Married at First Sight NZ is hitting our screens later this year, the first time New Zealand couples will be meeting at the alter in the hope of finding long-term love.
The responsibility of making two become one lies in the hands of two people; Dr Pani Farvid, a senior lecturer in social psychology at AUT in Auckland, and Tony Jones, an experienced relationship counsellor for more than 12 years. These two are our 'love experts' for the season.
While Dr Farvid is a regular on Three's The AM Show, it's going to be the first time in the spotlight for Tony Jones, and he says he's "not prepared or too keen on" the prospect of being a household name.
"Fortunately I have some amazing friends and genuine support around me that will keep me on the straight and narrow," he told Newshub.
Jones grew up in the UK, settling in New Zealand with his wife after "they ran out of money" during their travels 12 years ago. He has one young son with a second due later this year.
He says he was cautious of the prospect of being involved with Married at First Sight, after catching "bits and pieces" of the Australian version.
"My reflection was how much editing goes on in these shows? I now know, it's real and you get everything warts and all, but that's my experience of the NZ version," he says.
The process of pairing the couples was so in-depth, he says he "couldn't possibly sum up all the variables here", but was looking for similar beliefs, communication styles ("love languages"), and complimentary differences.
"I would look for growth potential. We were looking for relationships with the long game in mind, we'll leave the short game to Tinder," he says.
Jones believes that while the wants of the singles seemed to be "value based over looks for most", online time will tell on how genuine the chosen ones are.
"It certainly kept us on our toes. Have you ever employed somebody that had the best CV and blew you away in interview to only find a very different colleague arrive to work? Likewise, have you ever taken a punt on someone that didn't have the best CV or freaked out in interview to then be faced with the most incredible asset for you team and workplace? Even with all the work and genuine selection of these guys, we'll just have to wait and see who we get.
"It's exciting and viewers certainly won't be disappointed."
Jones says the whole process has been "a rollercoaster", with some positive surprises - and some disappointments.
"With all the best will and intentions in the world there are variables nobody can forsee, but this is life."
And the prospect of that pesky fame?
Jones believes say that with the "woeful" mental health provision in New Zealand, "If counselling is put out there as an option for those that wouldn't otherwise engage then it's worth it. So, if a counsellor becomes a household word then that's just fine with me.
"I've also bought lots of new hats and sunglasses, so its great timing coming into summer," he joked.
Married at First Sight NZ will begin on Three later this year.
Newshub.
