Love Is Blind UK praised for 'mature' cast and showing open conversations about fertility after Netflix show was blasted by fans for grilling contestants about pregnancy plans
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Love Is Blind UK has been praised for casting more 'mature' contestants and for showing open conversations about fertility struggles.
The Netflix show previously came under fire for constantly grilling contestants about pregnancy plans during the US 2023 series.
But fans appear to be enjoying the new series as they believe the cast, who are all above the age of 27, are 'actually looking for love and not fame' after watching them have deep conversation about the future.
One couple who had an open conversation about starting a family is Steven, 37, and Sabrina, 35, who were the first couple to get engaged and meet face-to-face.
The pair were going from strength-to-strength until the conversation of children came-up.
Love Is Blind UK has been praised for casting more 'mature' contestants and for showing open conversations about fertility struggles
One couple who had an open conversation about starting a family is Steven, 37, and Sabrina, 35, who were the first couple to get engaged and meet face-to-face
While Steven said he was keen to have children, Sabrina admitted she didn't 'need' to have kids.
It appeared for a moment like this could have ended their romance, but the couple later reconnected to talk more openly about the subject of having children.
Sabrina clarified that she thinks it is important for a husband and wife to have a stable relationship before welcoming a child into their lives, and by that time she will be nearing her 40s and 'might not even be able to conceive naturally'.
She went on to add, however, that she would be happy to use a surrogate or even adopt if they needed to. Steven was ecstatic with this clarification and got down on one knee shortly afterwards.
Another couple who had a transparent conversation about conceiving is Ollie, 32, and Demi, 30.
The pair got engaged in episode 4 and both looking ecstatic when they met in person for the first time before their honeymoon.
However, before making the commitment, Demi revealed to Ollie she has endometriosis, which has impacted her fertility.
As per the NHS, endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
The pair were going from strength-to-strength until the conversation of children came-up
Another couple who had a transparent conversation about conceiving is Ollie, 32, and Demi, 30
Fans appear to be enjoying the new series as they believe the cast are 'actually looking for love and not fame' after watching them have deep conversation about the future
Demi broke down in tears as she discussed her battle with the debilitating illness, which is often accompanied by excruciating pain and difficulties in conceiving.
Demi explained how the illness has strained her past relationships: 'I can see that you're kind and caring and you're non-judgmental.'
Revealing her aspirations of motherhood, she said: 'I've always wanted a family and I've always wanted to... Be a good mum.
'But it's been hard to naturally conceive,' she admitted, choking up, 'Because I've got endometriosis.
'Sometimes I just don't feel like I'm enough, which is really scary. You really struggle each month - physically, mentally, and there can be some kind of fertility problems. It really has ruined relationships.'
After listening to what she had to say, Ollie responded: 'Hearing you say you're not enough is weird to me, because from when we've started to get to know each other in here, you do more than enough.
'I want you to know that, apart from feeling sorry that you have to go through that, it doesn't change anything about the way I feel about you or how I feel about our future.'
The Netflix show previously came under fire for constantly grilling contestants about pregnancy plans during the US 2023 series
Love Is Blind UK premiered on Netflix on Wednesday, but it was hit with a wave of withering negative reviews from TV critics.
After its success in the United States - where six series' have aired - the show has landed in the UK - with thirty stunning contestants hoping to bag themselves a partner and get married during the show's wedding finale.
Married couple Emma and Matt Willis will be filling shoes previously worn in the US by Nick and Vanessa Lachey by hosting the entire series.
Vanessa was previously blasted by fans for her 'weird baby obsession' after questioning contestants about their pregnancy plans on the Love Is Blind live reunion show in 2023.
Fans were baffled as she said: 'Who will be the first to have babies? Are you trying? I hope you are trying. By the way, are you trying?' among other nauseating questions on the theme, without considering that not all women are able to have children.
The show's first ever live reunion got off to a rocky start after it crashed following technical difficulties - being released 75 minutes after it was scheduled.
Though fans were left fuming at the Netflix gaffe, what has stuck out in viewers' minds more was Vanessa's 'cringeworthy pressuring' of the contestants to procreate.
She began her piece by playing a clip of former contestant Bartise Bowden holding his baby son Hayden.
Commenting on the clip, she commented: 'Okay, seriously, if that doesn't make your ovaries burn... I don't know, I want a number four so bad.
'Okay, I need to know, who's is going to give me our first Love Is Blind baby? I don't wanna ask if you're trying because that's TMI, obviously you all are intimate', she added.
First up, Vanessa asked fan favourites Brett and Tiffany Brown about their future plans for children, which was evidently not something they'd been expecting
Contestant Chelsea then admitted that when she entered the experiment, her 'biological clock was ticking', but now she's going to 'step back' and let it happen naturally, echoing Tiffany's sentiments
When the discussion moved towards Bliss and Zack, Vanessa said: 'You're not pregnant are you? Who is going to have the first Love Is Blind baby?'
First up, Vanessa asked fan favourites Brett and Tiffany Brown about their future plans for children, which was evidently not something they'd been expecting.
'What are you guys thinking on the baby timeline?' Vanessa asked, to which Tiffany explained they're just enjoying travelling and being together.
Brett then joked, 'I was just about to make a joke, like Jesus, ya'll really put the baby pressure... My god.'
Determined to stay on that line of questioning, Vanessa then asked Brett - who is a shoe designer - 'But how cute are baby Air Force 1s going to be?'.
Keeping things vague, Brett replied: 'When baby Brown gets here, they'll be fly'.
Contestant Chelsea then admitted that when she entered the experiment, her 'biological clock was ticking', but now she's going to 'step back' and let it happen naturally, echoing Tiffany's sentiments.
LOVE IS BLIND: UK - MEET THE CONTESTANTS
Aaron, 33, from Milton Keynes
First up is Aaron who is a restauranteur and says he's looking for long-lasting love
He counts England footballer Ivan Toney as a close friend, with the pair regularly pictured together on Aaron's Instagram profile
First up is Aaron who's a restauranteur and says he's looking for long-lasting love.
He counts England footballer Ivan Toney as a close friend, with the pair regularly pictured together on Aaron's Instagram profile.
He looks up to his parents, who have been together for 34 years, and aims to find a relationship like theirs in a bid to make them proud.
But after coming out of his latest long-term romance, Aaron has been partying and enjoying his single status, a lifestyle he says quickly became tiresome.
In another post, Aaron is seen posing alongside Turkish chef Salt Bae, with Ivan reacting to the upload by posting four crying with laughter emojis.
Benaiah, 33, from Preston
Aaron will be joined in the men's quarters by structural landscaper Benaiah, who has been single for over a decade
Aaron will be joined in the men's quarters by structural landscaper Benaiah, who has been single for over a decade.
He has struggled to find his next girlfriend following a breakup which took him years to recover from, leaving him to travel the world on his own.
Longhaired Benaiah says he loves adventure and the outdoors but now at the age of 33 he's yearning for a deeper connection.
He has jetted off to the likes of Canada, Australia, Italy and Malawi but hopes the woman he's been longing for will be waiting for him in the Love Is Blind pods.
His most recent Instagram post, a black and white photograph of Benaiah wearing a suit, shows the singleton enjoying a friend's wedding in April, which soon could be his own fate.
Bobby, 33, from Staffordshire
Musician Bobby writes and records his own songs and will be the deepest of the group, given his spiritual vibe
Musician Bobby writes and records his own songs and will be the deepest of the group, given his spiritual vibe.
He's been spurred on to find love after the tragic loss of his cousin Danny, having realised life is too short to be alone.
The luxury shopping guide has travelled the world with his job but feels now is the right time to settle down.
But any potential love interest should be warned he's a bonafide mummy's boy, as he regards his mum as the most important person in his life.
Catherine, 29, from Jersey
The first female in the line-up is Catherine who says living on the small island of Jersey has impacted her chances of finding The One
The first female in the line-up is Catherine who says living on the small island of Jersey has impacted her chances of finding The One.
Catherine was adopted as a baby and says her past has affected the relationships she has today.
She has never met a man who understood the complicities of her childhood and the way it has influenced her dating life.
The dental nurse is also a dancer and regularly shares photos of her gym-honed body on Instagram.
Ahead of filming the Netflix series, she said: 'The best is yet to come… feeling grateful and blessed.'
Charlie, 34, from Hertfordshire
Gym manager Charlie is taking a break from showing off his muscles on social media to find love on the show
Gym manager Charlie is taking a break from showing off his muscles on social media to find love on the show.
The cheeky chappie has been single for five years as he's been focussing on work, namely changing the body shape of his clients.
He's hoping to find a deep connection, someone he can regard as his best friend, as well as ignite a physical attraction.
If he does find love his mum will be happy, as she's been so desperate for him to settle down she took over control of his dating apps over the past year.
Conor, 31, from Dublin
Irishman Conor setup his health food business in memory of his late mother who passed away three years ago
The down to earth Irishman has been single for seven years and has found it difficult to find The One.
Indeed, since his last relationship he's found it almost impossible to seek anyone he can connect with, so he's hoping partaking in Love Is Blind will change all that.
He set up a health food business three years ago in memory of his late mother.
Conor is determined to make her feel proud and wants to start his own family.
Demi, 30, from London
Sports enthusiast Demi says she has found dating difficult over the years because men are intimated by her boxing and football skills
Sports enthusiast Demi says she has found dating difficult over the years because men are intimated by her boxing and football skills.
The Londoner, who's a safeguarding and attendance manager, admits she is often friend zoned by men until they see her dressed up and wearing makeup.
Demi, who has mixed Caribbean and Maltese heritage, wants to meet someone special and have children one day.
She told the Love Is Blind bosses she hopes to 'bag the fairytale ending.'
Ella, 27, from Derbyshire
Ella suffers from low self-esteem after being bullied in school, which has in turn affected her romantic relationships
Fun-loving social worker Ella says she has attempted to find a long-term partner for several years with no success.
She suffers from low self-esteem after being bullied in school, which has in turn affected her romantic relationships.
Ella, who's half Italian, has dedicated her career to working with young people and enjoys helping those going through the same experiences she had.
In the pods, Ella says she loves to keep active by playing tennis, running, and even bakes and sings in her spare time.
Elle, 27, from London
After being raised by her father, who she describes as 'husband goals', Elle is looking for a man to live up to her high expectations
After being raised by her father, who she describes as 'husband goals', Elle is looking for a man to live up to her high expectations.
The graphic designer has been single for the past year but has struggled to find someone who wants the same things out of life.
She hopes being on Love Is Blind will give her the chance to meet the right partner and she certainly looks forward to making it official.
She wants to get married and have a big family, something she never had.
Freddie, 32, from Bolton
Strapping Northerner Freddie has the most unique job out of all the entrants in this series – a funeral director
The strapping Northerner has the most unique job out of all the entrants in this series – a funeral director.
He hates being single and is keen to find someone he can buy flowers, take out for dinner and travel the world with.
The gym fanatic is incredibly close to his brother who has Down's syndrome.
He says the empathy their bond has instilled in him has helped in his chosen career path.
Jake, 32, from Leicestershire
Jake's split from his most recent girlfriend and the passing of his mum has given him the incentive to finally settle down, providing he can find the right girl
The civil engineer and wannabe DJ admits he acts as an agony uncle to pals going through relationship issues, even though he's struggled to hold down a romance himself.
His split from his most recent girlfriend and the passing of his mum has given Jake the incentive to finally settle down, providing he can find the right girl.
He says he's both sensitive and soppy in a relationship and can fall in love very quickly.
Any potential suitor will have to battle for his affections with his beloved pet dog, as he says 'there's nothing we don't do together.'
Jasmine, 29, from London
Mental health nurse Jasmine has been single for six years and is desperate to settle down
The mental health nurse has been single for six years and is desperate to settle down.
She says her big problem is men don't approach her, despite her good looks.
Jasmine reveals she had a 'rollercoaster childhood' which involved moving from Norwich to the Philippines when she was just eight years old.
Now firmly settled back in the UK, all she wants to do is walk down the aisle and Jasmine believes she would make a good wife.
Joanes, 31, from Luton
Church-going Joanes hopes to find his perfect match on Love Is Blind, somebody who shares his Christian values
Church-going Joanes hopes to find his perfect match on Love Is Blind, somebody who shares his Christian values.
The resident services manager is a keen dancer, his favourite style being the salsa, and is known to impress the ladies with his linguistic skills, as well as his moves.
Born in Angola, he moved to the UK as a one-year-old and he says it's important that any future partner loves to travel and experience different cultures.
He's also an old school romantic, admitting text message exchanging and mind games are not his thing.
Jordan, 33, from Surrey
Another dog lover, Jordan has spent the past few years watching his friends settle down – and now he wants to do likewise
Another dog lover, Jordan has spent the past few years watching his friends settle down – and now he wants to do likewise.
The fashion tech founder admits he finds it difficult to build trust in a relationship and doesn't take chances, which he now accepts is where he is going wrong.
So Jordan is throwing caution to the wind by entering the show and taking a risk on finding love.
If anyone comes close to winning his heart as golden retriever Louie, they'd have done well.
Lisa, 34, from Edinburgh
Lisa admits she falls in love too easy and she can get incredibly broody at times, probably because she's a baby photographer
The Scot admits she falls in love too easy and she can get incredibly broody at times, probably because she's a baby photographer.
Indeed, she longs for a child of her own and wants to find a partner with substance that she can settle down with.
But finding The One has been hard and she's tired of being judged for her looks.
The snapper wants potential suitors to focus on what's inside.
Maria, 30, from Southampton
Maria is one to watch out for as she admits to being fiery and not shy to speak her mind
The makeup artist is one to watch out for as she admits to being fiery and not shy to speak her mind.
Maria aims to find a traditional relationship and wants a man who can protect her.
Her need for security is understandable following the death of her father in 2020.
She says losing him has been the biggest personal challenge she's had to face so far.
Natasha, 32, from Cheshire
Natasha, who's a career coordinator, overhauled her lifestyle after splitting from her longterm partner two-and-a-half years ago, losing several stone in weight
The career coordinator overhauled her lifestyle after splitting from her longterm partner two-and-a-half years ago, losing several stone in weight.
The break-up motivated her to lead a healthier existence and stay fit and is now keen to meet her 'forever person.'
Her major issue with the opposite sex is her form for being friend-zoned.
But she looks to her parents, who have been married for 42 years, as inspiration and hopes to have that for herself one day.
Nicole, 29, from Surrey
Divorcée Nicole is potentially one of the only contestants who was previously married
Divorcée Nicole is potentially one of the only contestants who was previously married.
After her relationship ended shortly after her big day, Nicole focused on her career.
She was raised Catholic but still believes there is life after divorce and hopes she can find the man to make it all worthwhile in the pods.
Nicole hasn't given up on love and is looking forward to getting to know someone special, who could end up being her long-lasting partner.
Olivia, 28, from London
Olivia relocated to Los Angeles in pursuit of her dream job but now she's back in the UK, she's finally ready to share her life with the right man
The creative project director says she is single after prioritising her career and being extremely work focussed.
Olivia even relocated to Los Angeles in pursuit of her dream job but now she's back in the UK, she's finally ready to share her life with the right man.
She has taken the necessary time to get to know herself and now she's longing for true love.
A regular traveller, she hopes to find someone to be her partner in crime.
Ollie, 32, from London
Software salesman Ollie has been single for six years and is slowly realising his nights out are turning into friends' weddings
The software salesman has been single for six years and is slowly realising his nights out are turning into friends' weddings.
But now he's up for finding a plus one and wants to spark a deep connection.
Ollie says he's previously gone for girls who tick the 'Instagram hot' box, even if nothing has ever developed into anything meaningful.
So will falling for someone's heart rather than looks change his fortunes?
Priya, 37, from Berkshire
The oldest of the cast, Priya has been engaged before but surprisingly, only for 24 hours
The oldest of the cast, Priya has been engaged before but surprisingly, only for 24 hours.
She dramatically called off her engagement after realising she had made a mistake.
Now, at 37, the procurement manager, says she is finally ready to step back into the dating world.
And Love Is Blind is the perfect fit for Priya, who doesn't want to be judged by her physical appearance.
Priya's parents had an arranged marriage and she sees them as the prime example of a loving relationship.
Ria, 34, from London
Ria is an auntie to five nieces and nephews and is often probed by her family about when she is going to settle down herself
After feeling like she has exhausted all of her dating options, Ria hopes she will find the man of her dreams in the Love Is Blind pods.
She is an auntie to five nieces and nephews and is often probed by her family about when she is going to settle down herself.
And while she loves being adored by the children, Ria hopes to one day have a family of her own.
The Netflix show could be the chance she's been waiting for.
Richie, 30, from Gloucestershire
Anyone looking to snare sports-mad Richie will not only have to impress him, but also his sister, who he says is his best friend
Anyone looking to snare sports-mad Richie will not only have to impress him, but also his sister.
He counts his sibling as his best friend and confidant, so any budding relationship will need her endorsement to strive.
The sports turf maintenance director admits he requires lots of reassurance from a partner, which at least means he's not carrying a huge ego as well as his suitcase into the show.
He also describes himself as caring with a lot to give.
Sabrina, 35, from Belfast
Director Sabrina sees herself as 'unlucky in love' and really hopes the dating experiment can introduce her to the man of her dreams
Director Sabrina sees herself as 'unlucky in love' and really hopes the dating experiment can introduce her to the man of her dreams.
Many years of being on her own has seen Sabrina become hyper independent so she will need to let down her walls in the pods.
A regular traveller, with an Instagram profile full of bikini uploads, Sabrina hopes to find a companion she can see the world with.
Sam, 31, from London
Product design manager Sam has invested so much time in his career it's left him little time to progress his love life
The product design manager has invested so much time in his career it's left him little time to progress his love life.
But having had his heart-broken twice, it's understandable why he's favoured committing to work over a partner in recent years.
Privately educated Sam says his mum is putting him under pressure to find The One.
So, will it be third time lucky for him on Love Is Blind?
Ryan, 31, from Edinburgh
Another musician, Ryan admits he struggles to hold down a relationship because of his lifestyle – which involves late nights and travel
Another musician, Ryan admits he struggles to hold down a relationship because of his lifestyle – which involves late nights and travel.
The Korean-born DJ and cellist has been single for two years and has historically favoured dating older women and standing at 6ft3, tends to attract taller girls.
But he's not looking for a type in the pods as he bids to find The One.
Ryan just wants someone who values commitment as much as he does.
Sharlotte, 35, from London
As a global communications director at Universal Music, Sharlotte has prioritised her career over finding love
As a global communications director at Universal Music, Sharlotte has prioritised her career over finding love.
As a result, she has found men are often intimidated by her success.
While she has been single for the past eight years, she didn't always have a miserable love life.
Sharlotte was briefly engaged to an ex-boyfriend who she was with from the age of 19 but they couple ended up falling out of love.
The music boss, who attended The Fashion Awards last year, has a twin sister who has recently moved in with a boyfriend, spurring on Sharlotte's desire to find Mr Right.
Shirley, 27, from London
Recently graduating from Cambridge University, Shirley has a degree in medicine and is a junior doctor, with a particular passion for women's health and wellbeing
A dating mistake made by many, Shirley admits she often falls for men who are emotionally unavailable.
But on Love Is Blind she wants to move forward and meet a partner who she can build a life with.
She has hopes of starting a family as soon as possible and is full of positivity the right man in the pods will want the same thing.
Shirley was born in the Netherlands and came to the UK as a young girl.
Recently graduating from Cambridge University, Shirley has a degree in medicine and is a junior doctor, with a particular passion for women's health and wellbeing.
Steven, 37, from London
Steven, who's a gym owner, only came out of a relationship four months ago and wants to get back on the horse
The gym owner only came out of a relationship four months ago and wants to get back on the horse.
His romance ended after his ex chose to move back to the US but he's now fully focussed on finding his next partner.
The Birmingham-born fitness guru describes himself as loyal, thoughtful and ambitious.
And Steven is only interested in relationships he sees as leading to marriage.
Tom, 38, from London
PR and advertising consultant Tom has been single for six years, admitting his thirties have been spent focussing on personal growth and preparing to settle down
The PR and advertising consultant has been single for six years, admitting his thirties have been spent focussing on personal growth and preparing to settle down.
But having built up a successful career, he's laid the foundations to kick-start a meaningful connection and share his life with someone special.
The female contestants should be warned he's a self-confessed mummy's boy, so there could well be three people in a potential relationship.
He also has an unlikely passion for windmills.
