind to.
After a broken engagement and a whirlwind romance, Rebecca has been single for over a year. Now, she's looking for a man who can take control and allow her to be her true fiery an independent self.
Julia-Ruth
Age: 29
From: New Zealand
Job: professional Dancer
Instagram: julee_aaah
Married to: Divarni
Originally from South Africa, Julia-Ruth calls New Zealand and the UK home. Her early life came with challenges, including being adopted at 16 by her sister, who stepped in as a strong support system and gave her the foundation she needed.
Now thriving as a professional dancer, Julia-Ruth is open to whatever life throws her way. She’s no stranger to reality TV - she once found love on a show, but the relationship didn’t last. This time around, she’s hoping to find something real and lasting.
Having been single for the past two years, Julia-Ruth admits she’s had a habit of choosing the wrong type of man. After a few tough relationships, she’s ready to break the cycle and is turning to the experts for help finding someone who is grounded, driven, and above all, empathetic.
Leah
Age: 35
From: Liverpool
Job: Business Owner
Instagram: lmt________
Married to: Leigh
Leah is close to her family and loves living life to the fullest, enjoying sports and travel without taking herself too seriously. She’s worked hard to build her successful businesses and is grateful for the journey.
After dating men without ever feeling sparks, Leah realised at 25 that she’s attracted to women. Now, she’s hoping the experts can help her find a fun, spontaneous woman who wakes up smiling and loves to laugh. Leah also hopes her future partner will fit seamlessly into her family, just like she would in theirs.
Maeve
Age: 29
From: Newcastle
Job: Aesthetics Practitioner
Instagram: maevemathieson
Once known as a bit of a troublemaker, Maeve often clashed with her parents over boys, but those days are behind her. Now a proud mum to son Archie, she’s grown into a strong, self-assured woman who knows what she wants.
Maeve is no longer settling for someone who won't put in effort and isn't the type of woman to blindly agree with a man. She’s ready for a mature relationship and is hoping the experts can help her lower her guard while still staying true to herself.
Grace
Age: 31
From: Norwich
Job: Midwife in mental health services
Instagram: _geelaw
Married to: Ashley
Grace is quick with a joke and believes her sharp sense of humour often leaves men feeling intimidated. After a string of dating disasters, including getting a taxi driver to voice note a date about how bad it was, she’s more than ready for something real.
Stuck in a cycle of situationships, Grace hasn’t had a proper relationship since 2023. She’s looking for a tall, dark, and handsome man who’s confident, independent, and can keep up with her wit.
Leigh
Age: 30
From: Romford
Job: NHS Clinical Coder
Married to: Leah
Leigh is a self-proclaimed girly-girl who loves getting glam, but she’s also fiery, outspoken, and not afraid to stand her ground.
Single for a year and fed up with dating apps, Leigh is done with the games. After a broken engagement shattered her confidence, she’s now back stronger and ready for real love. She’s looking for someone ambitious, upbeat, and with just the right amount of dominance to match her energy.
Sarah - Left the experiment
Age: 31
From: Aberdeen
Job: Recruitment consultant
Instagram: sarahgillanders_x
Previously married to: Dean
Sarah’s convinced there are no eligible bachelors left in her hometown, and if there are, she’s already met or dated them.
Since losing her mum, she’s wanted to make her proud by settling down with the nicest guy in the world. With friends getting married around her and her dad rooting for her (approval pending), Sarah is ready to find "the one."
Sarah and Dean decided to leave the experiment in week three.
MAFS UK 2025 grooms
John
Age: 38
From: Flintshire
Job: Marketing consultant
Half Italian, half Welsh, John is a career-focused marketing agency owner who loves to travel and sing.
Single for five years, this self-proclaimed "Romantic Romeo" admits he falls fast and gives off "single man energy," often ending up in situationships.
Now, he’s searching for his perfect brunette match - someone honest, family-oriented, and ready to settle down.
Leo
Age: 31
From: Chichester
Job: Graphic designer
Calling himself bombastic and a total "yes man," Leo thrives on being pushed out of his comfort zone, making him an ideal fit for the MAFS experiment.
Single for five years after a tough breakup, he struggles with self-doubt and often friendzones himself. Now, he’s turning to the experts to help him open up and find real connection. Leo’s dream match? Someone creative, edgy, arts, and always up for an adventure.
Reiss
Age: 33
From: Essex
Job: Painter and decorator
Reiss might be seen as a pretty boy, but this hard-working grafter is keen to prove there’s more to him than looks.
Single for six months, he’s a romantic at heart who loves making his partner feel special. He’s hoping for a glamorous, petite blonde, and believes manifesting the right energy will bring her his way. Now, he’s trusting the experts to find his perfect match.
Davide
Age: 33
From: Portugal
Job: Cabin crew
Instagram: daveanica
Married to: Keye
Originally from Portugal but raised in Paris, Davide credits his romantic nature to growing up in the city of love. After a planned 2025 wedding fell apart, he was left heartbroken, but not defeated.
Now ready to find his future husband, Davide is looking for someone kind, handsome, romantic, and most importantly, a fellow cat lover. He’s hoping the experts can help him find the perfect match.
Joe
Age: 31
From: Huddersfield
Job: Personal trainer
Instagram: joe_andthegym
Huddersfield lad Joe spent most of his twenties travelling the world, collecting passport stamps, and girls’ numbers. He admits he once prioritised partying over real connections, but a heart-to-heart with his mum made him rethink everything.
Now ready to settle down, Joe is facing the Married at First Sight UK experiment head-on. He’s looking for a fun-loving woman who can match his energy and help him break old habits for good.
Steven
Age: 34
From: Essex
Job: Investment banking manager
Instagram: stevespringett4
Married to: Nelly
Cheeky Essex lad Steven is hard to miss thanks to his height and quick wit. A dad of two, he juggles a high-pressure job in investment banking with passions for writing, acting, and football.
Single for over a year, he’s focused on his kids and career - but now he’s ready to find the love of his life. Steven’s looking for a confident, bubbly woman who’ll challenge him and keep him on his toes. He’s hoping the experts can help him finally find lasting love and stability.
Ashley
Age: 35
From: Bridgend
Job: Operations director
Instagram: ashley.dommett
Married to: Grace
At 35, father-of-one Ashley has packed plenty into life - from working around the world in marine construction to adventuring outdoors with rugby, surfing, and camping. But he’s ready to stop doing it all solo.
After a string of relationships (including one with a former Miss Universe), Ashley’s hoping his next date will be his last. He’s asked the experts to find him a gym-loving, pub-ready woman with blonde hair, bright eyes, and a great smile.
Keye
Age: 33
From: South West London
Job: Marketing manager
Instagram: keyeluke
Married to: Davide
Keye works in a high-pressure industry and enjoys the finer things in life, but he’s now on a journey of self-discovery. And it all starts with finding the man of his dreams - Davide, is that you?
Previously married, Keye hasn’t had a serious relationship since 2018. He’s hoping the experts can match him with someone confident, well-groomed, and ready to care for him the way he’s ready to care for someone else.
Dean - Left the experiment
Age: 31
From: Feltham
Job: Team building host
Instagram: vary_dean
Previously married to: Sarah
Hopeless romantic Dean once flew to Venice for a first date, and he’s still chasing that fairytale love like the one his parents share.
Known for his positivity and charm, Dean has grown from shy to self-assured thanks to careers in comedy, magic, darts, and more.
Single for a year after being told he "wasn’t the one," he’s now ready to meet his soul mate, who he describes as a fun-loving woman who shares his sense of humour and zest for life.
Sarah and Dean left the experiment in week three.
Bailey
Age: 36
From: St Albans
Job: Sales Manager
Instagram: bigbearbai
Bailey grew up as the man of the house without a father figure. After moving to Brighton eight years ago, he started a micro-brewery and enjoys festivals, meditation, and lazy Sundays at the pub.
Proud dad to a three-year-old daughter, Bailey has been single for a year and is looking for a kind, family-focused woman who can match his energy and be a positive role model for his child.
Divarni
Age:29
From: London
Job: Musician
Instagram: divarnigrocebalogun
Married to: Julia Ruth
Ladies’ man and dad-of-one Divarni is a talented poet who loves Marvel movies and has a charming, playful side.
Though he’s attracted plenty of partners, nothing has stuck. Single for two years, he’s hoping the experts find him a quirky, goal-driven, artistic woman with a big smile and kind eyes.
Who has left Married At First Sight 2025?
Anita - Left the experiment
Age: 54
From: Durham
Job: Operations manager
Instagram: anitabarker12
Previously married to: Paul
Anita is a proud mum-of-two and a grandmother to three. Family means everything to Anita. After losing her mother, her job and then facing the breakdown of a 17-year relationship all in the space of six weeks, Anita decided to make a change and start doing all the things she's always wanted to, including fire eating, helicopter flying lessons and solo trips to Ibiza. Now divorced, she was looking for a daring silver fox, who is just as adventurous as her.
While Paul and Anita had a lot in common, it wasn't a match and the couple decided to leave at the second commitment ceremony.
Paul - Left the experiment
Age: 60
From: Edinburgh
Job: Retired
Instagram: paul.richo_
Previously married to: Anita
Scottish-born Paul moved to Bath at 18 and hasn’t looked back. A lively dad of three, he’s ready to take a chance on love again and live life to the fullest.
Since divorcing in 2011, Paul’s mostly stuck to first dates on dating apps. He was hoping the experts would find him an outgoing woman who shares his zest for life and hobbies.
Married At First Sight UK 2025 airs on E4 from Sunday to Wednesday.
