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Ofcom has received more than 100 complaints from Married At First Sight viewers over the way groom Ashley was treated during his time on the hit E4 reality series

Ofcom has received more than 100 complaints from Married At First Sight fans over the way a groom was treated. Earlier in this series of the hit E4 reality show. viewers watched as midwife Grace ‘tied the knot’ with Ashley but she was visibly not very keen from the start.

The couple made it past the initial wedding stage of the experiment, but various issues kept cropping up as they tried to embark on their new relationship and it all ended after one final argument that took place at a dinner party.

She added: “I expect you to act like a grown man capable of self-control. Sponsored by Canesten Duo.” The pair have been notably absent at various points within the series, and in the end, Ashley removed his wedding band when he decided that ‘couldn’t do anymore‘ for her without her taking issue with it as she accused him of ‘twisting’ everything.

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But viewers have taken issue with the way that experts Mel Schilling, Paul C Brunson and Charlene Douglas seemingly enabled Grace’s behaviour during her time on camera. A spokesperson for Ofcom confirmed: “Complaints related to the experts allegedly enabling Grace’s treatment of Ashley.” In total, the regulator received 166 complaints from angry viewers.

It comes just one day after Grace took to social media to hit out at her ex regarding their final argument. She said: “I expect you to accept no for an answer. I expect you to prioritise my discomfort over your desire for sex. I expect you to act like a grown man capable of self-control. Sponsored by Canesten Duo.”

Things went from bad to worse for the couple during Wife Swap week, when Ashley admitted that he was ‘happier’ when his bride was not around. On the verge of tears, he explained: “I’d hate to hurt Grace’s feelings. I just feel like I can’t give any more to this. So I have to be selfish and put myself first. Grace then admitted: “I would have really liked if this had worked out I think we recognise now there was never anyway it was going to (work). But yeah, you do know that deep down.”

When viewers first met Ashley and Grace, she refused to accept a kiss on the lips when they were pronounced as husband and wife. Things got even more heated between the pair at the dinner following the wedding, when Ashley admitted that he had been raised with ‘old-fashioned’ morals and believed that a man should be the breadwinner. Grace was visibly shocked at this revelation, and in a confessional, she fumed: “God, here we go!”

Later on, Grace’s friend Georgina interrogated Ashley over his outlook on life and when he suggested he was not necessarily a feminist, she raged that someone like that was not going to be a match for Grace.

She said: “My advice was, she wants to know you respect her.” She then relayed her concerns to Grace, but insisted she had managed to warm to Ashley by explaining to him just what she thought a feminist was. This whole scene did not go down well with some viewers either, with one writing: “Grace & her friends seem like the type to bring about their own misery,” and another slamming it as the ‘most insufferable conversation’ they had ever heard.

Viewers will have to wait to see just how things pan out between Ashley and Grace on the next episode, but the trailer for next week teased that things might not be looking so good.

In a short clip, Grace raged: “Every now and then he says something, and it’s like ‘Do you know how that sounds?!'”

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Jessika Power, an administration officer who was in series six of Married at First Sight Australia, has had tests in hospital to find out what has been causing her stomach pains

A Married at First Sight Australia star has been dashed to hospital with stomach pains.

Jessika Power, 33, has confirmed she has had tests in a bid to work out what has caused her struggle. Posting an Instagram clip from her hospital bed, the administration officer described the pain as “really intense” but, as yet, doctors have been unable to diagnose her.

“I’ve been having really bad problems with my tummy so we’re just doing some more tests, because I’m an older woman now and I’ve got to look after myself. This pain’s really intense… I’ll let you guys know what’s going on when I know. I thought if I was sick and didn’t post for a while you guys would freak out,” the star, who was in series six of Married at First Australia, told her followers.

Jessika broke up with Mick Gould, 35, before the final decision on the TV show. She since dated boat builder Ryan Loveridge but earlier this year, she split with the man, who had previously been on Celebs Go Dating.

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During her time on MAFS, Jessika received huge backlash after cheating on her groom Mick with fellow contestant Dan Webb, a car broker. Speaking after the series, which aired in 2021, Jessika said: “I’m not a nasty, horrible girl [anymore] and I honestly have to laugh at the trolls.”

The young woman, from Perth, Western Australia, added: “They (the trolls) come to my Instagram to say horrible things and call me a bully – but that makes them bullies.”

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During this year’s UK Married At First Sight, Rebecca dished out some home truths. Fans of the E4 programme , which sees total strangers ‘marry’ before trying to make a success of their sudden relationship, will know that April and Leo tied the knot relatively late in the new series after being introduced as ‘intruder bride and grooms,’ after all the other participants had already been matched.

And in Wednesday night’s episode, Rebecca, who had had some time apart from her husband Bailey as part of Partner Swap week, caught up with her co-stars over dinner and quickly set about having a candid conversation with Leo about the state of his relationship with April.

Having chatted to Rebecca about how things are going, Leo later claimed she had ‘misinterpreted’ what he said, and she then decided to put her two pence in on camera as well.

The Married at First Sight UK star has been spotted partying with a famous face – and it’s not Grace

Married at First Sight UK groom Ashley Dommett has ignited speculation about a potential new romance after being caught on camera partying with two brides from last year’s series.

The 35-year-old Welshman is currently matched with midwife Grace Law, 31, on the programme’s tenth series presently broadcasting on E4. However, their conflicting values and differing humour has created tension within their partnership.

Whilst the pair remain coupled up on the programme, they have stopped following one another on Instagram in recent weeks, fuelling speculation that they separated once cameras stopped rolling.

An insider close to the production told The Sun: “Grace has gone rogue recently and been slamming the show and the edit on socials, and now her and Ashley aren’t following each other, it’s pretty clear they aren’t together any more.”

On Wednesday evening (October 22) former MAFS UK participant Hannah Norburn shared footage showing herself enjoying beverages with her Season 9 colleague Sionainn Carmichael, alongside Ashley, reports OK!

In the footage, the threesome each grin at the camera whilst dancing with drinks as Justin Bieber’s track Baby plays in the background. She captioned the post: “Mini MAFS reunion with a new recruit and the worlds most unlikely trio.”

MAFS UK viewers were swift to swamp the comments section, questioning the stars about whether romance was developing.

However, Ashley maintained the group were “just friends,” disclosing: “It was actually Leisha Lightbody that organised the night but then had to work late and bail last minute.”

Both Hannah and Sionainn endured turbulent experiences during their series. Hannah was matched with a groom she repeatedly clashed with until he stopped communicating with her entirely, whilst also facing severe backlash from fellow brides who branded her a flirt with their partners.

She discovered comfort with co-star Orson, who similarly battled his own relationship troubles.

Meanwhile Sionainn departed the programme following an explosive row with her groom Ryan. She revealed to two fellow contestants that he admitted to “faking it all” throughout filming and viewed the experiment as merely a “holiday romance.”

Given their challenging ordeals, several comments beneath the footage targeted Hannah specifically, prompting Ashley to defend her.

“She’s actually a really nice person mate, had a class and needed fun night with them both last night,” he wrote.

Married at First Sight UK continues on Sunday night at 9pm on E4

KATIE Price’s ex-husband Kieran Hayler has been charged with three counts of rape and one sexual assault against a girl of 13.

The allegations date to June-October 2016, the midway point of his marriage to Katie, 47.

They were wed for six years and share kids, Jett, 12, and Bunny, 11.

The alleged victim is not a member of his or Katie’s extended family.

Sussex Police said last night: “We can confirm Kieran Hayler, 38, of Northchapel in West Sussex, has been charged with three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against a 13-year-old girl.

“The offences are alleged to have occurred at an address in West Sussex between June 1 and October 13, 2016.

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“Hayler remains released under investigation and is due to appear before Crawley magistrates’ court on November 19.

“The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has received ­support from specially trained officers as our enquiries continue.”

Hayler, who has also worked as a stripper and actor, and appeared on reality shows with Katie, posted a video on Sunday evening of him flexing his muscles in a car park, with the message “Fit check”.

He was last photographed out in public on Friday, October 3 when he visited Tulleys Farm Shocktober event near Crawley.

His selfie from the celebrity bash was captioned: “My favourite event of the year.”

A legal representative for Hayler said last night: “Kieran Hayler strongly denies the allegations made against him in its entirety.

“Mr Hayler is fully engaged and has been co-operating with the police throughout the investigation and will continue to do so. He looks forward to his name being cleared believing in the judicial system to do so.”

Hayler first met Katie in 2012 and proposed on Christmas Day.

They married at a luxury resort in the Bahamas in 2013.

He was her third husband following her marriages to singer Peter Andre and cage fighter Alex Reid.

In May 2014, while pregnant with Bunny, Katie discovered Hayler had been cheating on her with her best friend Jane Pountney, when she caught them kissing on a beach in Cape Verde.

He later confessed to a long, intimate relationship with Jane.

In 2017 he told The Sun on Sunday: “I would get into the passenger seat of Jane’s car, she would jump on top of me.”

Katie later discovered he had an affair with another of her friends, Chrissy Thomas.

Katie forgave Kieran and later said: “He’s proved himself. I have actually said to him, ‘I now forgive you, I do forget’ because I got to a point where I don’t have to worry about him. I trust him.”

But in 2017, Katie discovered he had cheated again — this time with their nanny Nikki Brown.

She said: “When I confronted him he denied it at first, even when I said she’d admitted it.

“I was crying, asking, ‘How could you do this to me again?’ When I begged him to tell the truth he finally said, ‘Yeah, we have’.”

The marriage broke down in 2018, with the divorce finalised in 2021 after pandemic delays.

At the time her representative said it was amicable.

Hayler said in 2021: “As of July 12 we are now divorced. It took just over three years.

“We didn’t rush it; it was in the process for a long time and Covid-19 hit, which held up the courts.

“It wasn’t in our hands. There was no legal battle.

“I said to her, I will be the only person that doesn’t take any money from you because that’s not who I am, I don’t want her money.”

The couple had married at the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort and Spa in January 2013.

They held a second service at the Rookery Manor hotel in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, joined by 13 bridesmaids and pals including TV star Rylan Clark, model Danielle Lloyd and singer Michelle Heaton.

Katie and Hayler then honeymooned in the Maldives.

Following their marriage split, Hayler started a relationship with Michelle Penticost, who gave birth to their son Apollo.

The couple got engaged in 2020 but this February called off the wedding and said they had split.

His representative told The Sun: “They separated on good terms and remain close, with their focus on Apollo.”

Besides her children with Hayler, Loose Women star Katie has son Harvey, 23, from a relationship with ex-footballer Dwight Yorke, plus son Junior, 20, and daughter Princess, 18, from her marriage to Peter Andre.

She has not married since Hayler but briefly found love with another personal trainer, Kris Boyson.

She dated Carl Woods for two years and they got engaged. But that relationship ended in 2022.

Her most recent partner is Married At First Sight star JJ Slater.

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Katie is currently on tour with reality star pal and ex-Atomic Kitten singer Kerry Katona, 45.

Last night they appeared on stage in Swansea, and tonight are due at The Old Savoy in Northampton.

Several Hollyoaks actor have fallen in love with their Channel 4 soap co-stars from Rory Douglas-Speed and Nadine Mulkerrin to Ruby O’Donnell and Nathaniel Dass

Love is in the air in Hollyoaks village.

Numerous romances and real-life weddings have blossomed on the set of the Channel 4 drama since its debut in 1995.

The continuing series is renowned for its passionate plotlines which have featured countless love triangles and explosive affairs across the last 30 years.

It’s hardly shocking that many stars from the acclaimed continuing drama have carried their romance beyond the cameras throughout the years.

Whilst certain relationships amongst cast members fizzled out, others clearly remain rock solid.

As the soap marks its 30th anniversary, let’s take a look at some of the couples still together.

Ruby O’Donnell and Nathaniel Dass

The latest romance to blossom from the fictional village is Ruby O’Donnell and Nathaniel Dass.

Ruby, best known for her role as Peri Lomax, and her beau Nathaniel, who debuted as Dillon Ray in 2023, might not cross paths on screen often but off-screen their romance is blossoming since going Instagram official in 2024.

The actress marked their first anniversary on Instagram by sharing a series of loved-up snaps. She delighted fans by posting a quartet of adorable pictures, alongside the caption: “1 year with u” capped off with a pink heart pierced by a blue arrow.

Gregory Finnegan and Ariana Fraval

Hollyoaks heartthrob Gregory Finnegan previously shared scenes with his real-life wife Ariana Fraval.

The actress portrayed DS Cohen in the programme with her husband Greg playing scheming solicitor James Nightingale.

The duo exchanged vows in 2011 and Ariana has posted some personal photographs from their wedding day on Instagram.

DS Cohen was brought in to examine the demise of Gregory’s on-screen love interest, Harry Thompson.

The duo shot multiple scenes together during that period, and viewers were thrilled to discover that the two performers are actually wed in real life.

Anna Passey and Kyle Pryor

Kyle and Anna, famous for portraying Hollyoaks adversaries Laurie Shelby and Sienna Blake, disclosed their romantic involvement in 2019, the identical year his character Laurie met his end.

Following their decision to cohabit and unveil their secret behind-the-scenes romance, Anna revealed to New magazine: “We just don’t feel the need to put it out there.

“It’s nice to keep something for yourselves. But we’re not trying to keep it private to build the mystery. We became really good friends first and it went from there.”

Sienna remains a Hollyoaks mainstay and Kyle made his way back to the Hollyoaks studios in 2021 to kiss Anna on-screen due to coronavirus filming restrictions.

Nadine Mulkerrin and Rory-Douglas Speed

Rory and Nadine met on the set of the Channel 4 soap and got engaged in December 2018 after dating for just over a year.

The actor proposed just weeks after they filmed their characters’ Cleo McQueen and Joel Dexter’s wedding.

Nadine previously told OK! that they aren’t in a rush to tie the knot after welcoming two sons.

“We’ve been too busy to make plans,” the actress said at the time.

“We got pregnant, we moved out, then the world went crazy with COVID, then we got pregnant again. I’d love to have a wedding when the boys are older, so they’ll remember it.”

Danny Mac and Carley Stenson

Danny and Carley both appeared in Hollyoaks but the pair didn’t meet on the set of the Channel 4 soap.

The talented duo never appeared on the programme at the same time and actually met in a pub back in 2011.

Speaking on Loose Women previously, Danny explained: “We met in a pub in London when she was doing Legally Blonde on the West End. I went to see a mate who was in it at the time and we met in the pub after and that was it.”

Former Strictly Come Dancing runner-up Danny portrayed Dodger Savage in Hollyoaks from 2011 until 2015 and recently reprised his role.

Carley took on the role of Steph Cunningham in the programme from 2000 until 2011. The pair revealed their engagement in March 2016 and subsequently tied the knot in September 2017.

Danny and Carley are parents to two children.

Daisy Wood-Davis and Luke Jerdy

Former Hollyoaks stars Luke and Daisy revealed their engagement whilst on holiday in Greece in August 2019.

The actor dropped to one knee and proposed on the beach in front of Daisy’s family.

Daisy was eager to share the delightful news on Instagram, with photographs displaying her “dream” engagement ring that Luke had crafted.

“She said yes,” Luke captioned the same photo in Greek on his profile, before translating the phrase into English and adding: “Daisy is going to be my wife. I’ll take that.”

Luke portrayed Jesse Donovan on Hollyoaks from 2016 until 2020, whilst Daisy departed her role as Kim Butterfield in late 2018.

The couple first met back in 2011 through a mutual friend and are now married and parents to two children.

Emmett Scanlan and Claire Cooper

Claire, who played Jacqui McQueen in Hollyoaks from 2006 to 2013, met her now-husband Emmett in 2010 and they got hitched in New York on New Year’s Eve in 2015.

Emmett previously reminisced about their wedding day with The Sun, saying: “It’s something I’ll never forget. Everyone got behind the wedding with such love that it was overwhelming at times.”

Emmett and Claire have two chidlren and the actor also has a daughter from a previous relationship.

Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am

Newcomers Reiss Boyce and Leisha Lightbody tied the knot in Tuesday night’s episode

A groom from Married at First Sight has revealed the heart-wrenching reason why he believes the show’s matchmaking “has to work”.

Tuesday’s episode (7 October) introduced us to newbies Reiss Boyce and Leisha Lightbody, who said their vows. The pair joined the programme on Monday, along with four other latecomers.

The couple were matched by experts Paul C Brunson, Charlene Douglas and Mel Schilling, and are now set to experience married life over the next few weeks.

Before his nuptials, 33-year-old decorator Reiss confessed that people often perceive him as a “pretty boy”. However, the lad from Essex was quick to point out that there’s much more to him than meets the eye.

Discussing his dream relationship, Reiss stressed the importance of family to him. He then revealed that he found out his dad wasn’t his biological father when he was just seven years old, reports OK!

Reiss stated: “When I get married, I don’t want to be having kids and breaking up. No way!”

He went on to say: “I want to do my best to keep it that [his family] all bonded and sealed together forever. When I was seven years old I found out that my dad wasn’t actually my real dad.”

Reflecting on this tough revelation, he added: “Looking back, at the time, I was only a young nipper. I didn’t really know what was going on. It was just a bit of a whirlwind, it was a lot to take in.

“That’s why I’ve got to do it properly. I’ve got one shot here, it’s got to work.”

Despite this, the new groom appears to share a close bond with his grandparents and is searching for a love story similar to theirs.

Sadly, Reiss’ MAFS experience has got off to a bumpy beginning.

Whilst he’s physically drawn to his new bride, the groom considers her “quite loud” and “a little bit over the top”.

The pair even clashed following the ceremony when Leisha challenged her new spouse for only pecking her on the cheek in front of their wedding guests.

They subsequently shared a kiss that Leisha appeared to relish but Reiss criticised because “there was no passion”.

Married at First Sight UK continues on E4 tomorrow night at 8pm

ANOTHER wife of the Manchester synagogue terrorist said the attacker “raped” her and lied about being married with a child.

The woman, whose identity is being protected, told how Jihad Al-Shamie abused her mentally and sexually after they first met on Muslim dating app Muzz.

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She had converted to Islam in 2012, ten years before meeting Al-Shamie.

The woman became trapped in a volatile cycle in which he would flip between being “vile” and then “nice” to draw her back in to their on-and-off relationship.

Eventually, Al-Shamie told the woman he was married and had a son, but confessed to keeping them secret.

In text messages seen by the M.E.N, he wrote: “I didn’t tell u because I really like you and wanted u to be my 2nd wife.”

But Al-Shamie told her men can have four wives in Islamic culture and that his first wife “accepts” it.

Within a month of entering into a relationship with him, the pair married in January 2022.

The woman said their Islamic ceremony took place over a video call because of Covid restrictions.

But the marriage was soon filled with coercive and controlling behaviour.

She claimed Al-Shamie raped her, but she did not report it to police.

The attacker’s abuse is laid out in Facebook messages between the couple.

He tells her: “Good luck getting any guy to deal with your rubbish.”

And: “You’re not worth it and I can do better – don’t need someone with your baggage and mental issues.”

To try and win her back, Al-Shamie would promise grand gestures, such as buying a property close to where she lived, although these never came into fruition.

The woman told M.E.N she thought she loved him at the beginning of their partnership.

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“He was caring and understanding and didn’t judge my kids for their needs,” she said.

“He would say ‘I love you, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that’. He was controlling and abusive.

“He did rape me multiple times, but to us we just fulfil what our husband’s say.

“He was one of them where you have got to do it there and then.”

She categorized their relationship as “his way or no way” and described him as constantly being “pushy” – telling her wives had to “obey” their husbands.

The Sun previously reported how Al-Shamie was a teenage drop-out who smoked weed and was obsessed with violent video games.

A former friend told The Sun on Sunday that killer Al-Shamie would smoke around 2g of strong skunk a day when he was a teen and frequently felt the wrath of his parents.

His obsession led him to dropping out of Liverpool John Moores University a year into his English, media and cultural studies degree course in 2011.

Meanwhile neighbours said he would spend his time lifting weights in his garage or wander around in his pyjamas and flip flops.

The woman also reflected this portrayal in her tales of Al-Shamie, who she claimed was always “between jobs” and “living with his parents”.

After their relationship ended, the last time Al-Shamie contacted her was April earlier this year, but she ignored him.

The woman also recalled her horror when she discovered he had committed the Manchester synagogue terror attack.

“My first thought was just ‘why’. He would never preach anything. The only thing he would do was pray,” she said.

“He never showed me, or said anything about, terrorism, or joining anything. It was all about the mosque and praying.”

This comes as another wife of Al-Shamie also came forward with her story after meeting him on the same Muslim dating app.

Born in Syria, Al-Shamie was granted British citizenship in 2006 when he was around 16, having entered the UK as a young child.

The 35-year-old was on police bail accused of rape when he carried out the car and knife terror attack in Manchester on October 2.

He claimed to be a devout father but cheated on his wife and married a second woman days after meeting her, The Telegraph reported.

The newspaper said that he met a young woman from Manchester after the Covid lockdown.

It’s believed that he moved in with the woman and her family in May 2022 and they married in an Islamic ceremony.

But he was unfaithful and used a dating app to meet several other women.

Al-Shamie’s first marriage reportedly fell apart six months ago after he married a second woman – but it is not known if this was legal.

Elizabeth Davis, 46, is said to have married the killer in secret and only told her family about him only after the synagogue attack.

A source told The Sun on Sunday: “Liz converted to Islam four years ago.

“Her conversion caused tensions with her family, they say she became a totally different person after that.

“She stopped communicating with relatives and friends.

“It was like she had been brainwashed.

“The family only found out that she had got married to Al-Shamie after the synagogue attack on Thursday.

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“The family are horrified that she has been involved with someone like that.

“It’s possible she got married to him in an Islamic law ceremony.”

Another woman said she was just 18 when she dated Al-Shamie, who she said lied to her about his age.

He told her he was in his mid-twenties and reportedly encouraged her to watch “extreme videos”.

During their four-month relationship, she said he hit her and ordered her to dress more conservatively.

She even said he referenced possibly wanting to join the Islamic State.

She said he stalked her and told her about his rape fantasises.

The Times reported that Al-Shamie used fake name on his dating app accounts but kept getting banned because of his “speech and what he was sending”.

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Married At First Sight UK is introducing three more couples to the chaotic E4 experiment, with The Mirror revealing a first look at one of the nervous couples

Married At First Sight UK is well underway, but the E4 programme likes to keep things interesting by introducing several new couples almost two weeks after the experiment begins. Three more couples will join the chaos of the already tense series, which has many of the couples struggling to get along.

In a first look shared with The Mirror, Abi, 34, is seen with her new hubby, John, 38, taking professional photos. John has been single for five years and calls himself a ‘Romantic Romeo’, claiming he’s single as he gives off ‘single man energy’. Meanwhile, Abi revealed she’s never had a relationship that lasted longer than a year.

The clip starts with John asking his wife whether she walked down the aisle with her mother, to which she confirmed that she did.

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She then said: “Just to warn you, she’s never liked any of my previous partners. She’s quite hard to please. So you might have a bit of a grilling from her.”

During a confessional, a determined John said: “I would try to and prove myself to Abi’s mum. It’s scary, really, before Abi separately confessed that her mum “isn’t afraid to say how she feels”.

A teaser clip that aired on Sunday night gave fans a glimpse of Abi’s mother’s “honesty”. John said in the voiceover: “Today is now or never, everything is riding on this.”

The narrator then teased drama and says: “But will an over protective mum derail the first new couple’s first day?”

Abi’s mum insisted she “will not see her hurt again” during the confessional and later told the groom: “The last thing I want to be is upset by some arrogant person that comes along.”

Her mum said to the camera in another clip: “I am the one that vets everybody, I am the bad guy. Beware.”

Other new intruder latecomers to the show include April, who has been single since 2023, and Leisha, who hopes to settle down and start a family.

Meanwhile, Leo, 31, calls himself bombastic and a “yes man” who has been single for five years, while Reiss, 33, is a painter and decorator who has been unattached for six months.

The three new couples arrive as the original contestants continue to navigate their difficult relationships.

Married At First Sight UK continues at 9pm on E4.

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KILLER Jihad Al-Shamie secretly “married” an NHS nurse who converted to Islam, a source said.

Elizabeth Davis, 35, is said to have told her family about him only after the synagogue attack.

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Al-Shamie’s first marriage reportedly fell apart six months ago.

The Sun on Sunday cannot confirm if mum-of-five Elizabeth, of Bolton, was legally his second wife.

A source said: “Liz converted to Islam four years ago.

“Her conversion caused tensions with her family, they say she became a totally different person after that.

“She stopped communicating with relatives and friends.

“It was like she had been brainwashed.

“The family only found out that she had got married to Al-Shamie after the synagogue attack on Thursday.

“The family are horrified that she has been involved with someone like that.

“It’s possible she got married to him in an Islamic law ceremony.”

Al-Shamie was on bail after being arrested on suspicion of rape and was due to appear in court.

Kelly Hawes, who has appeared on Channel 4’s Married At First Sight UK, has advised viewers of an important legal matter to bear in mind when watching the show

A wedding celebrant has shared the “shocking truth” about Married At First Sight UK after series 10 of the social experiment saw the introduction of nine new newlywedded couples. The Channel 4 show first aired in 2015 shortly after the success of its Australian counterpart and has grown in popularity ever since.

Hertfordshire-based celebrant Kelly Hawes, who has appeared on the programme herself, has taken to TikTok to point out a key legal matter when it comes to the nuptials. “One question I am often asked is do they actually get married on Married At First Sight UK?” she began in a video.

She continued: “Well, no. They don’t do the legal registration of marriage. What they are having is a commitment ceremony.”

Kelly acknowledged that this is a “good thing”, however, as she declared: “The last thing we want to do is add to the number of divorced couples.

“This way, if the relationship doesn’t pan out, then really it’s just a relationship that hasn’t worked – rather than a marriage.”

One sceptic penned in response: “So they’re [sic] not actually getting married then. So it’s not marriage at first sight then.”

A second person noted: “So the very title is misleading? ‘Married’ at first sight. As opposed to ‘Committed’ at first sight.”

It prompted Kelly to explain: “TV is for entertainment value remember – and the title is to catch attention. At the end of the day the experiment is to match two people who should be compatible for marriage.”

Another TikTok viewer added: “They used to in the very early days, the problem was they then had to get legally divorced, the divorce meeting was shown on the show. That was back when the people on the show were genuinely looking for love and not wannabes wanting airtime and publicity.”

McAlister Family Law explains that for the first five series in the UK, couples were in fact legally married. Partner, Lisa Brown says for the purposes of the show, the audience need only buy into the principle – but legally, getting married is very complex.

“Being married is a change to your legal status and if things don’t work out you have to apply to the court to either have that marriage annulled or get divorced,” she explained. “Further, when couples get married, they gain the ability to make a financial claim against the other person under Matrimonial Causes Act 1973.”

Brown continued: “One of the peculiarities of the law as it stands is that a couple could live together for 25 years but not be able to make a financial claim against each other (save in limited circumstances) but somebody can get legally married at first sight, never live together and divorce as soon as they can and they would be able to make a claim.

“That claim could include property being transferred to them, a share of the other’s pension, a lump sum of money being paid and/or monthly sums being paid (spousal maintenance). In Married At First Sight circumstances, the reality is that it is unlikely that such a claim would be particularly fruitful and generally the expectation would be that they would exit the marriage with what they brought in but the ability to do it remains.”

Married at First Sight UK Season 10 continues on Sunday night on E4.

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MARRIED At First Sight UK tensions boil over between grooms Steven and Keye – with explosive scenes set to air on Wednesday night’s episode.

In a teaser clip for the E4 show Steven is first seen giving his bride Nelly a stern warning.

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He tells her in a prickly moment: “People don’t need to know my business yet, because you’ll see a side of me probably, you won’t like”.

Moments later, the action cuts to fellow groom Keye as he squares up to Steven in a fiery exchange.

“I’m not trying to come to your relationship. I’m not. Couldn’t give a flying f**k. I’m here for my relationship,” Keye snaps.

But Steven is quick to hit back, firing: “You’re basically telling people to ‘f**k off.’”

Turning back to the camera, Steven fumes: “You are not part of his relationship, so see yourself out.”

The feud comes hot on the heels of the first commitment ceremony, where the couples sat down with the experts to talk through their journeys so far.

Despite the drama Steven and his bride Nelly had earlier looked stronger than ever.

However, she broke down when opening up about her insecurities.

Reflecting on her big day and honeymoon in Jamaica, Nelly said: “As soon as I saw Steven, I just felt really calm. I just got a really nice vibe from him. We had such an amazing time. We didn’t bicker and just got on so well.

“We laughed a lot. We have a similar sense of humour. We are really playful with each other. It’s exactly what I wanted.”

But she admitted her fears soon crept in and said: “I always just think, like, well, when is something gonna go wrong. 

“I’m kind of waiting for something to happen, and it freaks me out a little bit, that it hasn’t. Why aren’t we arguing? 

“Why haven’t you irritated me? Why haven’t I irritated you? I end up trying to look for something.

“So, for example, I love how affectionate you are on our honeymoon… And then I’d come back to the apartment, and I would kind of think, he’s not giving me a kiss this morning. 

“And then I get in my head and think, yeah, ‘cause he doesn’t like you. And then he will give me a kiss and I think, ‘Oh, that was nice. He does like me.’ And it’s just constant.

“And I even feel saying this now, I’m thinking, ‘Oh, my God, this is gonna give him the ik, and it’s gonna push him away.’”

Relationship expert Paul C Brunson then revealed Nelly’s three past relationships had all ended because the men cheated.

But Steven wasn’t scared off – instead, he admitted he was already falling for his bride.

Paul asked him directly: “So you’re on the path?”

Steven replied: “Yeah, 100%. I am.”

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Actor, singer and businesswoman Selena Gomez and music producer Benny Blanco were married Saturday in California, according to posts the couple shared on Instagram.

Gomez shared a series of dreamily filtered photos of the couple on a lawn in wedding attire — Gomez in a white halter-styled gown and Blanco in a classic black tuxedo, both reportedly designed by Ralph Lauren — while embracing and holding hands as Gomez gripped a simple bouquet of white flowers. The caption simply stated the date — “9.27.25” — flanked by white heart emojis and audio of “La Vie En Rose” overlaying the display. “My wife in real life,” read a comment from Blanco on the post. By Sunday morning, the post had already racked up more than 17 million likes, including from stars like Sabrina Carpenter and Sydney Sweeney. (It’s unclear if the photos were taken the day of the ceremony or earlier.)

On Sunday, Blanco shared his own commemorative post on Instagram with a caption that read: “i married a real life disney princess.” The series of photos included the couple, in their wedding attire, lounging on a white sofa and a close-up shot of their left hands with the wedding rings that now adorn them.

The couple’s weekend extravaganza was held in Santa Barbara, according to Vogue, with Taylor Swift and Gomez’s “Only Murders in the Building” cast mates Steve Martin and Martin Short among the guests reportedly in attendance. Meryl Streep, however, spent her weekend in Milan for Fashion Week, filming scenes for the sequel to “The Devil Wears Prada.” Earlier this month, Gomez said on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” that Short would be the ring bearer. (We’re still hoping that’s true.) Other stars said to be invited are Ed Sheeran and Gomez’s “Wizards of Waverly Place” co-star David Henrie.

The celebration comes nearly a year after Gomez, 33, and Blanco, 37, announced their engagement in December 2024. At the time of their engagement, Gomez shared the news on Instagram, captioning a series of photos of her ring with the words, “forever begins now.”

Gomez revealed in a cover story with Interview Magazine that she first met Blanco more than a decade ago, when she was about 16 or 17, to potentially collaborate on a song. (As a producer, Blanco has worked with numerous A-list pop stars, including Katy Perry, Sheeran, Kanye West and Maroon 5.)

But it wasn’t until years later that they finally worked together on the 2019 song “I Can’t Get Enough,” which also featured J Balvin and Tainy. In 2023, the couple confirmed their relationship and, that same year, worked together on her song “Single Soon.” Earlier this year, the couple released their first album together, titled “I Said I Love You First.”

A fresh batch of singles try to find their match in MAFS’ new season, promising bombshells. But Paul C Brunson vows the anticipated reunion is set to be the most explosive yet.

Get ready for fireworks – and maybe a few tears. Married At First Sight expert Paul C Brunson has already warned viewers to brace themselves for the show’s upcoming reunion. And the new season hasn’t even yet started.

Married At First Sight UK is back on E4 for its landmark tenth series, promising another season of whirlwind weddings, fiery dinner parties and explosive commitment ceremonies.

At the helm once again are relationship experts Melanie Schilling, Charlene Douglas and Paul C Brunson, who all return to guide the newlyweds as they gamble everything on love with a stranger.

The show feels like home for Paul. “Charlene, Mel and I have worked together for so many years, we really fit together,” Paul says. “We were very much in sync.”

The format is familiar – nine couples meet at the altar, honeymoon and then move in together before facing weekly make-or-break ceremonies.

But series 10 is upping the ante with a cast that Paul describes as “a true cross-section of the UK”. This year, contributors hail from Manchester, Liverpool, Essex, London, Edinburgh – and also New Zealand – bringing different politics and professions into the experiment.

“It’s important, especially in this day and age, where you feel like we’re in the middle of a culture war,” Paul says. “We’ve taken different parts of the UK and they live together. They’re able to work through their differences, they don’t always resolve them but they manage them.”

Paul teases plenty of twists, with the reunion episode set to be the most explosive yet. “I truly believe that our reunion for MAFS this year will be the most memorable reunion in MAFS history,” he promises.

READ MORE: Shopper ‘gets so many compliments’ with scent that ‘wakes me up more than a coffee’

But beneath all the drama, experts face weighty challenges with this year’s brides and grooms throwing around therapeutic terms like “gaslighting”, “coercive control” and “narcissism” that need careful unpacking.

“We’re acquiring more language than ever before. People will talk about things like manipulation or coercive control,” he says. “For us, it’s becoming more challenging because the language is there, but the understanding isn’t.”

Paul says the biggest hurdle is emotional intelligence. “That’s fundamentally the bigger challenge because everyone assumes that they’re emotionally aware,” Paul says.

“If you can’t even tap into your feelings or emotions, how in the world can you identify that in your partner. How do you expect to emotionally connect with your partner? It’s learning to dance together.”

Then, there’s the shadow of social media. “Experts only see what happens at the dinner parties and commitment ceremonies,” Paul says.

“But I wish the audience would know that every time they comment about one of the contributors, they’re most likely seeing it. They’re human beings, they have loved ones who don’t need to see you talk about their body, their physicality or perceived intelligence.”

After years in the spotlight, Paul has found ways to protect his own wellbeing. “I used to be so immersed in it,” he says. “That’s why I go to therapy. But now, I’m entirely emotionally disconnected [from the drama]. I am constantly doing things with loved ones.”

He’s also channelled his energy into sport, becoming an investor in Sutton United FC. “As a sports fan, it’s a religion,” Paul says. “If we win or lose, that sways my mood a lot more than someone’s comment.”

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EASTENDERS legend Rita Simons has married her “best friend” in a stunning rural wedding.

The BBC One show alum, 48, only revealed the pair had got engaged back in January, with a sweet Instagram upload.

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Now Rita, who is best-known for playing EastEnders‘ Roxy Mitchell, has tied the knot with Ben Harlow in the same year.

The actress took to her social media grid to reveal the happy news as well as a handful of snapshots showing her stunning boho bridal look.

Rita opted for an off the shoulder flowing cream dress adorned with a floral print for the ceremony in Carlisle, Cumbria.

She styled her blonde hair into waves and a half-up style with fresh make-up.

Her new groom Ben opted for a handsome beige suit and crisp white shirt.

The lovebirds shared images showing them enjoying a kiss while in front of a lake as well as holding hands when strolling through a park.

Rita also gave a snapshot of the ceremony, too, with the pair looking blissfully in love as they read their vows in a wood-floored barn.

She then hopped onto the stage with Blue’s Duncan James during the wedding reception to mark their special night.

In her emotional caption, the soap star wrote: “Well this happened yesterday!

“I married my best friend @benjyharlow. Just a little teaser before I have the good stuff from @the.event.editor content creator.”

She added: “I can’t even put into words how special our day was…mostly because we have the most incredible bunch of humans who love us unconditionally and who were prepared to travel to @hiddenriverbarn from all over the world to share our day.

“We love you all. You know who you are …sorry there’s gonna be a ton of pics to follow!

“The stars of the day were (apart from my babies @jaimee_silv @maiya.sammy ) @therocketscollective who rocked SO hard for the entire day and night! (Videos incoming!)”

She then told of All Rise singer Duncan’s role in the special day and added: “Thank you my darling @mrduncanjames for giving me away, I love you forever.”

EastEnders stars who QUIT

MICHELLE Collins has seen her second EastEnders stint boost her bank balance. Yet what stars have quit this year?

The Sun exclusively reported how Michelle, 62, was down to £20,000 in her company accounts when she agreed to a shock back-from-the-dead return to Albert Square last year.

Her character, Cindy Beale, was presumed dead off-camera in 1998.

Yet what about the 2024 exits?

Earlier this summer, loyal soap fans appeared to note how Stevie Mitchell had “quit” the long-running series.

It came after Alan Ford enjoyed just six-months on-screen.

Bobby Beale actor Clay Milner Russell also left this year after five years in Walford.

Fans also feared Martin Fowler actor James Bye would “quit out of boredom” over recent storylines.

Additionally, a host of stars have quit the BBC soap for Hollywood fame.

One of the most successful stars to come from the BBC One soap is Rob Kazinsky.

He played Stacey Slater’s brother Sean Slater from 2006 to 2009, he has starred in Hollywood blockbusters Pacific Rim and Captain Marvel.

Ben Hardy, who quit EastEnders as Bobby Beale almost a decade ago, went on to break Hollywood the following year, when he starred as Archangel in X-Men: Apocalypse.

Since then, he has played Roger Taylor in Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, and he starred in Michael Bay’s Netflix movie 6 Underground.

Michelle Ryan played Zoe Slater until 2005.

She starred as the lead in short-lived American series Bionic Woman from 2007 to 2008.

HAPPY ENGAGEMENT

The pair’s wedding comes just nine months after their engagement.

In the Instagram picture back in January, Rita can be seen showing off her engagement ring as she poses for the camera, while Ben beams for the camera as he sits beside her.

Captioning the post, Rita wrote: “… so this happened!”

The actress then added two sparkling ring emojis and an excited face.”

Rita and theatre actor Ben first met in 2017 when they both starred in the touring production of hit musical Legally Blonde.

They started dating a couple of years later after Rita split with her first husband of 14 years, Theo Silveston.

The former couple had met in 2004 and welcomed twin daughters together before they separated in 2018.

Their divorce was finalised in 2020.

Rita joined EastEnders as Roxy in 2007 and became a fan favourite before she was brutally killed off alongside on-screen sister Ronnie in a tragic New Year storyline in 2017.

She went on to appear on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2018 before joining Hollyoaks last year as Marie Fielding.

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Married At First Sight star Lacey Martin clashed with her co-stars during a fiery reunion episode, which she eventually stormed out of following the tense clash

Lacey Martin stormed out of the Married At First Sight reunion episode in dramatic scenes that aired on Monday night. The reality star, 28, reunited with stars of the 2023 series and the 2024 outings of the E4 hit for a special programme, but there were fireworks when she clashed with her ex Nathan Campbell.

Fans of the show, which sees total strangers tie the knot after being put through a matchmaking process, decided to stay together after they ‘married’ on the programme, but split up quietly shortly after the series had aired.

Lacey joined her former co-stars for dinner and fumed: “I’ve said enough. The chapter’s closed, I wish you the best, I’m ready to move on with my life!”

READ MORE: MAFS UK star Lacey Martin’s secret reality TV past amid bombshell ‘showmance’ claimsREAD MORE: Married At First Sight UK 2025 trailer reveals four new couples, twist, turns and tantrums

But Kieran Chapman piped up: “Is that why you texted him a few days ago, asking him to do a magazine deal just to make us look better? Did you or didn’t you, a couple of days ago? You should know what I’m going to say; that’s why I’m butting in.”

Lacey then said bluntly: “Respectfully, I wish you the best. Enjoy your food,” as Kieran shot back: “You go enjoy your magazine deals!” As she left the room, Lacey said: “And on that note, I’m actually going to go tonight. No, I am. I am proud of myself, I was true. I fell in love with you, Nathan. I wish you all the best, now I have to go and put myself first. The chapter’s ended.”

She walked out in tears and was comforted by some of the girls. Once back inside, she announced to the table: “It was genuine our feelings for each other … I know you, I know you better than anyone else at this table.

“We can cherish our marriage, and it’s just a beautiful memory now. I do truly wish you the best.” After the show ended, it seemed that Lacey’s true colours came to light as Nathan claimed that she asked him to enter into a ‘showmance’ instead of continuing their love story.

Nathan told his fellow MAFS UK co-stars that after the experiment ended, Lacey’s energy changed dramatically, and she stopped making an effort to see him or to spend any quality time together.

When Nathan voiced his concerns about their relationship with Lacey, he claimed that his leading lady suggested that they should ‘just be friends’ and embark on a showmance instead in order to gain further media opportunities.

This led to Nathan’s heartbreak, before he ultimately decided to cut Lacey out of his life and block her number and all social media accounts.

Following the dramatic scenes, viewers flocked to X to share their support for Nathan as one gushed: “I wish I could give Nathan the biggest hug. You can see how genuinely upset he is. Bless his heart he really loved her – and she didn’t deserve him.”

Another echoed: “OMG in floods of tears watching Nathan. Lacey is crying because it’s the only way she can get out of it and deflect. She was LUCKY to have a man like him.” Someone else fumed: “Lacey girl, you need to give your head a wobble.”

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