Entertainment
Married At First Sight UK expert Paul Brunson explains decision to bring Matt and Whitney back despite backlash from viewers: ‘It was not unanimous’-Sabrina Barr-Entertainment – Metro
Paul said he ‘respects’ if fans don’t want to watch the show anymore.
Fans were left in shock after Matt and Whitney struck up a romance (Picture: E4)
Married At First Sight UK expert Paul Brunson has addressed the highly-contested decision to allow Matt Murray and Whitney Hughes to return to the process after viewers lashed out at the move.
On Thursday evening, fans of the E4 programme were left fuming after learning that Matt and Whitney were permitted to come back as a new couple after their respective partners, Gemma Rose and Duka Cav, left the show.
The trio of experts – Paul, Mel Schilling and Charlene Douglas – decided to let Matt and Whitney back in after being convinced by the new couple, which some people said ‘ruined the whole concept of the show’ and others said ‘condoned cheating’.
In a statement published on Twitter, Paul – who’s also known for lending his expertise on Celebs Go Dating – explained that a number of people both in front of and behind the camera were in charge of making the decision.
He tweeted in response to someone who asked: ‘@PaulCBrunson please explain the rationale behind allowing two toxic people to treat their partners so badly yet be allowed to rejoin the experiment and, in doing so, condoning their toxic and harmful behaviour? I thought you were better than this.’
He replied: ‘Whenever a major decision is made on any TV show, it is made with input from many people (who are on and off camera).
‘The decision to bring Matt & Whitney back was hotly debated and not unanimous.’
Paul continued, emphasising how in the end, the decision was made ‘collectively’ as a ‘team’.
Many fans were not happy with the decision made by Charlene, Mel and Paul (Picture: Matt Monfredi Ltd/Channel 4)
‘However, as experts and production, we are collectively a team, and if the majority wants to move in a direction, we all move,’ he stated.
‘That’s what a team does. If this decision has caused you to lose your desire to continue watching the series, I respect your decision.’
Matt’s ex Gemma has received an outpouring of support from fans after the events that unfolded (Picture: E4)
Despite his explanation, several viewers still expressed their anger over Matt and Whitney’s return, while others admitted they thought it was the ‘right decision’.
‘I’m sorry Paul, but I’ve got to point out that the programme is called Married At First Sight UK. Not Cheating At First Sight nor Dating At First Sight,’ one person responded.
‘I thought the experiment was to see if experts could match couples. Matt and Whitney haven’t been matched by the experts, they’ve matched themselves in a workplace relationship so they are not part of your experiment. If they stay together you can’t claim success for the experts,’ another remarked.
Someone else shared that they would no longer be watching the series, writing: ‘You’ve all made a huge error and discredited your show and personal integrity.’
Meanwhile, another person wrote: ‘I’m glad you kept them in. I wanna see how they progress. I wasn’t surprised they stayed tbh it happens a lot in Australia series and it normally works out fine in the end one big happy family. It’s entertaining it’s showbiz.’
Married At First Sight UK continues on Monday at 9pm on E4 and All 4.
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