I'm a huge MAFS UK fan and I think the series needs to make a major change

After a gripping 36 episodes, the 2024 season of Married at First Sight has finally ended on E4.

This year, audiences watched with bated breath as 24 single individuals took the bold step to marry a stranger. Relying entirely on the advice of the experts, these brave newlyweds hoped to find enduring love on the popular reality show.

However, despite the seemingly solid guidance from experts Paul Brunson, Mel Schilling, and Charlene Douglas, many of the couples seemed mismatched - leading to more turmoil than romance.

Recent reports suggest that out of the twelve couples who tied the knot, only one pair has reportedly stayed together. The other newlyweds either didn't make it through the entire experiment, or their relationship fizzled out shortly after filming ended.

As a dedicated MAFS UK viewer, I could list numerous things that went awry in this series, a sentiment that appears to be shared among fans, reports the Mirror.

Unlike the inaugural series of Married at First UK, which aired on Channel 4 in 2015, the revamped version on E4 seems to have prioritised drama and chaos over meaningful relationships. The experts seem to have little real influence in the pairing process, instead, it's become increasingly clear that producers have had a greater hand in the matches - resulting in toxicity and fireworks on screen.

Pairing couples who are evidently not suitable for each other while the experts attempt to persuade them and the viewers that they are a perfect match has been draining to watch. With viewer complaints about the matches skyrocketing online, it seemed as though fans were compelled to share in their struggle.

As the episodes progressed, the deterioration of relationships became challenging to witness, often leaving me feeling uneasy and uninformed as a viewer. So far in this series, fans have seen bride Richelle launch a verbal assault on her husband, Orson Nurse, during a commitment ceremony, with the experts failing to step in and defuse the situation.

Viewers were also unhappy with Eve Reid's behaviour towards her wife, Charlie Curtis, as we watched a devastated Charlie attempt to rescue her relationship. Furthermore, during the final and unnecessary dinner party, which saw the newlyweds return, Polly Sellman hurled a glass of wine over her ex, Adam Nightingale, in anger - yet she was not asked to leave for the evening.

The drama also overflowed into multiple relationships amongst the cast. A case in point is Hannah Norburn desperately battling as she tries to defend herself against the other women in the experiment.

With such chaos and turmoil, this series of Married at First Sight became intolerable and is in dire need of a revamp. While I and most viewers relish drama, we also want to see love and marriages that can succeed in the experiment.

For Married at First Sight UK (MAFS UK) to take a positive turn, producers really need to pivot their focus. Given that the redone version of the show doesn't let couples legally tie the knot, many seem to be there for a quick dash of fame rather than lasting love.

As the series unfolds, the quest for stardom over genuine connection becomes increasingly clear. Devoted watchers are owed more real moments from what's advertised as "reality TV."

What also calls for an overhaul is the role of the experts on the show. Despite their efforts to come across as constructive, there have been instances this season where the audience has questioned whether their advice lacks depth and efficacy.

This has sparked upset and annoyance among viewers, who are itching to see the professionals step up and challenge wrongful actions. Even though Paul insists on social media that more goes on off-camera, such reassurances aren't cutting it for viewers at home craving tangible evidence of these interventions.

Married at First Sight UK undoubtedly harbours immense potential, but swift action is critical to keep its devout followers onboard.

Married at First Sight is available to watch on Channel4.com