For the past decade, John Aiken has been helping Australians build lasting relationships as the resident clinical psychologist on Married At First Sight.
The show features a team of experts, including Aiken, who pair singles to ‘marry’ each other.
Viewers then follow the couples as they navigate the complexities of married life after meeting as they say their vows.
Marketed worldwide as a relationship ‘experiment’, the series claims to want to spark discussions about behaviour – what’s appropriate and what’s not.
However, the show’s integrity has come under scrutiny. Writing in The Sydney Morning Herald, Thomas Mitchell questioned whether Married At First Sight is still truly about finding love.
The MAFS cast frequently become the stars of gossip websites, social media and weekly magazines while on and off-screen scandals become front page news as fights and walk-outs feature heavily.
Married At First Sight cast, 2025
But Aiken strongly disagrees with the criticism, arguing that critics are missing the point.
“They’re viewing it as just a reality show rather than as something educational or meaningful,” Aiken told Mediaweek. “It may be voyeuristic, but I absolutely believe people take a lot away from it.”
Aiken shared that the most rewarding feedback comes from everyday Australians. “People stop me on the street to say what they’ve learned from the show and how it’s inspired them to do things differently,” he said.
The former cricketer-turned-relationship expert believes the show offers valuable lessons by demonstrating “what not to do” in relationships.
“As a psychologist, you’re often taught the 10 things that make a happy relationship,” he explained. “But with MAFS, we learn the 10 things you absolutely shouldn’t do if you want to avoid destroying your relationship. It’s a very practical way of learning.”
After 11 seasons in the hot seat, Aiken’s enthusiasm remains strong. “This role fits my personality perfectly. I’m practical, direct, and focused on helping people make real changes quickly. MAFS gives me the platform to deliver that message,” he said.
Aiken, along with fellow relationship expert Mel Schilling, and clinical sexologist Alessandra Rampolla, will once again guide 20 couples as they take the plunge and say “I do” to a stranger when the 2025 season of MAFS kicks off on Monday, 27 January, at 7.30 pm on Nine and 9Now.
Pictured: John Aiken and MAFS cast, 2025.