Married at First Sight UK spoilers follow.
From the very start, we knew Ella would be a standout contestant on the 2023 series of Married at First Sight UK, and she has certainly not disappointed. From her feathery unicorn hen do entrance to her quips about loving 'turkey teeth', she's got all the makings of a lasting, iconic TV personality.
In some of the more recent episodes of MAFS UK, the main focus largely surrounded her flirtationship with JJ — another groom, decidedly not her own show husband Nathanial. As the drama-filled scenes played out on our screens, Ella spoke about the waves of transphobic abuse and "hate messages" she's been receiving in response.
"My transition has nothing to do with what happened... It is entirely irrelevant," Ella said.
It's an obvious truth, but one that Ella has sadly felt compelled to underline.
One of MAFS UK's resident relationship experts, Paul C Brunson, also issued a statement to condemn the "hate speech" seen on the cast's personal social media accounts. As he rightly pointed out, opinions on the show's happenings are one thing, but harmful, abusive messages cross a line. The transphobia that Ella has experienced turns the collective enjoyment surrounding the MAFS UK viewing experience into something sinister.
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There's no denying that Ella's involvement in this series of MAFS has been history-making, marking the first time a trans contestant has been featured. Given the current climate for transgender people in the UK, there was a predictable backlash from some when the lineup announcement was made. But Ella's casting was, of course, a long-overdue cause for celebration and a big talking point as the series kicked off.
That being said, reality television and its viewing audience have a nasty habit of placing a higher standard on those from marginalised communities. Should they dare to do something controversial or divisive, audiences can be quicker to turn against them. We have been seeing this play out once again in real time.
Related: Why Ella's coming out speech on MAFS UK was so significant
We're not saying you have to gel with Ella or agree with how things have played out on the show, but that opinion should have absolutely nothing to do with her being trans.
Sadly, however, it seems that some who may have been harbouring negative views from Ella's initial casting now appear to be using the show's 'cheating' storyline as a vehicle to vocalise those opinions.
But this fails to recognise that Ella is so much more than her identity. She is witty, outspoken, smart and stylish — everything you look for in an entertaining reality TV cast member, and the real reason we're so pleased to see her back on the show now.
Sure, Peggy's continued obsession with Georges' squats has us all rolling our eyes. And Tasha calling Erica a "tramp" will undoubtedly be added to MAFS' most shocking moments hall of fame.
But, like her or not, Ella has well and truly delivered when it comes to the entertainment factor, and her impact on this series is undeniable. Without Ella and her speed-texting, the last dinner party's explosive scenes would never have been ignited — and viewers widely hailed that episode as this series' official arrival.
Couple-swap storylines are also nothing new on MAFS, and some of the show's most memorable and watchable contestants over the years have been involved in them. Remember Ines from MAFS Australia? The sharp-tongued bride was divisive, but she can absolutely be credited for our lockdown binge-watches when the show first came to the UK. And then there was Jessika Power, who became the first to be allowed to re-enter the experiment with a different groom.
There's a reason that this keeps happening. It makes for good telly. It gets a buzzy conversation going. It has us tuning in for more.
And if you needed any further proof of Ella's watchability, MAFS UK wasn't about to let one of its biggest personalities go for too long. After one episode away, she's back and already serving.
As for whether or not Ella and JJ are still together now, we'll just have to wait and see...
Married at First Sight UK airs on E4 in the UK. Married at First Sight Australia airs on Nine Network in Australia and E4 in the UK.
TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK's biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world's oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).
