Married at First Sight UK's Paul C Brunson has defended the experts following fan criticism online.
Paul is one of three experts on the UK edition of the popular reality series — alongside Charlene Douglas and Mel Schilling — which is currently airing on Channel 4.
Following last night's (October 1) dramatic dinner party episode, the relationship expert responded to fan criticism on X (formerly Twitter), clarifying a misconception with his Married at First Sight role.
Related: MAFS expert reveals couple are "willing to fight" despite rocky start
"Experts need to stop this nonsense pretending they don’t see any footage and start outing people like Eve to the group #MAFSUK," read one user's tweet.
Paul replied: "For the record, we don’t see any footage. This is what makes it so challenging for us. We only see what happens at the dinner parties and commitment ceremonies.
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"Everything else we see for the first time with you when the show airs."
Related: Married at First Sight UK shares first-look at new brides joining 2024 series
Following Paul's tweet, another fan questioned how the experts not seeing all the footage can actually "help the couples".
The MAFS expert then explained how his role is no different to a regular relationship therapist.
"It's similar to when you and your partner visit a counselor [sic] or therapist," he responded. "They don't witness the day-to-day moments of your life; they can only work with what is shared during your sessions."
Paul went on to assure that while the experts aren't present at all times of filming, a welfare team is provided "to support the couples throughout the entire experiment".
Related: MAFS UK groom questions experts in first commitment ceremony
The dinner party saw tears from Charlie after Polly pulled the bride for a chat about her relationship with friend Eve.
Polly accused Charlie of being "a little bit of a bully" for her treatment of Eve, based on Eve's account of what their relationship has been like behind the scenes.
Charlie was visibly shocked at the allegation and asked where this viewpoint was coming from, with Polly confirming it was just her who had used that word.
Charlie left the room where she burst into tears and was comforted by partner Eve, later returning to the dinner party.
Polly then approached Charlie and apologised for calling her a bully, expressing regret for not having not heard Charlie's side of the story.
After the episode's broadcast, Polly also shared a statement on her Instagram Stories confirming that she "and the other girls did apologise profusely to Charlie" and that they are on good terms since filming.
Viewers are set to see the aftermath of events in tonight's commitment ceremony.
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.
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Emily is an experienced freelance entertainment writer and editor, reporting on all things TV, film, soaps and showbiz. An NCTJ-qualified journalist, with a First Class Honours degree in Journalism from the University of Sussex, Emily is a former Deputy News Editor and Evening News Editor at Digital Spy. She has previously worked at Hello magazine, BBC South News and GoodtoKnow.
A small and big-screen obsessive – with subscriptions to every TV and film service under the sun – Emily knows her movie stars from soap stars, and is always clued up on the latest reality show dumping, just-dropped trailer or off-screen spat. She's interviewed a number of celebrities over the years, with highlights including The Masked Singer host Joel Dommett and GMB's Kate Garraway (who "loved" her trousers).
Emily counts Sharon Horgan and Julia Davis as her TV heroes, and is a loyal Wes Anderson fan. LinkedIn
