Ten Questions with Matt and Emma Willis

After watching Love is Blind: UK, it’s safe to say that this show has taken reality television to a whole new level. The concept of finding love without the visual aspect is intriguing and surprisingly effective, as evidenced by the couples who have found their happily ever after.

Add Love is Blind: UK to your watchlist

Here comes the British adaptation of the popular U.S. dating series, Love Is Blind. Unlike traditional dating shows, this one has a unique twist: instead of relying on looks, contestants engage in deep conversations to find love without initially meeting or seeing each other. The show’s co-hosts are Emma Willis and her pop star spouse Matt, who tied the knot in 2008 and share three kids together. They met back in 2005 when Emma interviewed Matt’s band Busted for MTV. One might wonder if their unconventional show format would have worked for them as well!

What’s it like being a celebrity TV couple? Does being in the same industry help or hinder?

Matt: Famous couples often struggle, just like many other couples. Fame is simply a result of our work, nothing more. It aids us in advancing, but neither Emma nor I place much value on it. If one of us valued it more, it might create an uncomfortable situation.

You have busy careers, and three children. What does your downtime look like?

Matt: A large part of our time is spent arranging schedules for the kids.

I don’t know if I’d have wanted to do TV presenting without Emma

Now you’re working together on Love Is Blind: UK — is that a first for you?

Matt: Back in 2007/8, we participated in an offshoot of “I’m a Celebrity.” That was before marriage and children, so our experiences were quite distinct from what they are now. When this opportunity presented itself, it checked all the right boxes for me because I adore the show and spending time with Emma once more was fantastic.

Matt, what’s it like stepping into Emma’s world of presenting?

Matt: I’m not sure if I would have enjoyed TV presenting as much without Emma. Normally, I feel a bit envious when she goes off to film shows, but it was great to see what happens backstage and share the experience. She’s truly exceptional at her job. Now, I get to work alongside her and have a fantastic time.

Tell us what viewers can expect from the series…

As a movie enthusiast, I can tell you it’s not a film about sewing together hearts – it’s a journey where individuals seek a bond with someone, ideally leading to marriage, love, and an enduring, joyful relationship. The narrative unfolds in an unconventional manner, featuring a group of men on one side, women on the other. They engage in brief dating sessions, never laying eyes on each other. As the conversations deepen over six days, love begins to blossom, making for quite an emotionally charged experience.

What happens when the couples finally get to see each other for the first time?

Matt: In approximately 11 days, a proposal is made which gets accepted, leading to their first encounter. They then jet off for a honeymoon, followed by moving into an apartment together. Life outside their bubble hits them, and if they feel prepared, they may decide to get married. Eventually, there’s a wedding ceremony.

Is it an actual wedding?

Matt: It’s a formal agreement. They’re officially husband and wife. They have the option to either agree or decline and leave. It’s harsh, but that’s how it works.

With that in mind, how do you keep the contestants on an even keel?

As the host, it’s important to offer as much assistance as you can. This is akin to working on a show like Big Brother, where I ensured my questions were impartial. I strive to aid someone because if that were my partner, mother, or daughter, I would hope they were being well-cared for by others too.

If it’s such an emotional rollercoaster, why do people come on the show?

What I gather from Matt’s statement is this: Many people yearn for the experience of falling in love and getting married. Most of those we conversed with are disenchanted by modern dating through apps, seeking something more authentic instead. With the visual aspect removed, they find themselves asking questions that could otherwise be uncomfortable.

If you’d met on Love Is Blind, do you think you’d have got together just by talking?

As a movie critic, let me share my thoughts: At first glance, I was completely smitten and ready to give the film a resounding yes. However, there was another voice in the back of my mind, hesitant about the outcome. You see, I had a brief encounter with the lead actress during an interview with her band, and I must admit, she left quite the impression. If only we could share meaningful conversations through our common wall! While it’s hard to predict how things would have unfolded, one thing is certain: seeing her for the first time was undeniably a captivating moment that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

2024-08-02 17:04

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