Married at First Sight UK praised after show's first ever deaf contestant is revealed

The fresh-faced line-up of this year's Married At First Sight UK contestants have finally been announced today, just weeks ahead of the 2024 series premiere.

And among the long list of this year's stars is one particularly special contestant - a groom named Ross - whose presence on the show marks a series' first.

Fans of the vow-exchanging, drink-hurling reality show were given a first glimpse at two of this year's stars last month, after a teaser showed a groom named Kieran pulling a prank on his wife-to-be Kristina as she arrived down the aisle.

Since then, Channel 4 viewers have been dying to know who else will be tying the knot in this year's series.

And today, their prayers were finally answered after bosses released a look at each and every one of the 2024 instalment's brides and grooms.

Among them is 31-year-old fitness coach Eve, who only realised she was a lesbian after getting betrothed to a man, 28-year-old operations worker Alex, who is determined to ditch his 'man about town' reputation in a bid to find 'the One', and 24-year-old engineer Nathan, this year's youngest contestant.

As well as Kristina and Eve, there are seven more brides hoping to bag their happily ever after, and joining Kieran, Alex and Nathan as this year's grooms are four others, all desperately seeking 'Mrs Right'.

The 2024 MAFS line-up has been released (Channel 4)

As we say, however, the presence of one groom in particular marks a MAFS UK milestone when it comes to representation and inclusivity.

We are, of course, talking about 32-year-old Ross, a painter and decorator from Manchester who also happens to be the first deaf contestant to appear on the show.

Born deaf and a wearer of two hearing aids, Ross isn't just hoping that a stint on the reality hit will help him in his endeavour to meet his perfect match, but he hopes to raise awareness and highlight the experiences of deaf people.

The move from producers to include a deaf contestant in this year's line-up hasn't gone unnoticed by fans of the show.

And after the announcement was made, The Royal National Institute for Deaf People released a statement, explaining how vital it is that Ross takes part.

Teri Devine, Director for Inclusion at RNID told press: "1 in 3 adults in the UK are deaf or have hearing loss.

Ross is MAFSUK's first ever deaf contestant (Channel 4)

"Our latest research showed that more than two thirds of our communities say they have experienced negative attitudes or behaviours.

"And over half of survey participants reported regularly being excluded from conversations, with people saying ‘it doesn’t matter’ when they struggle to understand what is being said."

Teri added: "We hope this new series of MAFS will show ‘it does matter’ and shine a light on how very simple it is for everyone to make changes in the way they communicate and ensure deaf people and people with hearing loss are included."

The news comes exactly three years after Tasha Ghouri made history Love Island's first deaf contestant.

And the same year, back in 2021, EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis was crowned the Strictly Come Dancing champion, becoming the show's first ever deaf dancer.

Married at First Sight UK 2024 kicks off this month on E4.