In a dramatic shake-up that will stun reality TV fans, Channel 4 has pulled the plug on Married at First Sight UK for its 2025 schedule, the Mirror can exclusively reveal.
The broadcaster has decided to "rest" the hugely popular social experiment next year as part of a major strategic overhaul of its programming. This bombshell decision means viewers will not see a new series of the show, where strangers marry at first sight, next year.
A Strategic Pause, Not a Permanent Goodbye
Sources indicate this is being treated as a strategic pause rather than a permanent cancellation. A Channel 4 spokesperson confirmed the news, stating: "Married at First Sight UK will be taking a year's rest in 2025 as we look to give some of our other returning reality shows a chance to shine."
This move is part of a wider content strategy to refresh the channel's offerings and provide space for other formats to build their audiences.
What Will Fill the Void on E4?
The void left by MAFS UK on E4's prized 9 PM slot will be filled by other returning reality favourites. The channel is expected to ramp up its commitment to shows like:
- My Mum, Your Dad: The hit dating show hosted by Jane McDonald.
- The Real Dirty Dancing: The reality contest that recreates the iconic film.
- Potential new formats yet to be announced.
This shift aims to diversify the channel's reality portfolio and prevent audience fatigue from a single franchise.
Fan Reactions and Future Prospects
The decision is likely to provoke a strong reaction from the show's dedicated fanbase, who have followed the often-dramatic relationships and expert analyses from Paul C. Brunson and Charlene Douglas. The show has been a consistent ratings winner for E4, making this hiatus a significant gamble.
While there is no confirmation of the show's return in 2026, the phrasing of a "year's rest" strongly suggests producers hope to bring the social experiment back in the future, potentially refreshed and reinvented for a new audience.
