WATCHING the mother of the bride scramble to save her daughter’s dress from going up in flames at the altar, I can’t help wondering if this might be a bad omen.
I’m not a doomsday kind of person, but this isn’t your usual big day – this is a Married At First Sight wedding!
Like millions of Brits, every autumn I’m glued to the drama dished up on the E4 show as complete strangers throw a grenade into their lives by agreeing to marry a complete stranger.
For some it’s a match made in heaven; for others it’s a first class ticket to chaos. And for viewers it’s utterly addictive.
But what’s it really like attending a MAFS wedding? Do the couple really not meet before? And is it all a big set-up?
After getting a front row seat to the action I can safely say it’s as surreal and bonkers behind the scenes as it seems on camera…
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The wedding I attended was between Erica, a 25-year-old dance teacher from Scotland, and Jordan, 26, a personal trainer from Sheffield.
Dubbed ‘the intruders’, they are one of four new couples who fans met in Thursday night's episode.
Behind the scenes it’s like a military operation keeping the couple apart so that the first time they clap eyes on each other is genuinely at the bottom of the aisle.
Crew members plot their every move through crackling walkie-talkies to make sure they don't cross paths, doors are locked and windows are blacked out in case anyone’s tempted to try and get a sneak peek at proceedings.
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