The producers of MAFS UK honestly deserve a medal because somehow, every single series manages to top the last. And with speculation that one of this year’s brides might have her eyes on someone else, it feels like only a matter of time before we see another shocking couple swap.
Sarah’s wedding to Dean was painful to watch, and plenty of people think her head is going to turn towards Joe, who just so happens to be her usual type – tattooed, a bit of a bad boy, and far more her vibe than her husband.
Sarah just sneaking over to make sure she can talk to Joe, then mention her type (basically him) and then pull this face.
Just add in a cackle for the perfect bitch combo #MAFSUK pic.twitter.com/KsqXp0mlAW— Richard Hunter (@tricky308) September 29, 2025
So while we wait to see whether sparks will fly in the current season, let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive the wildest couple swaps in MAFS UK history.
Anthony Poole and Alexis Economou
Credit: Channel 4
The first ever recoupling on MAFS UK set the tone for all the scandals that followed. Anthony Poole and Nikita Jasmine were doomed from the start, with Nikita quickly deciding he wasn’t her type. She was eventually removed from the show, leaving Ant to cross paths with Alexis Economou, who’d split from Jordon Mundell. Ant and Alexis gave it a go, but Alexis admitted she felt unwanted and ended things. Still, their decision paved the way for every wild recoupling that came after.
Matt Pilmoor and Shona Manderson
Credit: Channel 4
Absolutely nobody predicted this pairing. Shona Manderson and Brad Skelly were told to leave by producers after concerns about their relationship, while Matt Pilmoor and Adrienne Naylor couldn’t make things work either. But the real shock came at the 2023 reunion when Shona and Matt rocked up holding hands. Two years later, they’re still going strong, proving sometimes the chaos can lead to the real deal.
Ella Morgan and JJ Slater
Credit: Channel 4
Series seven gave us one of the most infamous swaps. Ella’s marriage to Nathanial Valentino combusted almost instantly, while JJ made it clear he wasn’t into his match Bianca Petronzi. Sparks flew during a spa day, the pair shared a kiss, and all hell broke loose. Nathanial and Bianca quit, and in true MAFS fashion, Ella and JJ later returned as a new couple. Sadly, by the final commitment ceremony, they too had gone their separate ways.
Matt Murray and Whitney Hughes
Credit: Channel 4
The 2022 season gave us another explosive switch-up. Matt Murray was paired with Gemma Rose, while Whitney Hughes was with Duka Cavolli. But behind the scenes, Matt and Whitney started seeing each other. The truth came out in front of everyone during a dinner party, leaving Gemma humiliated and most of the table fuming. They did try to rejoin the experiment as a couple, but like so many MAFS romances, it didn’t survive in the real world.
Hannah Norburn and Orson Nurse
Credit: Channel 4
From day one, Hannah and Stephen Nolson were a disaster. Their honeymoon rows set the tone, and soon Hannah’s attention shifted towards Orson Nurse, who was matched with Richelle Cade. At one commitment ceremony it was revealed Hannah and Orson had kissed. Both pairs exited the experiment, but later, producers invited Hannah and Orson back as a couple, proving the drama really never ends.
If the rumours about Sarah and Joe are true, it looks like history could be about to repeat itself all over again.
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Featured image credit: Channel 4
