The dramatic tenth series of Married at First Sight UK concluded in November 2025, leaving viewers wondering which couples would stand the test of time. While the latest season saw four pairs deciding to continue their relationships, history shows that some matches truly do go the distance.
From TV Strangers to Real-Life Partners
The E4 reality phenomenon, where singles meet for the first time at the altar, has produced several surprising success stories. Guided by experts Mel Schilling, Paul C Brunson, and Charlene Douglas, these couples navigate the intense process of building a marriage from scratch, with cameras documenting their every move from honeymoons to heated therapy sessions.
Despite the high drama and frequent splits, a select group of couples have managed to transform their televised beginnings into genuine, long-lasting relationships. Here are the MAFS UK pairs who are still together as 2025 draws to a close.
Shona Manderson and Matt Pilmoor (Series 8)
This couple's story is one of the most unconventional in the show's history. Shona Manderson, 32, and Matt Pilmoor, 30, weren't originally matched. Shona was initially paired with Brad Skelly, but experts removed them from the process over concerns their relationship was becoming toxic. Matt joined the experiment later, matched with Adrienne Naylor.
By the reunion dinner, both their original marriages had ended, paving the way for a new connection to blossom between them. Shona perfectly captured their journey, telling OK! magazine: 'When you know, you know, and it just works.' The couple have since shared plans to marry and start a family.
Jenna Robinson and Zoe Clifton (Series 7)
Jenna Robinson, 34, and Zoe Clifton, 32, made history in the 2022 series as the first lesbian couple on MAFS UK. Their biggest challenge was Zoe adapting to Jenna's vegan lifestyle, but they worked through their differences to become the only surviving couple from their series.
Zoe explained to Metro: 'The problems we had in the experiment just weren't an issue when we were back in the real world.' Choosing to date like a 'normal couple' after the show, they removed their wedding bands to build their relationship organically. Their patience paid off when Zoe proposed in June 2025, with Jenna ecstatically announcing on Instagram her plans to 'marry my best friend instead of a stranger!' They plan a legal wedding in 2026.
Tayah and Adam Aveling (Series 6)
Since meeting on the 2021 series, Tayah and Adam Aveling have been inseparable. Their love story captivated viewers, with Adam, who had never been in a relationship before, declaring Tayah his 'first and last love' after just one week.
Adam, 29, proposed during the final vow renewal, and despite their legal wedding being delayed by the birth of their daughter, Beau Emily Aveling, in October 2022, they officially tied the knot in December 2023. Tayah described both her wedding day and Beau's birth as highlights, calling them 'the best day ever'. The family grew again in April 2025 with the arrival of their second child.
Michelle Walder and Owen Jenkins (Series 5)
Proving that some matches are built to last, Michelle Walder, 30, and Owen Jenkins, 36, are still going strong five years after meeting on the 2020 series. The couple, who share a joint Instagram account documenting their life together, recently welcomed their daughter Jess, whom they described as 'the best Christmas gift in the world'.
Their journey began in a pub, where Owen, after a few pints, saw an advert for the show on his phone. He joked to a friend, 'Wouldn't it be funny if I signed up?' A beer-inspired application later, and the rest is history. Michelle, meanwhile, applied after growing tired of dating apps. They announced they were expecting their first child in July 2025.
What About the 2025 Couples?
With the most recent series just concluding, it's too early to tell which couples will survive long-term. However, four pairs decided to continue their relationships after the cameras stopped rolling: Abigail and John, Leisha and Reiss, Rebecca and Bailey, and Davide and Keye.
Only time will tell if these modern marriages can join the ranks of the show's success stories, proving that sometimes, marrying a stranger can lead to finding a soulmate.
