John Aiken, the familiar face from the Australian version of Married At First Sight, has been confirmed as the new relationship expert for the upcoming series of MAFS UK. He steps in following Mel Schilling's departure after she received a terminal cancer diagnosis.
Aiken, a psychologist and former cricketer, has appeared on all 13 seasons of MAFS Australia, including the 2026 series currently airing in the UK. He joins Paul C Brunson and Charlene Douglas on the UK panel, with Schilling's blessing.
Channel 4 announced: 'MAFS UK is currently filming and, with Mel's blessing, her good friend and fellow MAFS Australia expert, John Aiken, has done us the great favour of stepping in for her for this series.'
Aiken was born in Sydney but moved to New Zealand at age 12. He played cricket for Auckland and Wellington before training as a relationship specialist. He has been married to former news reporter Kelly Swanson-Roe since 2007, and they have two children.
