Married At First Sight Interview: Emem & Ikechi Interview (Did The Cheating Scandal Impact Their Experience?)

MAFS season 18 has been under a serious amount of scrutiny from viewers, who are hopeful that things are changing for the series. After years of the Married At First Sight experts making unsuccessful matches that lead to relationships being called off long before Decision Day, viewers have been waiting for a change and hoping that the experts do something different. While Married At First Sight season 18 may not wind up being that different than the last seasons of the series in terms of drama, it’s possible there are couples who make it to the end and last.

Throughout the first episodes, the MAFS season 18 cast has slowly but surely been introduced and their weddings have been featured throughout the opening episodes. As viewers get to know the couples better, they’ve been hedging their bets on who will be part of the cheating scandal, and who will stay out of the drama. Though Ikechi was a MAFS groom that many were curious about pre-season, his match-up with Emem seems like a solid one. The couple took the time to chat with Screen Rant separately to share about their MAFS experiences and gave a few interesting hints.

Screen Rant: Why did you decide to apply for Married At First Sight?

Emem: I thought it would be an exciting experience. And I was open to the opportunity of meeting a great person with the help of the experts.

Ikechi: I’ve prayed to meet my wife, wrote a book to her, manifested her and MAFS seems to be a part of that manifestation.

Related

20 Best Reality TV Shows Right Now

Reality TV is more popular than ever. With so many to choose from, here are some of the best reality TV shows to stream or watch right now.

Screen Rant: What surprised you the most about the MAFS interview/screening process? Did it meet your expectations?

Emem: The MAFS screening process was intense! The questions they ask really cause you to do some soul-searching and determine whether MAFS is the right fit for you. If you aren’t committed to marriage the process will make it clear to you.

Ikechi: It was intense, the line of questioning was invasive, it had us prove family history and relationships, mental health and preference. It felt like I was taking the SAT of matchmaking.

Screen Rant: What was the most important thing you were looking for in a partner?

Emem: I was looking for authenticity. Someone who is respectful, dependable, intentional, and trusting. Someone who is ready to spend a lifetime with you, and create a family.

Ikechi: Someone with a kind heart, loves God and people, a true friend who I could see a lasting relationship with.

Screen Rant: What are three words you’d use to describe your Married At First Sight experience?

Emem: Wild, eye-opening, and introspective.

Ikechi: A rollercoaster ride of emotions.

Screen Rant: How has your outlook on MAFS changed since you’ve been part of the show?

Emem: My outlook has definitely changed since being a part of MAFS . This experience is not for the weak and if you are in it for the wrong reasons your relationship will not work. I believe MAFS searches for people ready to make a lifetime commitment and the happy couples who make it do so because they put in the work.

Ikechi: It’s proved to me that love still exists, and sometimes it doesn’t come how you’d expect it to.

Screen Rant: Is there anything you would change from what you were looking for a partner before you were matched up on MAFS?

Emem: There is nothing I would change in what I am looking for in a partner. I would likely be a bit more specific in my prayer and ask for someone who wants to start a family.

Ikechi: I would add some southern characteristics this go around.

Screen Rant: What’s one answer you gave that you think led the experts to match you with your MAFS spouse? Would you change that answer now?

Emem: I told the experts I wanted someone who was ready for marriage. I would not change that answer because being ready for marriage is key to nurturing a healthy future relationship. Mentally you have to make a decision to make your marriage work regardless of what life throws at you and I want someone who is willing to face those battles with me.

Ikechi: I believe I said I wanted someone that could take me out of my comfort zone, to maybe be more specific, I’d change that to someone who would be comfortable introducing me to her world and me introducing her to mine.

Based on the Danish version of the series, Married at First Sight is a reality show/social experiment that gives singles a chance to find a lifelong partnership with one particular caveat: they must agree to marry a stranger arranged the moment they meet. Experts provide counseling and guidance as they help couples navigate their new marriage with their unknown partner and highlight the journey of the newlyweds from wedding to honeymoon to beginning their new lives together. At the end of eight weeks, couples will decide to stay married or divorce.

Cast Pepper Schwartz , Calvin Roberson , Viviana Coles , Jessica Griffin , John Aiken , Mel Schilling , Alessandra Rampolla , Logan Levkoff , Joseph Cilona , Greg Epstein , Rachel DeAlto , DeVon Franklin , Pia Holec

Release Date July 8, 2014

Seasons 17

Writers Lotte Offenberg Bergqvist , Razor Rizzotti

Directors Charlie Mysak , Michael Fitzpatrick Lawrence Jr. , Nick Petrie

Showrunner Sam Dean