MAFS UK viewers praise bride's best friend over comment about groom who's already caused controversy

The 2024 series of Married At First Sight UK may have only landed on screens a matter of days ago, and already one groom has found himself facing a tidal wave of backlash over remarks he made about his wife's appearance.

Thankfully, however, the blushing bride's bestie was seen rushing to her defence in the most recent instalment - a move which has received mass praise online.

For those out of the loop with the hit Channel 4 reality series' most recent controversy, the couple at the centre of the dispute are Adam Aveling, 33, was matched with Polly Sellman, 28.

The duo were paired up by MAFS' resident dating experts - Paul C. Brunson, Mel Schilling and Charlene Douglas - but just minutes into their brand new marriage, viewers sensed trouble ahead.

It initially appeared as though Adam and Polly were pleased to have been matched, with the latter in particular seemingly unable to believe she'd bagged herself a man.

She said he was 'very attractive', complete with a 'beefy' body and 'nice haircut', admitting: "I do fancy him."

Sadly, however, minutes later, Adam rained on his bride's parade by telling viewers he didn't find Polly physically attractive.

It was the way he expressed his sentiments, however, that have seen him the target of vast online criticism ever since.

Adam claimed Polly isn't his type (Channel 4)

"The initial attraction's not 100 percent there," he told viewers in a confessional.

"She's not my usual type. 10 out of 10 for me would be petite, brunette, dark features, tan. She's not what I expected."

Adam also went on to tell Polly's best friend Alfie that he couldn't see an appeal in his new fair-haired bride, claiming he usually goes after 'unreal brunettes'.

Thankfully, however, as any true BFF would do, Alfie stood up for Polly, and rushed straight to her to spill the tea.

He also told cameras: "I’m pretty disappointed he hasn’t complimented her. It’s just awkwardness and silence."

Since then, the same viewers who criticised Adam's audacious words have heaped praise onto Alfie for his defence.

"Alfie speaking for us all. Tell her she looks beautiful!!!" one penned on social media.

Another went on: "Literally. It's okay if you're not immediately attracted to them, but you don't have to be attracted to see they look beautiful.

Polly was heartbroken when Alfie informed her what Adam had said (Channel 4)

"Why wouldn't you compliment your bride??"

"Totally agree. Despite our earlier conversation, just being polite isn't hard!" a third added.

"Can we just have Alfie going from couple to couple supporting all the beautiful brides?" another asked.