Dating expert Paul Brunson is known for keeping his cool, even when he's surrounded by the chaos of hopeful lovers.
But the 42 year old married dad of two – known for his matchmaking skills Married At First Sight UK and Celebs Go Dating – has revealed exclusively to OK! that it's not as easy as he makes out.
Discussing details of the new series of MAFS, which starts on Monday, 18 September, he admitted the show is "mentally and physically" draining, especially after the couples appear on the couch for their commitment ceremonies.
"I don’t think we’ve ever talked about this publicly – the day after we film the commitment ceremonies, normally, we cannot do anything," he said, discussing the moment the newlyweds are forced to face their fellow couples and experts Paul, Charlene Douglas and Mel Schilling for their weekly check-ins.
He continued, "We’re mentally and physically drained. To the point where I’ve stopped scheduling anything on the day after the commitment ceremony because I’m just drained."
The show's resident sexpert, Charlene Douglas, 42, also revealed to OK! that the experts have their own welfare teams in place to support them as they try to guide the couples to a happily-ever-after ending.
Unlike the real-life couple therapy sessions she hosts which only last 50 minutes, the expert's involvement with the MAFS couples is constant.
"Here, we’re really involved in them and we really want them to work," she shared. "But we have support. We’ve got welfare teams, we have production that we can speak to, we speak to each other as well, so it works out fine. But you’re right, we’re hearing some very emotionally testing information."
This week's new series is the eighth in the British run and speaking previously to OK!, Paul said viewers can expect "crazy" drama as the show plays out.
As well as being the longest run so far, there's also an exciting new twist – the experts performing "interventions" for the couples needing a helping hand.
"This is our best series – hands down, no question," Paul told us. "It’s the longest, so there’s more of those fan favourite pieces built in – commitment ceremonies, dinner parties. There’s interventions – all of us go into the apartments. Also, I think we are better.
"And also I think the production team is better. The weddings look better. It’s the same director but it’s just better. This is hands down the best series."
Speaking to OK! recently, Charlene said the bumper crop of new brides and grooms don't "disappoint" on the drama front.
And while she agrees with Paul that the ups and downs of newlywed life takes a toll on the experts as well as the couples, Charlene says it's worth it for the occasional happy ending.
"It’s a representation of life, so it was great to be a part of," she said. "We never quite knew whether we were going left or right because there were times where couples were really good, and then it went into a different direction.
"Or times where couples were completely in love, and then it kind of went a bit sour, and then it turned around. So there’s been lots of twists and turns. It’s been quite exciting."
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