The third season of Married at First Sight NZ is just about here, and today the new batch of hopeful singles has been unveiled.
Earlier this week we got a sneak peek when the rather chaotic trailer was released. With the brides and grooms falling over tables and one bride even getting shunted by another, hopefully the disastrous trailer isn’t a prelude of what’s to come.
Experts Tony Jones and Stephanie Dowse are back for another season, and are hoping they’re able to deliver more lasting unions following on from the success of Brett and Angel in season one and Dan and Yuki in season two.
“Tony and I had a great dynamic last year – kind of like good cop and better cop!” Stephanie says.
“We used all our shared knowledge and experience to make matches we really think have a fighting chance of blossoming first on TV and of course in the real world.
“Dan and Yuki’s happy union is proof that the matching process, coupled with individuals being up front with who they are and open to the process, can produce a happy ending.
“I can’t wait to see how this season’s hopefuls fare, and I look forward to supporting them on this exciting new journey.”
The new cast of Married at First Sight NZ.
Tony hopes that experience from the previous series’ will put him in good stead for the third.
“As an expert I’ve learned a lot over the past couple of seasons – and it’s fair to say the audience and the applicants have too,” he says.
“This year I’ve stuck to my values of aligning core values, beliefs and personality types during the matching process, but I’m stoked to be able to say that in general the quality of the singles who have put their hands up for the experiment this year has been exceptional.
“They’ve got big hearts, big personalities, and are ready to put it all out there for the chance to find love.”
So let’s find out who these brave individuals are.
Carmen Stimpson, 25, Auckland
Carmen has been single for three years and in that time she’s figured out what makes her happy. Now she’s ready to share her life with someone special.
She’s a positive person who loves Harry Potter films and reggae music, and she’s looking for a partner who is honest, fun, loyal and up for exploring. Spontaneous road trips are a plus.
Her friends describe her as weird, funny, a bit crazy, but ultimately loving. Deal breakers include not liking kids and not getting along with her family.
A pastry chef who absolutely loves food, Carmen’s potential groom can expect to be treated to more than a few culinary delights.
Carmen firmly believes in love at first sight, and she’ll be looking for a spark when she meets her groom at the altar.
Christopher Wilson, 55, Auckland
Christopher grew up in Nelson but now calls Auckland home. Nelson still holds a special place in his heart though, and the Creative Director counts Nelson Lakes as his favourite place in the world.
It was actually his children who signed him up for Married at First Sight. While he’s fearless when it comes to adventure and is very much an outdoors type, his biggest fear in life is failing.
He’s a romantic at heart is looking for a soulmate. Someone he can share the rest of his life with, and wants a woman who is daring, smart, loving and honest. Chris’ type is petite and exotic with a ‘natural radiance.’
Victoria Fuller, 27, Auckland
Born in Durban, South Africa, Vicky has lived in Rotorua and Dunedin before settling in Auckland with her parents.
The primary school teacher is an adventurous spirit and keen explorer whose friends would describe her as the life of the party.
Vicky has a degree in psychology and completely believes in love at first sight. She’s looking for a man with humour, honesty and good family values. Her type is tall and broad and arrogance is a major turn off for her.
Jonathan Trenberth, 31, Auckland
Born in Tauranga and raised in Christchurch, marketing and communications manager Jono, as he’s known to his friends, now calls Auckland home.
Ask his friends what he’s like and they’d describe him as a bit of a dork who is friendly and charming. Quite the Harry Potter fan, he even sports four Harry Potter inspired tattoos.
The quirks don’t end there, as Jono reveals he’s a bit of a clown and can juggle, walk on stilts and eat fire.
He’s looking for someone who is confident, kind, warm, funny and smart and says that while he is hoping he’ll be attracted to his new bride, he knows that beauty fades and personality is more important.
Aimee Collins, 34, Auckland
Originally from Hamilton, Aimee lived in Canada for four years and now resides in Auckland.
She’s a risk-taker and always on the go – demonstrated by the fact that she’s currently learning Portugese and the guitar and has also trained in Jiu Jitsu and martial arts for the last five years.
A successful sales manager and business owner, Aimee is looking for a good communicator who is ambitious and generous. She’s attracted to a great smile, as well as someone who is tall and sporty.
Aimee is driven to succeed and she’s looking for that trait in a partner too. She’s hoping to be matched with someone who will make her laugh and share her interest in health and wellbeing.
Stefaan Nes, 26, Auckland
Stefaan is originally from Palmerston North but now lives in Auckland.
The pool technician and self-described daredevil and adrenaline junkie counts spending $25,000 on a jet ski as one of his proudest achievements. In his spare time he enjoys – you guessed it – jet-skiing – as well as road trips and playing sports.
He admits that he’s been unlucky in love in the past, and his biggest dating disaster came when, while out on a hike, he stripped naked and and jumped into a freezing water hole. The embarrassing part came when his date ran off with his clothes.
While he’s never been in love, he’s absolutely ready for it and plans to throw himself head first into the experiment. His friends describe him as goofy, active and loyal.
Stefaan is looking for a partner who shares his adventurous spirit and love of the outdoors. A sense of humour and someone who is motivated will get the tick, while indecisiveness, lack of ambition and laziness will not.
He’s taken advice from his family to heart; keep a open mind and don’t expect to fall in love straight away.
Rosemary Cruickshank, 45, Napier
Rose is a self-employed eyelash extension stylist. A mother to three daughters, she’s a big reality TV fan and counts her favourite shows as Married at First Sight, The Block and The Bachelor and Bachelorette.
Rose’s friends describe her as gentle kind and genuine.
She firmly believes in love at first sight. This wedding will be her fourth, and she’s hopeful the experts can find her someone she can settle down with.
She’s looking for someone kind, empathetic, compassionate and affectionate and she values loyalty and trust above all else. Someone willing to compromise is also important.
Turn-offs include smoking, baldness and a big ego.
James Hardy, 29, Christchurch
Now a telecommunications technician, James once worked for Queen Elizabeth II while he was living overseas. Interestingly, he counts returning to New Zealand from Europe as his biggest regret.
James is looking for someone who is genuine and easy-going and someone with a good heart. While he doesn’t believe in love at first sight, he’s optimistic about finding a lifelong match.
He’s hoping his future partner likes to travel, as he’d like to take them to his favourite places in the world – Croatia and Greece.
Oh, and must love dogs. James’ pooch is called Fred.
Chris Mansfield, 39, Auckland
Brand Ambassador Chris lives in Auckland now, but grew up in Christchurch. Described as a modern day Peter Pan by friends, he’s looking for someone to share his busy life with.
He wants his partner to be his best friend, someone he can completely be himself with. He’s looking for “a smile that lights up the room with eyes you get lost in,” and ideally wants someone who is independent and confident.
Chris values loyalty and honesty more than anything and believes that in order to be in love, you need to first understand what is in their heart and head.
Anna Saxton, 25, Cambridge
Singer/songwriter Anna divides her time between Cambridge and Los Angeles.
She describes her biggest regret as staying in an unhappy relationship. Not one to make the same mistake twice, she’s hoping to now settle down with someone she can truly fall in love with.
Anna is hoping to be matched with a tall, dark and handsome man that she feels instant “good vibes” from.
Her friends describe her as caring, courageous, fun and kind. Her ideal partner would be ambitious, funny, honest and would make her coffee in the morning with no complaints.
Raymond Wedlake, 31, Christchurch
Curtain and blind installer Ray wants the experts to take control of his love life and deliver him his perfect match.
He’s looking for someone who is honest, confident and affectionate and isn’t afraid to be themselves. His biggest fear is being hurt or betrayed emotionally.
Family is important to him, and when his brother passed away he grew up quickly in order to support his parents, something he’s extremely proud of.
His mates describe him as down to earth, fun, loyal and generous. While he’s looking for a partner who is keen for a good time, he also wants someone who can handle the more serious conversations.
Nice teeth and a warm smile will capture his immediate attention, and he believes lust at first sight can evolve into something more. If you’re judgemental or rude you’re not Ray’s cup of tea.
Jordan Dare, 26, Foxton
Down to earth Jordan is from the small town of Foxton, near Palmerston North. He’s been in love before and he’s hoping MAFS will find it for him again.
The light fabrication engineer is looking for a kind, honest and outgoing partner. He usually goes for someone who is fit.
His friends would describe him as reliable and honest, and honesty is a big thing because he values that, as well as respect and trust, above all else.
He’s a bit of a speed demon and likes to race cars in his spare time and will even be taking a break from filming to travel to the UK to compete in a stock car event next month.
While he doesn’t have any deal breakers as such, he’s not keen on anyone that smokes, has poor manners or has lack of direction.
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