Married at First Sight Australia star says dramatic new E4 series 'is hard to watch'

Married at First Sight expert Mel Schilling has vowed the new Aussie show will be even more sensational than the bed-hopping series which gripped UK audiences during the first lockdown.

Airing this week Down Under, it’s coming soon to E4 and set to rival the scandalous series which saw Jessika Power ditch hubby Mick Gould for a short-lived romance with co-star Dan Webb.

Mel says: “This year there were events that grew into chaos – factions, different camps that were built. The friction in the group was next level – some of it was quite hard to watch.

“It’s different from others in terms of the group dynamic. Every year the group takes on a new character.

“And of course there were love stories and also some funny characters you’ll have a giggle watching.”

Following Mel’s success in Australia, she was poached for a revamp of the UK series last year – and it proved such a hit, she’s upping sticks to stay on the panel with love guru Paul C Brunson and sex and relationship therapist Charlene Douglas.

Speaking from her home in Oz, Mel revealed: “I’m moving to London in March so you’re going to see a lot more of me.

“My hubby is from Belfast so we thought, give it a go.

“I’m coming to the UK to give you some very direct and honest Aussie feedback as only an Aussie can.

She added: “Sometimes you need a dose of tough love.

“I will miss my family and friends but I don’t mind cold weather.”

Coming from the opposite side of the world, psychologist Mel has noticed differences between British and Aussie dating styles.

The 50-year-old said: “Aussies have a similar approach to love and relationships.

“In the UK, because of the incredible diversity, not only can they have a different accent but also different views on relationships.

“I’m on a steep learning curve in the UK.”

The most recent British series heavily lifted the Aussie format, with commitment ceremonies replacing legal weddings and weekly dinner parties with other couples, which introduced cheating – and rows.

Mel explained: “This experiment started in Denmark and was an observational documentary-style, very straight, serious show.

“The Aussies turned it into something else.

“The UK one has borrowed heavily from all of the format points from the Aussie one, which was essentially supersized.”

MAFS UK star Nikita Jasmine and Aussie contestant Jessika are currently starring in E4’s Celebs Go Dating, where Paul C Brunson is again dishing out relationship advice.

“It’s nice to see my former MAFS ladies are being looked after by a fellow friend of mine,” Mel expressed.

The contestants have been blasted for being fame-hungry but Mel believes they go into it with the best intentions.

She said: “It’s a common criticism of this show that people are in it for fame rather than love.

“You can be looking for both. We do our best to ensure people are authentic.

“Sometimes motivations change throughout the experiment. We essentially fast-track relationships so it’s not usual for them to behave in unpredictable ways. We’re constantly surprised at what comes out.”

As for her own desires, Mel hopes by being Blighty-based she can show off more of her other talents.

The expert revealed: “Strictly is definitely of interest.

“I have a dance background so I would love to do it – give me sequins and a high kick any day.

“I’ve written a book about confidence which is going to be published in the UK in September.

“Confidence is my passion and what I love to teach people and talk about.”

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk