Married at First Sight UK shake-up as series returns with a number of new twists

Married At First Sight UK is set to get a huge shake-up as the series returns next year.

The smash-hit E4 show went down a storm with fans this year and now bosses are said to be keen to "capitalise" on its success.

The programme, in which couples get married without having ever previously met each other, was the most watched show on catch-up service All4 in 2022.

When contacted by the Mirror, Channel 4 confirmed the new series would be "longer".

Speaking about the show's success, a TV source said: "Married At First Sight UK has been nothing short of a phenomenon for E4 over the last two years and producers are really keen to capitalise on that by giving viewers even more of what they want.

This is the second time E4 has extended the number of episodes in the series.

Married at First Sight UK has been a huge hit with viewers (Channel 4)

Last year's show, which followed the Australian-style format, ran for 21 episodes.

The source continued: "MAFS has broken ratings records for E4 and was the most watched show on catch-up service All4 of 2022. There is no sign of it slowing down," reports The Sun.

As well as longer running time, MAFS is also said to have several spin-off series in the pipeline.

The Christmas reunion special of the show, which airs this weekend, is said to have gone down well with producers.

Fans can't wait for the show to return (Channel 4)

Bosses reportedly want do more of the get-togethers, inviting the brides and grooms back to the show to find out how life has been treating them.

The Mirror has contacted E4 for comment.

MAFS stars Matt Murray and Marilyse Corrigan recently confirmed their relationship after weeks of speculation.

The pair, who appeared in different seasons of the show, had been hit with rumours they were dating.

This year's series was full of drama as Matt is now in a relationship with 2021 star Marilyse (Channel 4)

Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, a source close to the happy couple said: "Since their holiday their friendship has developed and their relationship has blossomed naturally, they are both extremely happy and are grateful for all the supportive comments they’ve received so far."

Confirming their relationship, Matt captioned his Instagram snap: "Reality TV is not the real world. This is. Good came from the bad @marilyse_elena_corrigan_pt."

Fans couldn't have been happier for the pair, with one tweeting: "Do whatever makes you happy do not worry or care what others will think or say it's your life you live it exactly how you want to as long as you're happy!"