Ikechi Tried to Get Cast on a Different Season of ‘Married at First Sight’ — Is That a Red Flag?
Second time’s the charm? One Married at First Sight Chicago cast member isn’t exactly new to the Lifetime reality show. Ikechi, who was matched with Emen for the show’s 18th season, previously applied to be on MAFS when producers were casting in a different city.
Ikechi was considered for ‘Married at First Sight’ Season 13 in Houston
In 2021, the MAFS team headed to Houston to search for singles interested in marrying a complete stranger. Ikechi became one of the people who made it through the initial screening process when producers invited him to do an in-person interview with the experts. During that conversation, he explained why he wanted to turn his love life over to the show’s trio of matchmakers.
“I’ve been doing something wrong, apparently, and maybe I need some help,” Ikechi told Dr. Viviana Coles during his brief appearance in the Married at First Sight Season 13 matchmaking special.
Unfortunately for Ikechi, he did not move any further through the MAFS process. The episode’s home segment didn’t feature him, and the experts didn’t shed any light on why they chose not to find him a partner.
Ikechi had better luck on ‘MAFS’ Season 18
Ikechi did not become part of the Married at First Sight Houston cast. Sometime later, he left Texas for Chicago. When producers announced they were looking for singles in that city, Ikechi, who had been single for 12 years, decided to give the show another shot. This time, he had better luck. The experts matched the 41-year-old college counselor with Emen, 34, a nurse practitioner.
Will Ikechi find his happily ever after with Emen? Only time will tell. But his decision to apply for MAFS again after his rejection in Houston could be a red flag. (There are also reports he tried out for the show’s Charlotte season, which aired in 2019.) Skeptical viewers will likely assume he’s more interested in being on TV for exposure than finding love. It doesn’t help that Ikechi already wrote a book of letters to his future wife, as he explained to Emen on their wedding day. That could be another sign he sees the show as a way to promote himself and his work.
“Here’s the thing with Ikechi. I think he’s on here for exposure,” said YouTuber TammyTalks. “I do not think this man signed up for love.”
At the reception, Ikechi arranged for a singer to perform a special song for his new wife. He joined in the performance at the end. Was it a heartfelt gesture, or did he just want to draw the spotlight to himself? For now, it’s hard to say. Some of Ikechi’s moves might come off as cringy or try-hard, but that doesn’t mean he’s not genuinely looking for love. Or, he could see Married at First Sight as an experience with multiple benefits, leading to love and increased personal and professional opportunities.
Married at First Sight Season 18 airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime.
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