Hey there, I’m Jess ✨. On The Signature, I share reflections on beauty, routines, travel, wellness, culture, and everyday life. For those drawn to a calmer, more intentional way of living, I send a free newsletter each month on the 7th. You're welcome to join.
Love is Blind UK is back! How fast (or slow) did a year go by? Yes, because it's been a year since we last saw the duo of hosts Matt and Emma Willis, married in real life and fairy godparents to the messiest of relationships for three seasons now. I loved Season 1 and enjoyed Season 2, so let's see how it all unfolds in the freshly launched Season 3 (out on Netflix on August 19, 2026).
I am watching Season 3 episode by episode and will comment at the end of each episode. So expect this article to be frequently updated with all the drama and my opinions on the contestants and the couples formed, up until the reunion. You can comment below anytime.
- Episode 1 review
- Episode 2 review & predictions
- Episode 3 review & predictions
- Episode 4 review & predictions
- Episode 5 review
- Episode 6 review & predictions
- Episode 7 review
- Episode 8 review & last predictions
- Episode 9 review (last one before the altar)
- Episode 10 review & who gets married or not
- Episode 11 review: the reunion
Episode 1
This is the episode where we meet many contestants, still don't remember their names, think that most of them look alike and realise people are getting more dressed up season after season.
Let's meet Jack, 30
Jack is a chef and the first contestant we are introduced to. He doesn't believe in online dating and is from Cornwall.
Jack has several dates and the focus is put on the one he has with Faye, where they both leave with butterflies in their stomach. Jack asked a lot of questions and I wonder if his asking her "do you consider yourself feminine?" is a way to know if she works outs and therefore mentally judges what she looks like? But I feel that as soon as she mentions mucking, he sees her as an equestrian girl and he is not wrong.
Halfway in the episode, we are back in a pod with Jack and Faye. They are back at horse talk - is this foreplay for Brits? let me know in the comments. She has been single for ten years and has high expectations for a future match, as she has not always had the most positive experiences. I think that those experiences make her cautious about Jack's declarations but she is smitten after all.
Then he meets Ciara and the banter is easy during their first date. She sings music to his ears when she mentions how she likes to be treated - like a Princess - and he promises to take on the role of Prince as soon as possible. He has a second date with Ciara and the talk gets quite steamy.
What is scary is that on both dates, Jack says "I love you" jokingly in the end. It can be the nerves but I would be cautious with that. At the male living quarters, we have snippets of the boys' conversations and we realise Jack has a ranking on the girls and he cannot stop talking about it, as well as challenging the other men. A pity that he is using what should be a positive experiment to objectify and rank women based on vibes. Doesn't look good on him.
Let's meet Ciara, 29
After Ciara's first date with Jack, we discover more about Ciara, a pilates instructor. She loves the finer things in life and wants to be wined and dined. I like how she is honest about what she wants in a relationship and the importance she attaches to the social and financial standing of a future companion. She was cheated on in all her previous relationships so I hope she has a better picker during this social experiment.
We see her on a first date Ajay, 33, a former basketball player who is now into finance. I am sure Ciara immediately sees the $$$ in Ajay's banking accounts. We then find out Ajay almost got married and feels he is now ready to find his life partner. On a second date with Ajay, they connect even more around Olympic sports, discipline and work ethics which was instilled in them by their parents. On a third date with Ajay she is giggly and they share their love for Formula 1. You know I instantly loved that talk.
By the end of the episode, both Ajay and Jack assess with Ciara how high they rank in her list and she sets both of them with high expectations. One heart will soon be broken, and as Jack boasts about their relationship back the male living quarters, Ajay is none too pleased.
Let's meet Chevanique, 29
We quickly see Chevanique on a date and as she mentions she is a sexual health nurse, she is coined as the penis expert. She laughs at that so she has a better sense of humour than me. The first challenge on all her dates is people trying to understand and spell her name. I feel you, sis!
We see her first date with Joseph, a project manager who doesn't stumble at the hurdle of her name - major point - and puts his Christian values at the forefront of what he wants in a relationship. Another major point for him, as it really resonates with Chevanique. I love when people find these important common values and characteristics about one another. Those little details are what makes you find a match. On their second date, things get a bit sexier and they talk about travels, jacuzzis and favourite meals. Through food they talk about ethnicity as Chevanique mentions Caribbean food and asks him if he has ever dated a Jamaican girl before. He confirms he has a weakness for Caribbean girls.
Let's meet Joseph, 33
Joseph is a tall and broad-shouldered man. The type of guy you would look at twice in a bar.
After following his first date with Chevanique, we see Joseph meet Francesca. Boy, she is gorgeous! Yet he doesn't know that. Joseph is a project manager and was raised in the same area where Francesca lives and they immediately connect. He quickly asks her about religion and she confirms she is a Catholic and he explains he is also a Christian yet Pentecostal. She mentions she wants to raise her future children in religion and he connects with that.
Francesca has a bubbly personality and is basically in love with her father, whom she describes as a typical airport dad. She wants her future partner to be like her father and that is a very high expectation to put on a relationship.
Later onto the episode, as she is about to start a date with Joseph she mistakes him for Ajay but he is a good sport about it.
Let's meet Sophie, 27
Sophie has a quick laugh and a broken heart. An Operations Team Leader - whatever that means in corporate lingo -, she dated the same person for over 7 years and has little experience in first dates. She has three older brothers, which can be very intimidating. Fun fact: I also have three older brothers.
She meets Taylor for a first date and they are both into sports. She likes running and he plays golf. Taylor loves cooking and dares Sophie for them to do a cooking class one day. It's nice that they project themselves into the future like that. On their second date, they talk about sex and Taylor mentions he has done it ten times in a row. He finds it sexy yet he doesn't realise how off-putting that can be. He explains his high sex drive for being a Scorpio. Ahem.
First predictions:
Not many to start, I just hope Ciara doesn't fall for Jack and break Ajay's heart. Let's watch episode 2 and see what it brings!
Jess
Episode 2
We check back on a few in the contestants we have already met and meet new boys and girls trying to find love in the experiment yet some find themselves in messy love triangles. And we have our first engaged couple of the season!
Triangle 1: Jack-Ciara-Ajay
Back at the male living quarters, Jack is doing a whole cooking show for one wearing just an apron and Ajay is fuming about Ciara allegedly choosing Jack over him.
Ajay and Ciara go on a date and Ajay decides to put his cards on the table with her. He reveals to her that she is his number one choice and leaves the decision in her hands. She is heartbroken and feels put in the spot. She also has reservations about how Jack speaks about other girls, but she is smitten with both.
Jack, who shouts to all the guys he only has eyes for Ciara, continues his dates with Faye. He continues with his superficial "love yous" that get on my last nerve. I hope Faye understands how phony he really is.
Jack and Ciara have a date where he forgets she is vegan five minutes after she said it to him and she is deeply annoyed with him. So are we, Ciara, so are we.
In a confessional, Jack gets emotional about being raised by a single mother and how he vouched to stay with his chosen partner forever. It’s the first time he gets a bit deeper about his intent as his demeanour always makes it sound like he is taking the experiment in a carefree manner, which can hurt the women who are taking it more seriously. He writes down a few words for Faye about their future (hadn’t he promised to write to Ciara too? I mean…), she cries and they vouch to be each other’s number one.
Although she gets emotional with what he read to her, Faye calls Jack “Menace Jack” which conveys she knows or feels he might be playing?
On their following date, Ciara decides to come clean with Jack as she doesn’t want to pursue their relationship. But Jack, the man he is, tries to one up her saying he is having a stronger connection and belly laughs with another woman whom he calls Fran, when he meant to say Faye. That gave me chills how lightly he is taking the experiment. He doesn’t let Ciara speak her full sentences as he doesn’t want to hear she didn’t want him in the first place. Back at the female living quarters, Ciara shares the experience with the other girls which leaves Faye a bit unsettled. I hope she sees the big red flag that he is!
Triangle 2: Francesca-Joseph-Chevanique
As their relationship grows, Joseph wants to get into more intimate talks with Francesca, as he feels he has with Chevanique. Francesca seems too sweet for sexy talk for me - at least she conveys some kind of childish response to those questions.
Comparing, sexy talk indeed flows easier between Joseph and Chevanique when they meet on dates and they are both very pumped after they talk to one another.
On a next date, Francesca and Joseph get deeper at his request, has he felt their dates aren’t deep or flirty enough and he needs it moving forward, yet he realises that their banter is natural and that is something he also values in what he is building with her.
During his interview, he mentions he is struggling for having a deep connection with two women simultaneously. Said two women discover they are dating the same man whilst talking in the female living quarters.
We will need to wait for an upcoming episode to see how this triangle unfold.
Sophie & Taylor
They continue dating and their conversations get a bit more serious than the Scorpio fan fiction they were going for on episode 1. Sophie shares more about her brothers, as well as one of them's experience having bone cancer and losing his leg. She says his brother is one of her inspirations in life and Taylor relates, as he has a similar relationship with his sister, as his mother died when he was 21. When she meets the ladies after her date, she reveals he ticks everything on her list for her. So having sex 10 times a day was on her list from the start, yes?
On a second date during the episode, Taylor gets emotional and gives Sophie a necklace that belonged to his mom. It is a very cute moment and I can't believe the positive U-turn on this relationship.
On a third date, well… Taylor proposes to Sophie and she says yes! It’s our first engaged couple! Waw, that was fast! They have their reveal and have physical chemistry, you can just feel they can’t wait to be out of the pods together.
Let's meet Yasmin, 32
At the female living quarters, we meet Yasmin, a Physician Associate. That seems like a serious position. Yasmin has never had a boyfriend and is ready to find love. At eight years old, she developed vitiligo, a chronic autoimmune disease that destroys melanocytes, the cells that give our skin, hair and eyes its colours. She believes in maktoub (and so do I!), which means that everything in our destiny is written and bound to happen.
Yasmin has a first date with Jacob (whom we have seen with Chevanique on episode 1), Blue and Jordan.
Jordan, 29, quickly calls her Princess Yasmin, which is sweet. They have a very easy back-and-forth about love and family. Jordan was in the army and says that is the reason why his relationships in the past did not work. Do I see a man who is avoiding his responsibility just right there?
Yasmin and Jordan have a second date where he shares he is a bit scared that she has never had a serious relationship before and how she must not be used to the ebbs and flows of being with someone else. The conversation goes very well and they share more about her Egyptian-Lebanese and Ghanaian culture. What a great blend of cultures she has, I must say! In the end, they have fun and she is really giddy about him.
Let's meet Ryan, 33
In the male living quarters we meet Ryan as he shares breathing exercises with the boys. He is a public speaker which already scares me. He lived in Vietnam and feels enlightened by the experience. He lost his father when he was just 8 years old and has lived believing people he loves can be taken away. He doesn't like small talk and he likes his conversations to be deep and intense very quickly. And that is just what he has with Cuba, 29, a fellow undercover spiritual being. Cuba is a yoga instructor who is into scuba diving, fantasy sci fi novels and anything spiritual. She seems to be sweet on top of being gorgeous. All this is music to Ryan's ears, who just launched his own retreat. They both finish their first date completely smitten with one another and this is what this show is really about. Yet I don’t believe in couples where both parties are completely alike? What’s your opinion on that?
By the way, I love this sentence from Cuba:
There is always going to be a scar even if the wound is healed
I felt that one.
My predictions after Episode 2
- Sophie & Taylor: well, they are engaged but I have reserves if they can move past the physical chemistry. Isn't he a Scorpio?
- Ciara & Ajay: I hope they connect more on the next episode!
- Jack & Faye: I hope Faye ditches his ass
- Joseph & Chevanique: we didn't see much of them in this episode but they get flirty and religious (what a combo) really hard when they meet so that might be a good sign
- Joseph & Francesca: I don't think their relationship is deep enough, maybe better as friends?
- Yasmin & Jordan: already rooting for them
- Ryan & Cuba: too alike? Maybe best suited as friends than romantic partners? Let's see.
Episode 3
We have more couples getting engaged, people wanting to jump each other’s bones after their first meeting, a love triangle dismantling and another getting stronger.
Sophie & Taylor
Got engaged on Episode 2, we don’t see them during this episode
Ciara & Ajay
Too much of Ciara’s relief and our own too as viewers, she meets with Ajay to make clear she is not pursuing her connection with Jack. Ciara was scared that her initial indecision would make Ajay give up on her and got me scared for a little bit there. But being the tall, gorgeous, caramel-skin man that he is, he is also relieved and confirms to her that they are either leaving the experiment together or he will be leaving on his own. I love that he is that confident and exudes confidence as well. Ciara is ecstatic at the news and their chat quickly turns flirty, with (red) lingerie talk.
On their next date, they talk about finances and it’s an important topic because Ciara has always been honest about how she wants the Princess treatment and to be taken care of. She mentions she wants him to pay for their future dinner dates as she will be wearing expensive clothes, shoes, handbag, perfume… (wow, okay). But that she doesn’t expect him to pay for everything as she works and can pay for her own. He shares that he is in a transition period in regards to his job which is a flag for me for “in between jobs and not earning money right now”. I am not sure she heard that properly.
Things get heavier when Ajay shares how one of his basketball teammates committed suicide a few hours after he had last seen him. He feels guilty as he didn’t properly say goodbye or didn’t know how he could’ve helped. Oh man, the survivors’ guilt is tremendous and he is in a flood of tears. And so is Ciara as she listens to him. I hope she doesn’t bill him for the makeup she will need to reapply thereafter.
Ajay proposes on a next date and Ciara says yes. Production doesn’t leave us hanging and quickly show us their first meeting, where chemistry is bursting between these two. Ciara was expecting Ajay to be tall yet is surprised to see how tall: Ajay is 6’6’’ tall, guys! She will make a run for his expensive high heels with him!
Yasmin & Jordan
They have the sweetest day, starting with Jordan sharing with Yasmin his grandparents’ teddy bear. He gets emotional about him joining the army to give his life structure and how being deployed to Afghanistan changed him. Their talk is really very deep and they convey to one another how they see themselves as a couple and as parents together. Yasmin mentions she had a list of what a man she’d like for her future and that Jordan is all that and more. Oh well, maktoub, isn’t it? I feel all the feels for them! I also loved how Jordan was understanding when Yasmin shared that she had vitiligo and how it made her self-conscious of how she presented herself to the world.
On their next date, he proposes and she says yes, with teddy bear in hand serving as handkerchief for all her tears. It’s a very sweet moment. I have a good feeling about this couple yet I am scared at how their first meeting will go.
And then, their first meeting happens and Jordan is very attracted (and nervous). Yasmin is over the moon. I loved their instant chemistry and felt it was genuine.
Ryan & Cuba
The spiritual soulmates gather up again for a date at the beginning of the episode. They talk about their life dreams and Cuba shares that she would like to grow her own food and have her own chickens. Ryan jumps right up to share that he only buys organic eggs from hens who listen to music. When he mentions the yolks are orange, I immediately think of Cuba’s red hair. Musical chicken talk aside, they also share how they want to raise their kids, homeschooling them, and they are completely in tune. I think we have a potential tradwife-family in the making here, guys!
On another date, Ryan shares how guarded he is about loving people because of losing his father so young and how protective he is of the ones he loves, always on alert to make sure everybody around him is okay. Yet he is willing to let Cuba in and they both share they are smitten with each other. Cute vibes!
Faye & Jack
Faye comes clean with Jack about how unsettled she is about his conversations with Ciara and he stumbles quickly as he asks her if she is wearing red nails, Ciara’s signature. I don’t get how careless he is at always mistaking them for one another, if I were Faye I would be fuming. Jack quickly turns the conversation around divulging he has ADHD and that makes him fumble to find his words, thus making mistakes or having information repeated often. I don’t know about his diagnosis and its veracity but Faye believes him. He shares his ring with her in the end, as well as flowers and Faye is hooked back on. As she celebrates their reconciliation back at the female living quarters, Ciara is still unfazed by his gesture.
Last triangle standing: Chevanique-Joseph-Francesca
Chevanique is aware Jordan is also dating Francesca and she conveys to Joseph that she is more guarded and has a hard time opening up. Yet she manages to during their date and she ends in a flood of tears.
The other side of this triangle return to a date, where Francesca - whose skin is glowing! She is stunninnnnng! - calls Joseph “babe” from the get go and it takes him to the roof. She mentions he is the only man he is dating and he realises it is time to make a decision and stop pursuing one of the women. As he mentions correctly, there is only one certainty: one’s heart will be broken.
Joseph tells Chevanique he feels his connection is stronger with Francesca and Chevanique is disappointed, mentioning she really opened up with him. This leaves Joseph bamboozled and seems to backtrack on his decision. I am scareddddd!
My predictions after Episode 3
- Sophie & Taylor: engaged. No show during the episode, we will see them again in the honeymoon phase
- Ciara & Ajay: engaged. I think they like each other but the social and financial status will be a problem for Ciara.
- Jack & Faye: red flag all over, I am scared they will get engaged and Faye's heart will be broken.
- Joseph & Chevanique: I don't like them together and I am scared they will want to pursue the connection because they are good at flirting
- Joseph & Francesca: I am scared that if Joseph doesn't make a decision fast, her heart will be broken.
- Yasmin & Jordan: engaged. I am rooting for them!
- Ryan & Cuba: I think Ryan will propose in the next episode. And if he doesn't, I see them dating outside the pods to take their connection further.
Jess
Episode 4
We see more couples get engaged and a heart being broken. Is the honeymoon on a cliffside beach in Spain a premonition for an upcoming thriller?
The undying love triangle of Francesca-Joseph-Chevanique
Chevanique manages to guilt-trip Joseph about his decision not to pursue their connection over his with Francesca and he backtracks. Back at the female living quarters, the vibes are not vibing and we can feel the tension between the Chevanique clique and Francesca’s one person clique with Cuba.
A few days later, Chevanique ups her game and gets ready for war with the best hair, makeup, dress, shoes for a date with a man who won’t be able to see her. You can feel the pheromones on fire as she shows herself off to Francesca, who is a sweet soul and feels crushed in this battle at the sight of sexy Chevanique. And Chevanique’s aforementioned clique is tight and help her write a poem. I hope Joseph makes a decision fast because I can’t bear to see Francesca so down with the whole situation. Regardless of what happens, she doesn’t deserve to be put in the limbo like that when he told her a few dates ago that he was going to only pursue her.
Joseph is at best evasive during his date with Francesca and mentions he is developing feelings for her, although he doesn’t deny he has a strong connection with someone else. But it’s time and he tells Chevanique he wants to end things definitely between them. At the end of it all, Chevanique is gracious and doesn’t insist on it anymore. She is naturally heartbroken and it’s cute that the girls hype her up back at the quarters before she leaves the experiment.
I am relieved this triangle has come to an end because the length wasn’t looking good on Joseph.
Joseph proposes to Francesca and she says yes. It’s funny that Joseph calls Francesca his wife instead of fiancé and she does the same after meeting him. It’s cute. They seem cute together but one can tell Joseph is way more experienced than her. Also, he is 6’4’’ and she is 5’3’’ so they are an impacting sight when together.
Cuba & Ryan
They continue dating and at the end of a date, Ryan tells Cuba he loves her. She is positively surprised. A few dates later, Ryan jumps the gun and proposes, and Cuba says yes. They are both ecstatic.
Cuba & Ryan meet and it’s the first time we can hear one of the contestants’ heartbeat on the mic when it happens. Ryan’s heart is racing! They seem to like each other and to have physical chemistry.
Faye “Fran” & Jack
I had hoped not to still be writing about these two as a duo, but here we are, seeing them date in the pods and daydreaming while painting with white canvases that were provided to them. And then… Jack proposes and Faye accepts. She is as excited as I am speechless.
They meet and fancy each other. Jack is very physically attracted to her and she is absolutely smitten.
And as we have three newly engaged couples, we reach a total of six (!) couples to take onto a honeymoon so that they can know each other better, date and have a physical relationship and break each other’s hearts before breaking up before the reunion. Yay!
This year’s honeymoon is at a gorgeous cliffside beach resort in Ibiza. Hope no one falls over it.
My predictions after Episode 4
- Sophie & Taylor: they seem to be both smitten and physically attracted to one another.
- Francesca & Joseph: they seem to be both smitten and physically attracted to one another. Let’s see if they pray before jumping into bed together.
- Cuba & Ryan: they seem to be both smitten and physically attracted to one another. But Cuba asks them not to forget about their soul and spiritual connection.
- Faye & Jack: they are very attracted to each other but Jack would rather feed lizards with olives than focus on what Faye is talking about.
- Ciara & Ajay: instead of smooching, they are focused on what Jack said or not.
- Yasmin & Jordan: they seem to be smitten and have a fluid banter but Yasmin puts a physical wall between them, as she isn’t used to not sleeping alone. Am I watching Love is Blind?
Episode 5
In this episode, the couples are in Ibiza getting to know each other, and getting physical, emotional and spiritual together. But instead of enjoying the moment, a few couples just can’t leave what happened in the pods in the past…
The Ciara-Jack-Faye triangle… again?
When all the couples meet and the boys see the girls for the first time and the girls see the boys for the first time. We have to realise they have all, at a certain point, dated each other so this is a high-anxiety-inducing moment for all, especially for the former Ciara-Jack-Faye triangle, as what has been told in both living quarters doesn’t bode well with the other. Ciara is told Jack mentioned that she said he was her number one and, as we know she didn’t really say it, but she understandably feels that could have led Ajay to give up on them. And us as viewers can agree on that. On the other hand, Jack is told that Ciara said he isn’t trustworthy and he feels that was not the right message to convey to Faye (oh, it rhymes!). They decide to talk 1-on-1 and it goes contentious pretty quickly. The only thing I will agree about Jack is that he does fumble with his words but he has said it enough times we don’t need to beat the horse down the line. But when he says he found their dates boring compared to the ones with Ciara, this is when she misses the point and loses the plot for me. She should have agreed they disagree and turn back to her gorgeous and sweet fiancé Ajay. But no, she feels stung and wanting to prove a point. She needs to let it go. Although hard for us as viewers, Faye has seen the red flags, has been notified and still wants to be with Jack so we should just let her come to her own conclusions now.
Cuba & Ryan
Let’s get spiritual, but the sexy way! Cuba & Ryan go on a spiritual date with yoga and ecstatic dancing and it’s all I want to do with my husband now. It seems to be really nice to connect physically, even if the instructor would love them to keep their pants on. And so do we! At dinner with the hosts, Emma Willis is as intrigued as I am by this ritual.
Faye & Jack
After their date at an alpaca farm, Jack shares with Joseph he loves Faye and doesn’t know how to tell her, as he doesn’t want to scare her off. Two things: he has already told her he loves her several times during the pods phase - even if he wasn’t yet serious about it and second, at this point we can positively say nothing scares Faye off.
At some point during dinner, Jack shoves Sophie and Taylor to the side to be opposite Ajay - he really has an issue with social skills right there… - and all is good between the two guys. I love how men quickly put issues to the side and have a beer together and it’s all good. I am a lifelong grudge holder so I cannot relate. Speaking of grudge holder, Ciara is having none of it and is fuming. She wants to dwell into the nick of it but she really needs to let go of those details.
Francesca & Joseph
After a tree-hugging-prayer session with Cuba, Francesca updates her about her relationship with Joseph. Cuba comments that Ciara told her about the last date between Joseph and Chevanique (oh, not the triangle again…), where he mentioned he was open to more with her. This just puts negative thought onto Francesca, I don’t know why Cuba did that? Girl code of sharing everything, at all costs? Later on, Francesca shares that concern with Joseph to clear the air. Joseph doesn’t love how the message was conveyed from woman to woman until it got to Francesca and I have to say, I never side with men in any argument, but I will give him this one.
Ciara & Ajay
During the couples dinner, Ajay has a vegetarian meal and as it is mentioned at the table, he is showing commitment, as Ciara is vegan. And that is the only nice thing I have to say about them, as Ciara just cannot let go of Jackgate. She needs to move on and focus on this new relationship she says she is so appreciative of. She is just coming across as bitter and it isn’t pleasant to see her on the screen any longer.
Yasmin & Jordan
Yasmin is feeling the feels for Jordan but she wants Jordan to tell her he loves her first. They are cute together.
Sophie & Taylor
All lovey dovey with each other. Nothing to report.
Jess
Episode 6
The couples move in together, in the same high-rise apartment building in London. And to top things off, they get their smartphones back too.
Faye & Jack
They move in together and the first thing they do is call Jack’s mother to introduce her to Faye. It’s a lovely moment as his mother is genuinely happy for them and I am glad for Faye that she feels welcome. Jack gets really emotional after the call. I have learned in life not to feel endeared by men who have such bonds with their moms.
Yasmin & Jordan
They both share old pictures and explain their coming of age journeys. Yasmin wants to check Jordan’s DMs, which he has lots of… it is overall a weird segment on camera, honestly.
On a more serious - and needed - note, they talk about how slow things are moving between them. Jordan conveys that feeling and Yasmin accepts it and vouches they can meet each other halfway. That is quite a mature conversation.
Yasmin confesses to the girls during the ladies meetup that she is falling in love with Jordan but as he has not said it, she has stepped back a bit. She gets sad that their relationship isn’t as vocal as Sophie and Taylor’s, for example.
A few days later, when Jordan gets home, he has a chocolate and flowers in hand and it is very sweet of him. I love boys who listen and act on what they have listened to.
Ciara & Ajay
She did it during the couples’ retreat in Ibiza and she is double downing on it: Ciara is treating Ajay as her personal life butler. It’s my impression but as soon as they get into their new flat together, she immediately envisions what he will be doing for her, just as she did at the resort, mentioning all he will be doing for her. As Ajay mentions, she is good at giving instructions. He is taking it as a good sport, but for how long?
As they settle in, they have a conversation about Ajay’s professional future - as he doesn’t have a job at the moment - and Ciara wants a lavish lifestyle.
Sophie & Taylor
They seem to be on the same page during this whole experiment and into moving in together as well. During the lads’ meetup, Jack calls Sophie Taylor’s mini-me. It could be offensive, but as he isn’t that great with words, I will be considering it sweet. Sophie hosts the girls’ meetup and Taylor purchased a bouquet for her, which Yasmin swoons over.
During a sightseeing tour in London, Sophie & Taylor have fun together yet this is the moment - at least on camera - that Taylor discovers Sophie can be a bit… dense. I don’t know if it was exaggerated but her not knowing what Downing Street represents, as a Brit, was a lot.
Cuba & Ryan
Ryan has a speaking commitment abroad and will be travelling for a part of the experiment. Cuba is deflated by that piece of news, as she feels they will have less time together than the other couples. This trip makes Ryan miss the guys’ get together. Cuba shares with Francesca that dealing with Ryan’s professional side - and real life - makes him less romantic than she would’ve hoped.
Francesca & Joseph
During the girls get-together, Francesca mentions Joseph has declared he loves her. That is sweet. Yet things turn sour when she mentions the Cuba & Ciara conversation about Chevanique, and Joseph’s parting words to her. I don’t like that conversation at all to be honest and the vibe is not vibing during the girls’ meetup. But Ciara acknowledges she felt isolated during the couples’ retreat dinner and maybe her comments landed harder for it.
Speaking of Chevanique, Yasmin and Ciara meet with her at Hovarda in Canary Wharf and they speak about the aforementioned conversation. How many more episodes will we be spending on what happened during a date in the pods?
On a more positive note, Francesca introduces Joseph to her parents. She has spoken very fondly of her parents and their 35-year long relationship and how much she wants the same for herself, putting those standards way up high. The conversation doesn’t go as the couple expected: Francesca’s parents press the couple about their short relationship, their commitment, getting married, their living situation and future. Francesca stumbles a lot - and here you can feel her immaturity - but I completely understand her parents. They were respectful yet worried. I did not feel any intent on their parents to shame her or Joseph, but they are just extra cautious. Well there you go, Francesca, that is how you have a long lasting relationship. Asking the hard questions, not just talking about who said what to whom in the pods.
My predictions after episodes 5 & 6
- Sophie & Taylor: they seem to me very much in tune and connected, showing openly their love for each other. At this point, I see them get married.
- Francesca & Joseph: I am feeling they are focusing too much on outside factors instead of growing their relationship. Joseph comes off as permanently on the edge about a certain conversation and Francesca just wants to find her parents’ marriage in her relationship at all costs, not understanding they will be different no matter what. I don’t see them getting married.
- Cuba & Ryan: they seemed really connected during the honeymoon yet they have been physically apart since Ryan is travelling for work. Cuba is feeling bereft of romance in the experiment after all. I don’t see them getting married but I could see them partnering up in their ventures.
- Faye & Jack: they are very attracted to each other and Jack is a masterful love bomber. I can see them getting married if Faye doesn’t wake up from her love daze because Jack has giving us all the Sam-from-season-1 signs repeatedly.
- Ciara & Ajay: their relationship is all about what Ajay will do for Ciara, how he will serve her, provide for her, pamper her. I don’t know if it’s an act on camera and they are deeper when these are out of the flat, but I don’t see them getting married at all.
- Yasmin & Jordan: they seem to be smitten but no matter what, I think they should date longer before getting married. They need more time than the experiment permits. I don’t see them getting married.
Episode 7
The episode where we go from a successful pod experiment to asking ourselves if anyone likes their partner for real?
Ciara & Ajay
This episode starts with an unexpected bang: Ajay and Ciara had a fight and he didn’t sleep at home. The argument was about Ajay’s parents not being comfortable on camera for their first meeting. Ajay did not feel Ciara’s support when he shared this bit of information. Ajay goes to Jordan to share more about what went down. Further than the parents, Ciara wants high-end dates over 300 pounds and mentions she has been on dates up the thousand. I mean, who even says that. Why is the price of the date that important? The best dates in the world can be free, during a hike or a walk. It’s maddening - yet not surprising - how materialistic she is before a sweet man like Ajay who has always been clear that he has no job at the moment.
On the reverse side, Ciara meets up with Yasmin to share her point of view and she acknowledges she has been trying to sabotage the relationship and push his boundaries. She will give him that and that she didn’t show up for him when he was vulnerable about his parents. Well, I quite like when a person admits to their faults, so I will give Ciara a point here. Yasmin praises her for her maturity towards the situation and gives them great advice. Aside from Ciara & Ajay fighting, this was a great moment for Yasmin & Jordan as two caring friends.
Ciara and Ajay have a chat afterwards and she apologises, recognises the fact and promises Ajay she doesn’t care about the expensive dates. Okayyyyy… hope these weren’t words spoken lightly so they can move forward.
Things improve between Ciara and Ajay and they go meet her (lookalike) girlfriends and Ajay seems to enjoy himself, under Ciara’s high praise of him. It’s funny that the episode starts with them fighting yet they will not be the ones causing troubles during the episode…
Francesca & Joseph
After meeting with her parents the day before, they discuss the aftermath on camera. Joseph was a bit shaken but they are keeping things positive. They show a few moments with them together at the apartment, but nothing too deep.
Things heat up a bit at Faye’s birthday party which Chevanique attends. Joseph cannot stop looking at Chevanique, the girl he ditched in the pods for Francesca. They meet in real life and have instant chemistry, one can feel it on camera. Francesca hides in the bathroom with Cuba and mentions she feels embarrassed at the situation. Joseph and Chev decide to have a chat and bring Ciara into the conversation. AND HERE WE GO AGAIN WITH THAT CARKUFLE. Francesca joins in and both sides of the table attack each other. Francesca is really furious at this conversation having even begun and Chevanique is fuming, as she feels she did not want to cause any trouble and is not jealous of their relationship as they are inferring.
Cuba & Ryan
They finally reunite after Ryan’s travels. Cuba is high energy and just wants to hug and kiss her man but Ryan is tired from a day of travelling and has a lower energy. You can feel their immediate disconnect at that moment. I also feel the same way after a trip so I will not mean anything by that in regards to their relationship.
A few days later we see them again and the energy shift is still palpable. Ryan’s head is not in the game as he feels his work commitments are draining all that he has to give. Later on, Ryan has a chat with Cuba who has been journaling and he’s honest about his need for a few days to reenergise so that he can commit again. She understands but keeps it realistic that in a normal couple life, with kids, there won’t always be time and space to reenergise.
Sophie & Taylor
They continue with their “good vibes only” life and it’s a breath of fresh air after heavy energy and talks. I think they will be quite happy as long as Taylor knows not to call Sophie for that question on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire quiz.
Yasmin & Jordan
They land in Birmingham to meet Jordan’s family and it goes beautifully. They are gorgeous together and the family is quite happy with Yasmin as well, who highly compliments Jordan in front of them - always goes well with future in-laws. That makes for a very sweet moment on camera. Jordan has a side with his (very cool) dad Eric and he shares that he is very in tune with Yasmin but a spark has been missing for him. Oh noooo…
Jordan comes back with a different energy after their trip to Birmingham and steps back on his wish to move to London after the trip. Yasmin is always very positive and mentions she can reassess that, but we can feel Jordan pulling away after sharing his real feelings with his father.
During Faye’s birthday gathering, Yasmin & Jordan have a hard conversation about moving, as he doesn’t want to give up on her studies and career for him, but she mentions that one of them has to do it as a compromise for their couple. The conversation is really strained and you can feel Jordan completely checked out and looking for a way out. That is a massive u-turn and I feel he is using the distance to conceal his aforementioned lack of spark.
Cuba shares the same opinion and voices it with much conviction during the meetup, with hard (yet necessary?) words about Jordan. Yasmin is protective of him and maybe this wasn’t the moment to talk about it.
Faye & Jack
They head to gorgeous Cornwall to meet Jack’s family. The meeting was very sweet and everybody was really happy and smiley. Good for them. But life has taught me that it isn’t because a family is a green flag that the son is a red flag and vice versa.
Afterwards they celebrate Faye’s birthday and Jack fills her with love, surprises and balloons. Afterwards, for her birthday, all the couples reunite. It will be the first time Ryan attends in a while. Faye’s family show up and it might seem nerve wracking but it gives Jack the opportunity to meet them with loads of buffering and under a celebratory mood which always helps. His family seems to be lovely and energetic, I love it.
At the end of the episode, things turn sour when Faye asks Jack to stop drinking and to behave himself. She keeps on smiling and they have just been on a high as he mentions he wants to ask her father for her hand in marriage the day after, but you can feel the tables turning. And 6 hours later, Jack is not home and not answering the phone. What happened?
Episode 8
Some couples surprise us, some become the benchmark and some draw to an unexpected end...
Francesca & Joseph
I didn’t expect the episode to start with this couple especially after the Faye & Jack cliffhanger but here we are, just after Faye’s birthday. Francesca calls Joseph out and tells him that they need to stick together during arguments and have each other’s back. He agrees and they intend to move forward, vouching to never speak to Ciara ever again. If that means that conversation is completely over (at least until the reunion), I am fine with it.
As a surprise for Joseph, Francesca prepared a home spa experience for them and I thought it was a great idea. I might do that some day at home too.
Yasmin & Jordan
They are back at home and crying. They are breaking up and hurting as they do so. I was so scared, a few episodes back, of Yasmin having her heart broken and this is happening before our eyes. I am so mad for her.
Yasmin goes to Cuba to share what went down, and Jordan calls his mother. He quickly tells her the truth - that he doesn’t feel the spark - and I understand he doesn’t want to hurt Yasmin (whom he calls a delicate flower), but he should tell her the truth as well. I think Yasmin deserves the truth and is stronger than what he gives her credit for.
Later on, Jordan and Yasmin sit down and Jordan manages to share his truth with Yasmin in the most respectful way. It is heartbreaking but better now than at the altar in front of their families and friends.
Cuba & Ryan
Ryan’s grandmother is sick and he will be leaving the house for a couple of days to meet with his family and maybe say goodbye. This is another blow for Cuba, as their time together is getting scarcer. I understand that he is leaving but maybe, if he was sure of Cuba, he could take her with him? I don’t know. I am just seeing him saying they cannot be together because they didn’t have time and I don’t see him try to mend said lack of time either.
Eventually Ryan’s grandmother passes away and he needs to deal with it with his family. Cuba feels excluded and lonely during the process and wishes he would turn to her for help. She voices it all with Francesca and we can feel she is hurting understandably.
Faye & Jack
Jack leaves the flat for hours after the party and Faye is confused at the situation. They fight over him removing her from the Find My Friends location app and he defends himself, saying he is an adult and he can go for a walk for hours with his phone off and he doesn’t need her approval for that. I think there is a piece of the puzzle missing about what rattled him for him to do that. Alas, Jack has always been hot and cold so I am not that surprised that he could vanish like this, expecting no consequences.
Faye meets with her parents later on - a meeting that was intended for Jack to ask her father for her hand in marriage - and she shares with them what went down in the morning. The parents are uncomfortable with the conversation and the whole “he went on a walk with sliders” situation. A few hours later, Faye & Jack have a chat on their own and I feel he manages to be honest about how he processes things. I am not rooting for this couple but if they are meant to be together I really feel they need professional help. With the appropriate tools, conversations and space, they could work around Jack’s way of doing things without Faye feeling so left out.
Ciara & Ajay
At last, they meet Ajay’s parents on camera and they visit the couple. It’s cute how his father calls him Ajaypal and his mother calls him Pali! Ciara is a bit nervous but very happy to meet them and highly complimentary of Ajay. They seem like a very elegant and gorgeous couple and indeed, they are not that comfortable on camera but I am glad they made the effort for their son. You can tell they are proud of him. I love when his father mentions Ajay, as his eldest child, is a real strength for him. I got really emotional at that. They have his parents' blessing and they are all very glad.
After meeting the parents and feeling so welcomed by them, Ciara prepares a surprise for Ajay, decorating the whole house for Diwali. Which makes me realise Ajay is Hindu. I got emotional at that bit because it was such a thoughtful gesture and I feel they have come a long way. Yes she is into lavish things but she really seems to appreciate Ajay and is making the effort she promised. There is nothing like your partner doing something for you through your culture as they are also learning in the process. That is so cute and Ajay is really touched.
Sophie & Taylor
They must be the happiest couple in the whole experiment! They meet up with Taylor’s family. The connection is immediate with his father and his sister, as well as with her family. They are sad that he plans to move to Manchester to be with Sophie as they are a tight-knit family (and his sister is losing a babysitter) but they are very supportive of their union.
Last predictions before the wedding episodes
- Sophie & Taylor: absolutely getting married
- Francesca & Joseph: not getting married, will continue dating afterwards if they can both be mature about it
- Cuba & Ryan: will not be getting married and I don't see the business partnership I envisioned for them happening either
- Ciara & Ajay: this couple is a wild card but I think they might get married
- Faye & Jack: I hope they don't get married
- Yasmin & Jordan: they already called it quits so no marriage and I don't see them dating afterwards either
Jess
Episode 9
It time to choose the wedding gowns and suits but not all couples attend as some decide to cut things off before the altar.
Cuba & Ryan
The energy between the two is completely off and Ryan explains the impact of “real life” for him during the experiment, inferring that Cuba has had the luxury of fully committing to it. I don’t like when he says that because he signed up for the experiment himself. Sure, his grandmother’s passing was unforeseen but he knew he had professional commitments. Why did he sign up? To have more subscribers to his speaking events in Amsterdam? I mean, grow up!
I love that Cuba takes a pause and stands for herself. She voices what she feels was his lack of commitment for the process as well as his inability to think about her through it all too.
After going for a walk, Ryan comes back and is honest about his feelings and calls things off. As much as she was aware, Cuba is profoundly disappointed as she has really given herself to the process. She deserved better. But as I have mentioned before, better to split before the wedding than at the altar. I wish Cuba the best.
Sophie & Taylor
I think they are the only couple talking about what they came here for: their wedding ceremony. Fighting about cake flavours is the real deal. At the hen do, Sophie has the most fun and I love it for her. She might be the only one getting properly married after this whole ordeal of a season. I love how Sophie mentions Taylor is consistent and that makes her feel safe. I think it is also something that was missing in other couples, with a lot of doubts or love bombing floating through the episodes. I don’t feel the feels for them as a couple but I truly wish them the best. Even if they don’t know how to spell bruschetta.
Alas, Sophie’s father expresses how fast the process has been for him a few hours before the wedding and that makes Sophie hesitate as she doesn’t want to let her father down. I hope that, as hard as it can be for her, she can put her heart before her dad’s expectations. Oh boy.
Faye & Jack
I feel relieved when Faye shares, after their Magic Mike celebrations, that she is uncomfortable with Jack’s behaviour and the whole “I just went for a walk” situation. I have never heard so much about the Find My Friends app in my life and I am ready for this to be done with. Yet I am glad she is aware and cautious that this is not husband material. I really hope they don’t get married, if they do, I don’t see any longevity for them without proper help and adjustments.
Francesca & Joseph
Joseph ruptured his tendon and cannot attend his stag do with the boys. I cannot believe he missed being in a hot tub boat in the Thames…
Francesca has a conversation with Ciara that finishes with a fake hug and fake compliments. They officially put their issues to the side and wish each other the best for their weddings. No matter what, I like that Ciara takes accountability for her actions, she just needs to be less impulsive in the long run.
Joseph mentions that the lack of Francesca's parents' blessing hurts him as he wanted to go the traditional route. That is foreshadowing of this decision, I'm afraid...
Episode 10
Who gets married and who gets left at the altar?
Sophie & Taylor
They both say I do! I am glad Sophie followed her heart and not her father’s expectations. The wink he gives her after the vows is all the relief she needed and I am glad for them. I am sure that even at the reunion, we will see them together.
Ciara & Ajay
I wasn’t expecting it but they both say I do and I am glad for them. I am unsure if we will see them together at the reunion though. But they do seem very committed so let’s be positive!
Francesca & Joseph
They both say I do and I like that Francesca mentions that maybe they needed more time. I hope they take the opportunity of marriage to truly grow as a couple, as their relationship as times seemed vapid and focused on external validations and arguments.
Faye & Jack
They get married. Jack looks good with a kilt.
Where are they now?
Are Sophie & Taylor still married? Is Sophie pregnant? Did Taylor move to Manchester and get a job? Are Ciara & Ajay still married? Did he find a job? Is her 300 pounds as a minimum for a good date still enforced? Are Francesca & Joseph still married? Did they get Francesca’s parents’ blessing in the end? Did they do more than just pray together after sexy time? And I have no questions for Faye & Jack, I don’t care at this point.
Episode 11
Ciara & Ajay
Ciara and Ajay are still together and happily married. They spent 6 months in Australia, living the life and getting to know each other better. I am so glad for them, I felt in the end that Ciara was a way more profound person than she claimed to be in the beginning.
Sophie & Taylor
Sophie and Taylor are still together and happily married. I love when the hosts ask Sophie who the Prime Minister is. Let me tell you, we don't know either at this point, Sophie!
Cuba & Ryan
Cuba and Ryan didn't get to the altar and they did not reconnect after the experiment.
Francesca & Joseph
With a few bumps in the road as they mention, Francesca and Joseph are still married.
Yasmin & Jordan
Yasmin and Jordan did not make it to the altar but they did reconnect afterwards and became close friends. They both feel they learned a lot about themselves and what they want in the future with the experiment.
Faye & Jack
Faye and Jack are still married and I need to sleep on this bit of information to process it all.
Like this content and want more? You can subscribe to get a monthly edit and we can connect also on BlueSky | TikTok | Youtube | Pinterest