The popular E4 dating series, Married at First Sight UK, returned for its tenth season on Sunday, September 21, introducing a new group of strangers ready to marry individuals they had never met. Dating experts Paul C. Brunson, Melanie Schilling, and Charlene Douglas guided the process, aiming to prove that superficial appearances are not the most important factor in a relationship. In a twist to the usual format, the episode began with the brides and grooms attending their separate hen and stag parties.

Among the participants was Sarah, a 31-year-old from Aberdeen, who candidly shared her emotional past. She admitted a tendency to be drawn to 'red flags' in previous relationships. During her reflections, Sarah revealed the profound loss of her mother to alcoholism when she was just 22, expressing how her father became her absolute rock and world. She described taking on a carer role at a young age due to her mother's struggles and shared the comfort she takes from her mother being at peace. At her hen party, Sarah teared up, noting how difficult it was to attend such events without her mum, knowing she would have been incredibly proud and buzzing for her. Viewers at home expressed immense empathy for Sarah, wishing her success and commending her good heart.

The first couple to walk down the aisle was Sarah and Dean, a 31-year-old self-declared 'hopeless romantic' from Feltham with a diverse career background including darts player, stand-up comedian, and magician. Despite Dean telling Sarah she looked beautiful and her acknowledging the wildness of the situation, Sarah privately confessed to the cameras that she 'doesn’t fancy Dean'. Dean, in his vows, expressed eagerness to discover everything about her on their 'crazy journey'. However, things took a turn when Dean unveiled a 'surprise' and performed a rap song about Sarah, despite never having met her. Sarah found the rap 'over the top' and admitted it 'put her off', stating she didn’t want to 'rip his clothes off'. Dean, oblivious to her true feelings, was delighted with his performance, believing Sarah was 'loving it' and the 'vibe test was off the scale'. Viewers on X (formerly Twitter) largely sided with Sarah, labeling the rap 'very cringe' and admitting they 'got the ick'.

In stark contrast, the episode also featured the wedding of Keye, a 33-year-old marketing manager, and Davide, a 33-year-old cabin crew worker from Portugal. Davide's primary concern was his mother's approval, which he thankfully received when she attended the wedding. Keye, a London native, contemplated revealing his past marriage. In their heartfelt vows, Davide expressed hope and excitement for their fairytale to find a happy ending, while Keye spoke of closing eyes and jumping into the unknown, promising to navigate any challenges together. Following their reception, Keye disclosed to Davide that he had married his first boyfriend at 19, a relationship that ended in divorce after seven years due to his ex-husband's infidelity. Davide responded with understanding and reassurance, sharing that he had also been engaged in the past and acknowledging that both would need reassurance but would 'be fine'. Viewers were captivated by this couple, flocking to X to express their delight, calling them 'too darn cute' and 'grinning like fools', and expressing high hopes for their marriage to succeed.

The tenth season of Married at First Sight UK thus commenced with a mix of emotional depth and contrasting romantic starts, setting the stage for what promises to be an engaging series for fans.