They appear on series 10
Author: Alex RossPublished 16th Oct 2025
Last updated 16th Oct 2025
First appearing on the fourth episode of series 10, Married At First Sight viewers had high hopes for 2025 bride and groom Julia-Ruth Smith and Divarni Groce Balogun! The pair, who were matched by experts Paul C Brunson, Mel Schilling and Charlene Douglas, seemed to hit it off on their wedding day, but things have since taken a turn.
As we witness their MAFS UK experience unravel, here’s everything you need to know about both Julia-Ruth and Divarni, and their relationship on the show.
What happened on their wedding day?
From the moment they clocked eyes on each other on their wedding day, it had looked like both energy and physical attraction was high for Julia-Ruth and Divarni! The couple enjoyed a steamy kiss at the altar and seemed to get along very well during the wedding reception.
They even bonded over their mutual love for Marvel.
What happened on their honeymoon?
In a shock turn-around, Julia-Ruth didn’t seem too optimistic when she arrived in Morocco with her new husband. Despite saying she’s happy they have a lot in common, she did admit she usually dates guys who are taller, telling Divarni he’s not her usual type.
The comments left Divarni feeling ‘shocked’ and ‘hurt’, but Julia-Ruth went on to tell producers that she sees him as a ‘really nice friend at the moment’.
Julia-Ruth also seemed to get annoyed by Divarni’s serious and deep chats, revealing she wants more excitement. During a chat, Julia-Ruth explained she thinks it would be good for the pair to spend the night apart, resulting in Divarni saying “there’s trouble in paradise” and breaking down in tears.
During episode six, Julia-Ruth revealed another argument happened off camera, saying: “He was really mad at what I said and what happened at the camel ride. Last night when we were travelling back to the resort, Divarni just started shouting at me, out of nowhere.
“He was coming at me with a lot of energy. One of my deal breakers was temper and anger – I’ve been very clear about that. There was no need for it.”
Divarni then told the camera: “On the way back I spoke to Julia-Ruth about how annoyed I was.
“I was coming from a dinner that was very intense, there was a lot of emotions and I’m feeling like I’ve been mugged off and that’s something I’m not standing for in this experiment, I want to be respected.”
The next day, Julia-Ruth and Divarni met up for dinner to chat things out, with Divarni apologising for his actions and telling his wife he missed her. After accepting his apology, Divarni then surprised Julia-Ruth with a song he’d written for her.
Did they move in together?
Despite a turbulent honeymoon, Julia-Ruth and Divarni did move in together in their MAFS apartment in London.
What happened during the first commitment ceremony?
Julia-Ruth and Divarni discussed in depth with the experts about their turbulent honeymoon and their differences at the first dinner party. Julia-Ruth expressed her concerns that Divarni always wants deep conversations, revealing she also doesn’t like how ‘explodes’ after a disagreement, meaning she can’t communicate with him effectively.
Paul went on to call the pair the most ‘hot and cold’ couple in the experiment, before asking them what they actually wanted to get from the relationship.
Despite a tough start, following a chat with the experts, both Julia-Ruth and Divarni chose to stay in the experiment.
What happened during the second commitment ceremony?
Julia-Ruth and Divarni discussed the differences they had during the values task with the experts at the second commitment ceremony, after Julia-Ruth was left a little worried about how valuable sex is in a relationship for Divarni.
The pair also addressed Julia-Ruth’s disagreement with co-star Steven during the second dinner party, where Divarni chose to stay quiet and not back his wife. After admitting she felt ‘exposed, vulnerable and let down’, Divarni said he didn’t want to add fuel to the the fire, but if he had his time again he would 100% step up and support her.
Despite a little hiccup, the pair admitted they weren’t ready to throw in the towel and both chose to stay.
What happened during the third commitment ceremony?
After a difficult in-laws week, Julia-Ruth and Divarni explained to the experts what went wrong for the pair during the week.
The couple confirmed they are still taking things slowly with intimacy, but Julia-Ruth seemed to deflect when Paul asked her if she’s physically attracted to her husband, before telling Charlene it’s taking her longer than normal.
Despite this, both Julia-Ruth and Divarni chose to stay.
What was the big lie surrounding Julia-Ruth and Divarni?
As the group split in two to head off for a day out during episode 18, Divarni was under scrutiny from his co-stars as they started to question his ‘lack of intimacy’ with his wife.
Speaking to the camera away from the group, a frustrated Divarni said: “Getting called out for a lack of intimacy in my marriage, yeah it’s s–t not gonna lie. If they had the full perspective of what was going on their opinions would be different.
“The group think my marriage is a joke.
“She is spinning a narrative that is not true, but I know the truth. The truth is we have been having sex.
“She lied to the group, she lied to the experts.”
Later on in the episode, Divarni and Julia-Ruth reunited back at their apartment, but when Julie-Ruth asked how her husband’s day had gone, he quickly expressed his annoyance, sparking a huge row.
When Divarni revealed the pair had in fact been intimate, Julia-Ruth fumed: “I asked you not to say it on camera.”
When Divarni said: “But I looked like a complete f—ing fool today. Taking all the blows,” Julia-Ruth hit back saying: “You want me to sit on the couch and tell everyone the sex is s–t?”
An angry Divarni clapped back, saying: “I don’t give a f–k ,if you said it was s–t, at least you are being true to yourself.”
The argument ended with Julia-Ruth storming out of the room, accusing her husband of not respecting her.
Are Julia-Ruth and Divarni still together?
As per rules of the show, Julia-Ruth and Divarni can’t reveal if they are still together, but they do currently follow each other on social media.
How old is Julia-Ruth?
At the time of filming for MAFS UK series 10, Julia-Ruth was 29.
What is her surname?
Her surname is Smith.
Where is she from?
Although she was born in South Africa, Julia-Ruth moved to New Zealand as a child, but now she lives in London.
Is she adopted?
Julia-Ruth was adopted as a baby, but when her adopted father sadly passed away when she was just 14, her adopted sister went on to adopt her. She now calls her mum.
What is her job?
Julia-Ruth is a professional dancer and she’s got a great CV, having worked with huge music stars such as 50 Cent, Bebe Rexha and Leigh-Anne Pinnock.
Has she been on TV before?
If you think you recognise Julia-Ruth, you probably do! MAFS UK isn’t her first time trying to find love on TV, she appeared on Paramount+ programme Are You The One? back in 2023.
Is she on Instagram?
She is! You can follow her on Instagram at julee_aaah.
How old is Divarni?
He was 29-year-old at the time of filming for series 10.
What is his surname?
His full name is Divarni Groce Balogun.
Where is he from?
He’s from London.
What is his job?
He describes himself as a musician.
Has he been on TV before?
He has, and he’s been on some MAJOR shows! As well as appearing on Dinner Date in 2022, Divarni was also a background actor on Bridgeton spin-off show Queen Charlotte! He’s also had small roles on TV shows Half Bad and Riches.
As if that wasn’t enough, Divarni was also an extra in huge movie Wicked: Part 1.
Speaking about his part in the movie on Instagram, he said: ‘A huge Thank you @tochi for setting up this long awaited premier as well as keeping the magic alive.
‘Additionally thank you @jonmchu for creating the best depiction of wicked and allowing myself and the amazing people I have met on this film and being apart of such an amazing production.
‘Such an unforgettable opportunity ‘Everyone deserves to fly’ @cynthiaerivo & @arianagrande what can I say… such an emotional and true inspiration’.
Is he on Instagram?
Yes, you can follow him on Instagram at divarnigrocebalogun.
Take a look at all of this year’s MAFS UK couples:
Rebecca and Bailey
Wedding day:
The experts matched 32-year-old Rebecca with 36-year-old Bailey. After having an initial attraction to Rebecca at the altar, Bailey was left a little annoyed when she only wanted to seal the wedding with a kiss on the cheek, with her later telling producers Bailey wasn’t her usual type. Later in the day, Rebecca chose to speak to Bailey’s friends at the reception, where they seemingly called him out for some white lies about his height and his love for the gym, something that made alarm bells go off in Rebecca’s head. At the end of their big day, Rebecca asked Bailey if he would sleep on the sofa, as she wanted to take things slowly.
Honeymoon:
Despite a slow start on their wedding day, Bailey was able to show Rebecca more of his ‘alpha personality’ during their honeymoon to Mauritius, something which Rebecca loved. The couple got to know each other more on a deeper level, with Bailey expressing his love for his son and his want for more children. After being locked in their room all day thanks to a nasty storm, the couple got intimate, with Rebecca confirming her new husband was ‘no longer in the friendzone’.
First commitment ceremony:
Following an amazing honeymoon and first dinner party, both Rebecca and Bailey chose to stay.
Second commitment ceremony:
After Bailey confessed he’s in love with his wife, the pair both chose to remain with huge smiles on their faces.
Third commitment ceremony:
Another drama free week for the pair resulted in Rebecca and Bailey gushing about their relationship and choosing to stay.
Keye and Davide
Wedding day:
The experts matched together 33-year-olds Keye and Davide, and the pair had an instant connection at the altar. Seemingly thrilled with one another, the pair chatted away and shared a kiss after the stunning ceremony. Despite being worried to tell him, Keye felt comfortable to open up to his new husband about his previous marriage, something Davide took very well.
Honeymoon:
Although Keye’s innuendos started to get a little too much Davide, after he opened up about the sad passing of his brother and the reason why he uses humour to mask things, Davide had a better understand of his new husband and admitted he was ‘proud’ of him. At the end of their honeymoon, the pair gushed about how happy they were, with both Keye and Davide saying they were besotted and falling for one another.
First commitment ceremony:
Davide was unable to attend the first commitment ceremony due to illness, but he did write a lovely letter for his husband, expressing his wish to stay. Keye also stayed.
Second commitment ceremony:
After gushing about how well things are going, both Keye and Davide chose to stay.
Third commitment ceremony:
Looking loved-up on the couch once again, Keye and Davide chose to stay.
Grace and Ashley
Wedding day:
31-year-old Grace and 35-year-old Ashley were matched by the experts, and although Ashley was thrilled with his wife, the same couldn’t be said for Grace. The midwife threatened to quit the show just moments after the ceremony, admitting Ashley isn’t her usual type, before later finding more issues, the biggest being that he isn’t a feminist.
Honeymoon:
Although she nearly didn’t get on the plane, Grace and Ashley did eventually head off to Thailand for their honeymoon and their difference in views was again clear to see. The pair had a few bickers, with Grace saying to the camera: “I’m just a bit concerned that Ashley might be set in his ways and opinions of women and I naively thought it would be more aligned. It’s really important to me.” However, things to a huge U-turn for Grace and Ashley towards the end of their honeymoon, with Grace becoming more open-minded and admitting she really wanted to make the marriage work. The pair were getting on better and enjoying time with one another, with Ashley even planting a kiss on her cheek during their last dinner in Thailand.
First commitment ceremony:
Grace and Ashley both chose to stay during the first commitment ceremony.
Second commitment ceremony:
Despite a difficult week surrounding intimacy, Grace and Ashley both chose to stay in the experiment.
Third commitment ceremony:
Following a better time during in-laws week, Grace and Ashley seemed the happiest they’d been, both choosing to stay.
Nelly and Steven
Wedding day:
The experts chose to match 30-year-old Nelly and 34-year-old Steven based on the pair both having strong family values. Nelly chose to have a traditional Indian-style wedding, something Steven took in his stride, much to the delight of his wife. The pair seemed to have an instant spark and sexual chemistry, but Steven was worried to tell Nelly he’s a proud dad to two children. By the end of the day, Steven felt comfortable enough with his new wife to tell her about his children.
Honeymoon:
Things continued very well for Nelly and Steven on their honeymoon in Jamaica, with the pair getting to know each other better and packing on the PDA. Nelly opened up to her new husband about her past partners, revealing she’s been cheated on in the past, but Steven was quick to reassure her, telling her he’s never been unfaithful. The couple ended their honeymoon with a romantic dinner, with Steven gifting Nelly a super cute present.
First commitment ceremony:
Nelly and Steven both chose to stay during the first commitment ceremony.
Second commitment ceremony:
Despite all of the drama surrounding the pair, mainly due to Steven’s shock behaviour, Nelly chose to give him another chance and the pair chose to stay.
Third commitment ceremony:
Although they admitted to still having a few issues, Nelly and Steven chose to stay.
Leigh and Leah
Wedding day:
30-year-old Leigh was matched with 35-year-old Leah by the experts. Although Leah had an initial attraction to Leigh, Leigh admitted she didn’t know if her new wife was masculine enough for her. Leigh also showed her fiery side during their wedding photoshoot, telling off the photographer for asking them to kiss. Things got even more awkward after the ceremony, with Leigh asked her wife to spend the night in a different room.
Honeymoon:
Leigh and Leah headed off to Switzerland for a ski trip for their honeymoon, but things continued with be frosty between the pair. Despite planning a cute date day for her wife, which involved getting a ski lift to the top of a mountain, it didn’t go down well with Leigh and her fear of heights. A couple’s massage also ended in an argument, with Leah admitting to producers she’s struggling. Leigh seemed to have a change of heart towards the end of their honeymoon, apologising to Leah and admitting she was being distance. After the chat, Leah said she appreciated Leigh going away and working on herself.
First commitment ceremony:
Both girls chose to stay in the experiment in order to work on getting their relationship out of the friendzone.
Second commitment ceremony:
Following a ‘wonky wobbly’ week, Leigh and Leah once again chose to stay.
Third commitment ceremony:
Leigh got emotional after revealing trauma from past relationships has forced her to put up her walls, and despite admitting she had thought about giving up on the relationship, Leah chose to stay. Leigh also confirmed her desire to stay and work on things.
Maeve and Joe
Wedding day:
29-year-old Geordie girl Maeve was matched with 31-year-old Joe by the experts. After turning up to the ceremony on her horse whilst wearing a black dress, Maeve seemed thrilled to find Joe waiting for her, admitting she thinks he’s in the Top 5 of most handsome men she’s ever seen. Unfortunaly for Maeve, Joe wasn’t as pleased, worrying that her personality was ‘too much’ for him. During a chat with his mum and his mates at the ceremony, Joe expressed his concerned for Maeve’s party girl ways.
Honeymoon:
As Maeve and Joe headed off to Antigua on their honeymoon, things got off to a good start when Joe said he had a lot of respect for Maeve bringing up her son as single mum. However, during a chat over drinks, the pair ended up in an explosive argument, with Maeve telling Joe he was “p—ing her off”. Despite this, the next day the couple were able to chat things out, before Joe confessed they’d been intimate!
First commitment ceremony:
Joe was unwell during the first commitment ceremony so he was unable to attend, but that didn’t stop Maeve gushing about her man to the experts. Both chose to stay.
Second commitment ceremony:
After admitting to the experts they’ve fallen in love, both Maeve and Joe chose to stay another week.
Third commitment ceremony:
The third ceremony was the toughest one yet for Maeve and Joe, after Joe announced he’d sadly lost his grandad earlier in the week. The couple also spoke more about the arguments they have, but after some advice from Paul, they both chose to stay.
Julia-Ruth and Divarni
Wedding day:
The experts paired together 29-year-old dancer Julia-Ruth with 29-year-old songwriter Divarni. The pair got off to a great start on their wedding day, with physical attraction between the two very much there. Julia-Ruth and Divarni bonded over their mutual love for Marvel during their wedding photoshoot, with Divarni thrilled with his new wife!
Honeymoon:
After heading off on their honeymoon to Morocco, things quickly took a negative turn for Julia-Ruth and Divarni when Julia-Ruth revealed her husband’s constant negativity and deep chats wasn’t turning her on. During a chat at dinner, Julia-Ruth suggested the pair should spend the night apart, leaving Divarni feeling upset. The next day, Julia-Ruth revealed to the camera the pair had another argument off camera, resulting in them meeting for a tense chat. Divarni admitted he’s had time to reflect and that he missed her. The pair seemed to make up, with Divarni surprising his wife by writing and performing her a song.
First commitment ceremony:
Following an in-depth chat with expert Paul, Julia-Ruth and Divarni decided to both stay in the experiment.
Second commitment ceremony:
Despite the values task causing some troubles between the two, both Julia-Ruth and Divarni chose to stay.
Third commitment ceremony:
Although things continue to move slowly, with Julia-Ruth admitting she’s still not physically attracted to her husband, they both chose to stay for another week.
Abi and John
Wedding day:
Arriving late into the experiment, 34-year-old Abi and 38-year-old John were the first of this year’s intruder couples to get married. Abi and John seemed to have an instant spark at the altar, with their beaming personalities clear to see. The couple were comfortable sharing a kiss after the ceremony, as well as enjoying a few more during their photoshoot. Following a grilling from Abi’s mum, John also got the seal of approval, with the couple later admitting they’d never been in love before.
Honeymoon:
Abi and John headed to the Seychelles for their honeymoon and things continued to go well for the pair. Abi opened up to John about why she has her walls up, revealing she was unknowingly part of an affair with a former boyfriend. Abi later confessed how comfortable she feels around John, admitting she’s never felt this way before and can’t wait to see what the future holds.
First commitment ceremony:
Expressing how happy they’ve been since their wedding day, both Abi and John chose to stay during their first commitment ceremony.
Leisha and Reiss
Wedding day:
Also arriving late into the experiment, the experts matched 31-year-old Leisha with 33-year-old Reiss. High energy Leisha was incredibly nervous at the altar, leading her to fumble her vows, and she wasn’t best pleased when her new husband chose to only kiss her cheek at the end of the ceremony. Reiss was worried his new wife was going to be ‘too much’ and he was later bombarded with questions by her friend and mum.
Honeymoon:
Reiss and Leisha’s honeymoon didn’t get off to the best of starts when Leisha was bitten on the nose by a stray dog, resulting in a hospital trip. The couple endured an argument when Reiss played down his wife’s injury, with her having to ask him to accompany her to the hospital. Reiss also confessed that Leisha was putting too much pressure on things and starting to push him away, which resulted in Leisha chilling out a bit. The pair’s honeymoon ended on a high, with the couple enjoying each other’s company and Leisha saying she was starting to fall for Reiss.
First commitment ceremony:
After addressing the incident on the plane home from their honeymoon, where Leisha was chatting to another man for over one hour, Leisha and Reiss both chose to stay, despite Reiss believing the pair move at different speeds.
April and Leo
Wedding day:
The final couple to tie the knot on series 10 was 31-year-olds April and Leo. The pair’s wedding day was arguably one of the most successful in the show’s history, with both April and Leo praising the experts for ‘doing them proud’. Chemistry between the two high, with April and Leo enjoying a number of steamy kisses, as well as discovering how much they have in common.
Honeymoon:
April and Leo headed to Finland for their honeymoon and the sexual chemistry between the pair continued, with them wasting no time in getting intimate. However, later in the week, April addressed her concerns that she was always the one leading the conversation, worried they were going to struggle having a deeper connection. Leo opened up that he uses his alter-ego Hotdog as coping mechanism, with April pleased he was able to open up.
First commitment ceremony:
Following an amazing wedding day and honeymoon, April addressed her concerns to the experts that she fears she won’t gain a deeper connection with her husband. After being given advice and things to work on, both April and Leo chose to stay.
Sarah and Dean: LEFT EXPERIMENT
Wedding day:
31-year-olds Sarah and Dean were matched together by the experts. Things didn’t get off to the best starts when they first met, with Sarah not happy that the experts didn’t listen to her usual type. Things got even more awkward when Dean decided to perform a rap during the ceremony, before later bursting out into a song he’d written about his wife later in the day. Sarah confessed her worries to the camera, admitting she gets ‘friend vibes’ from Dean.
Honeymoon:
Things seemed to go from bad to worse for Sarah and Dean as they jetted off to The Maldives on their honeymoon. As well as Dean’s singing outbursts annoying her, she brutally confessed she wasn’t physically attracted to her new husband, going to to tell producers he would need ‘tattoos and to lose weight’ before she fancied him.
First commitment ceremony:
After a telling-off from the experts about her ‘rude’ and ‘disrespectful’ comments towards Dean, the pair both chose to stay, with Sarah admitting she really wants things to work out.
Second commitment ceremony:
Although they endured their first argument, both Sarah and Dean chose to stay.
Third commitment ceremony:
Despite admitting they wanted to give things another week and both writing ‘stay’, following honest feedback from the experts, Sarah and Dean chose to leave the experiment, with Dean thanking Sarah for her honesty.
Anita and Paul: LEFT EXPERIMENT
Wedding day:
54-year-old Anita and 60-year-old Paul were the final couple from this year’s series to get married. Upon meeting at the altar, Anita didn’t seem too thrilled with her new husband, telling producers he wasn’t the silver fox she was hoping for, but she did want to get to know him more. During their photoshoot, Anita was optimistic about their relationship when she discovered they’d both been married before, and both have older children.
Honeymoon:
Eager to get to know Paul better, Anita asked questions as they enjoyed a honeymoon in Cape Verde, but she was left disappointed when he admitted he didn’t know what love is, leading her to question why he wanted to take part in the show. Anita expressed her frustration further when Paul failed to ask her any questions, admitting she feels like he doesn’t want to get to know her, and that she doesn’t think he’s ready for marriage. At the end of their honeymoon, Anita admitted to producers she doesn’t think there’s hope for their marriage.
First commitment ceremony:
After refusing to move in with Paul, the pair didn’t go into the first commitment ceremony in the greatest of places. Anita chose to leave with no hope anything could be turned around, but because Paul chose to stay, the pair stayed for another week.
Second commitment ceremony:
Anita and Paul were unable to make things work, deciding to both leave the experiment during the second commitment ceremony. Although their romance didn’t work out, they did confirm they’ve made a great friendship.
MAFS UK airs Sunday-Thursday at 9pm on E4.
Now read:
MAFS UK: Are Nelly and Steven still together?
MAFS UK: Are Sarah and Dean still together?
MAFS UK: Are Leah and Leigh still together?
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