'Married At First Sight' UK's Leah Breaks New Ground with First Femme-Femme Couple in Show's History

"Married at First Sight UK" has returned for its tenth season with a landmark moment in LGBTQIA+ media visibility: the inclusion of two same-sex couples, among them the show’s first femme-femme relationship, starring 35-year-old Liverpudlian business owner Leah . The move is hailed as a significant step forward in showcasing the diversity of queer love beyond traditional television tropes.

Since its inception, MAFS UK has steadily increased its LGBTQIA+ representation. Earlier seasons featured trailblazing moments, such as the show’s first gay couple, Matt Jameson and Daniel McKee, in 2021, and its first lesbian pairing, Jenna Robinson and Zoe Clifton, a year later . While not all these relationships have endured, their visibility has contributed to shifting public perceptions of queer relationships in the UK.

Season ten’s inclusion of two same-sex couples marks a new high, reflecting growing calls for authentic, intersectional representation. Leah’s pairing, specifically, breaks fresh ground as the first femme-femme couple in the franchise’s history, challenging the stereotype that lesbian couples must fit into “masc-femme” dynamics .

Leah, whose previous dating history was exclusively with men until her mid-twenties, shared her journey of self-discovery and coming out with DIVA Magazine. Recalling her “Katy Perry moment,” Leah described how a serendipitous encounter at a bar led her to realize her attraction to women. This pivotal experience was followed by an emotional coming out to her family the very next day .

When approached to join MAFS UK, Leah specifically requested to be matched with a woman, trusting the show’s relationship experts to find her a partner with whom she could forge a deep connection. "I feel like I connect a lot more on a deeper level with a woman. As we got through the experience and I’d hear the girls talk about intimacy with the men, I realised that I don’t talk about men like that,” Leah explained, adding that the process helped her better understand her own identity .

Though most would be nervous about marrying a stranger on national television, Leah described her anticipation as one of excitement. “I was just so excited. I was like a puppy dog to do it. I couldn’t wait to meet who it was, so the nerves weren’t really there,” she told DIVA . The only moment of anxiety, she recalled, came just before the ceremony.

Leah’s presence on the show is more than just personal; it is a deliberate act of visibility for queer women, particularly those who do not fit into traditional “masc-femme” binaries. “I think it cuts all stereotypes. In lesbian relationships you see , there’s often a masc and a femme. It’s important to show all relationships as diverse as they can be,” Leah emphasized .

The significance of this representation was underscored during Leah’s pre-wedding interactions with Keye, one half of the season’s second same-sex couple. Keye expressed relief upon meeting Leah at the stag event, recognizing that he was not alone as an LGBTQIA+ participant in the process . Their experiences highlight the need for inclusive spaces even within LGBTQIA+ representation on television.

Leah’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of authentic storytelling. “I want to give people a real-life representation of same-sex couples and how authentic they can be,” she told DIVA, expressing hope that her participation would inspire others who may not see themselves reflected in mainstream narratives .

Previous same-sex couples on MAFS UK have experienced varied outcomes. While some, such as Zoe and Jenna, continue to share their lives together, others have parted ways but remain part of the show’s growing legacy of LGBTQIA+ inclusion .

The visibility of diverse queer relationships on a mainstream platform like MAFS UK has a ripple effect beyond entertainment. As Leah observed, “It’s amazing to see the celebration of the progress that has been made.” She hopes the series will not only entertain but also educate and open minds, changing the way viewers perceive queer love and relationships .

The show continues to air daily on E4 and is available for streaming on Channel 4, offering audiences the opportunity to follow Leah’s journey, along with those of other LGBTQIA+ participants, as they navigate the challenges and joys of finding love in the most unconventional of circumstances .

As the series unfolds, Leah’s story sets a new standard for inclusive, nuanced, and affirming LGBTQIA+ representation on reality television—reminding viewers that every love story is unique, and every identity deserves to be seen.