Married at First Sight UK (MAFS UK) has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its unique social experiment of matching strangers to marry at first sight. Among the standout participants of the 2024 season (Series 9) is Ross McCarthy, a 32-year-old painter and decorator from Manchester, who made history as the show’s first deaf groom. Paired with Sacha Jones, a 29-year-old aesthetics practitioner, Ross’s journey on MAFS UK was marked by heartfelt moments, fiery conflicts, and a dramatic post-show fallout that has kept fans buzzing.
This article delves into Ross McCarthy’s background, his MAFS journey, his relationship with Sacha, their publicized split, and the latest developments, including his new relationship. Drawing from the most recent online sources, we’ll also address popular questions about Ross circulating on platforms like YouTube and Google, ensuring an engaging and informative read.
Background and Personal Life
Ross McCarthy, aged 32, hails from Manchester, England, and is a proud father to his three-year-old daughter, Bleu. Born profoundly deaf, Ross has worn hearing aids since childhood, a fact that has shaped his life and perspective. Despite the challenges of hearing loss, Ross has embraced his identity and used his platform on MAFS UK to advocate for the deaf community. His determination to challenge stigma around hearing aids and promote inclusivity has resonated with viewers, making him a fan favorite.
Before entering the MAFS experiment, Ross worked as a painter and decorator, a career he pursued after an apprenticeship with a firm staffed by deaf individuals in Blackburn. His professional journey is notable, as he rose to a managerial position within a year, showcasing his ambition and capability. Ross also has a sporting past, having played football semi-professionally, which highlights his active lifestyle. His love for kickboxing is another facet of his personality that connected him with Sacha during the experiment.
Ross is deeply family-oriented, with five sisters who have been a significant support system throughout his life. His commitment to teaching his daughter, Bleu, British Sign Language (BSL) stems from his own experience of learning it later in life, ensuring she can communicate with him even if his hearing deteriorates further. This poignant aspect of his story has gone viral on social media, with videos of Ross and Bleu signing together earning widespread admiration.
Why Did Ross Join MAFS UK?
Ross entered MAFS UK seeking a partner who is “beautiful, amazing, funny, easy to communicate with, and has the same character” as him. Communication is particularly crucial for Ross due to his deafness, and he emphasized the importance of finding someone who could connect with him effectively. His wedding vows, which included the line, “I may be deaf, but I will always hear you,” touched viewers and set the tone for his romantic journey on the show.
Ross’s participation wasn’t just about finding love; it was also about representing the deaf community. He expressed a desire to inspire others with hearing loss to pursue their dreams, stating, “If I can do it, you can do it, 100%. I want to encourage others to fulfil their potential. That’s my passion.” His openness about his disability and confidence in navigating relationships despite it made him a relatable and inspiring figure.
Ross and Sacha: A MAFS UK Love Story
Ross McCarthy and Sacha Jones were matched by MAFS UK experts Paul C. Brunson, Charlene Douglas, and Mel Schilling in September 2024. Their wedding day was a highlight of Series 9, with sparks flying as they met for the first time at the altar. Sacha, a 29-year-old from Birmingham, brought her vibrant personality to the experiment, complementing Ross’s charm and humor. Their shared interests, including kickboxing and a family-oriented outlook, laid a strong foundation for their relationship.
The couple’s chemistry was evident from the start. Sacha described feeling “safe” and “secure” with Ross, a sentiment no other man had evoked in her. Ross, in turn, praised Sacha’s communication skills, which were vital given his deafness. Their honeymoon in Thailand further solidified their bond, with both describing it as one of the best weeks of their lives. Fans were optimistic about their potential, especially as they appeared to breeze through early commitment ceremonies with minimal drama compared to other couples.
Challenges in the Relationship
Despite their strong start, Ross and Sacha’s marriage wasn’t without its challenges. Their fiery personalities both being Sagittarians led to intense arguments that foreshadowed trouble. A notable conflict arose when Sacha clashed with another cast member, Alex, during a dinner party, defending her friends. Ross’s failure to support Sacha during this heated exchange caused friction, as she felt he prioritized his friendship with Alex over her. This incident led to Sacha temporarily barring Ross from their shared flat, highlighting their struggle to resolve disagreements.
Another point of contention was their differing views on where to live post-experiment. Ross, based in Manchester, lived in a static caravan in a remote woodland area, which he was initially nervous to reveal to Sacha. Sacha, deeply tied to her hometown of Walsall, was reluctant to relocate. This geographical divide became a recurring issue, despite being only an hour-and-a-half apart, as both had busy lives Ross with his daughter and Sacha with her charity work.
The Final Vows and Commitment
Despite these hurdles, Ross and Sacha chose to stay together during the final vow ceremony, a moment that had fans rooting for them. Sacha’s effort to learn BSL for her vows was a heartfelt gesture that moved Ross and viewers alike. Ross promised to move to Walsall to be with Sacha, signaling their commitment to making the marriage work outside the experiment. At the reunion episodes, aired on November 14, 2024, the couple appeared united, with Ross already living with Sacha in Walsall.
However, Sacha later revealed that the producers had spoiled a surprise she had planned for Ross before the vows, leading to an emotional moment that was misrepresented in the edit. She was “seething” over the portrayal, which made it seem like she was crying over Ross’s comments about Walsall rather than the ruined surprise. This editing controversy added another layer to their story, hinting at underlying tensions.
The Dramatic Split: What Went Wrong?
While Ross and Sacha’s on-screen journey suggested a fairy-tale ending, social media told a different story. Fans noticed that the couple no longer followed each other on Instagram, a red flag that sparked speculation about their relationship status. Ross’s Instagram bio, which included his daughter’s name, Bleu, followed by an “M” with a heart emoji, further fueled rumors. This “M” was linked to a woman named Magda, who had an “R” with a heart in her private Instagram bio, suggesting a new romantic connection.
Reports emerged that Ross had been interacting with Magda on social media as early as June 2024, while MAFS UK was still airing. Comments like “I love you” and “Couple of hours till ya in my arms again” on Magda’s posts, along with a photo of them kissing, confirmed that Ross had moved on. These actions were seen as a breach of MAFS protocol, as contestants are typically barred from discussing their relationship status until the show concludes. Producers were reportedly unhappy with Ross for spoiling the outcome by flaunting his new relationship.
Sacha’s Side of the Story
Sacha broke her silence in an explosive OK! Magazine interview, detailing the darker side of her relationship with Ross. She claimed that Ross ended their marriage abruptly via text just two weeks after Sacha moved to Manchester to be with him. According to Sacha, Ross’s behavior post-experiment was “unacceptable,” including name-calling and an incident where he threw a kebab at a wall during filming. She recounted a particularly hurtful text where Ross called her a “little f—ing sket,” which he showed to another cast member, Amy Kenyon, on camera.
Sacha described Ross as being “on and off like a light switch” after the show, oscillating between wanting to split and reconcile. She also alleged that Ross attempted to secretly meet another female cast member, asking her not to tell Sacha, though the woman honored “girl code” and informed her. Sacha’s time in Walsall with Ross was, in her words, the “unhappiest” period of her life, leaving her feeling like a “shell” of herself. Despite her love for Ross, she acknowledged that continuing the relationship would have been detrimental to her well-being.
Ross’s Perspective
Ross addressed the split on the Tim Marner podcast, describing the relationship as “toxic” due to frequent arguments and Sacha’s “fiery” and “argumentative” nature. He revealed a personal hardship during the homestays, when he learned his sister had cancer, which shifted his priorities and left him emotionally drained.
Ross stated that the constant conflicts with Sacha became overwhelming, leading him to end the relationship. He did not directly respond to Sacha’s allegations of name-calling or physical outbursts but focused instead on his happiness with his new partner, Magda, whom he described as “beautiful, amazing” and someone he “loves to bits.”
The Fallout and Public Reaction
The split shocked MAFS UK fans, who had viewed Ross and Sacha as one of the strongest couples of the 2024 season. Social media reactions were mixed, with some fans expressing disappointment, saying, “Was rooting for you and I’m actually gutted you’ve got a gf and it didn’t work out for you and your wife”. Others praised Ross’s new relationship, with comments like, “Magda is his beautiful new gf (heart emoji).” The public nature of their breakup, amplified by Ross’s social media posts with Magda, drew criticism for insensitivity toward Sacha, especially as she was reportedly “devastated” by the sudden end.
Ross’s New Relationship with Magda
On November 15, 2024, the day after the MAFS UK reunion aired, Ross confirmed his new relationship with Magda, a tattooed businesswoman, via an Instagram post. The video showed the couple enjoying a romantic day at the seaside, with Ross captioning it, “The moment I been waiting for…. The real deal. My world @magda11222.” The caption was perceived as a subtle jab at Sacha, implying that Magda was his true match.
Ross and Magda reportedly began dating in June 2024, just months after his split from Sacha. Their relationship appears serious, with Ross publicly declaring his love for Magda on Facebook and sharing affectionate messages, such as “you’re the best” and “you can keep me forever.” Magda’s private Instagram account and limited public information have kept her identity somewhat mysterious, but their mutual social media interactions confirm their bond.
Impact on MAFS UK Narrative
Ross’s decision to go public with Magda while the show was still airing was controversial. Producers were reportedly frustrated, as it spoiled the illusion of Ross and Sacha’s ongoing romance for viewers. Sources claimed that Ross ignored calls from MAFS producers, who were keen to have him attend a rumored Christmas reunion special to address the drama with Sacha. His refusal to participate suggests he’s eager to move on from the MAFS experience.
Ross’s Advocacy for the Deaf Community
Ross’s participation in MAFS UK was groundbreaking, not only for his personal journey but also for his representation of the deaf community. His openness about wearing hearing aids and his efforts to teach BSL to his daughter have sparked conversations about accessibility and inclusion. Videos of Ross and Bleu signing have gone viral, highlighting the importance of early language acquisition for children of deaf parents. His message of resilience—“If I can do it, you can do it”—has inspired viewers with hearing loss to pursue their goals without fear of stigma.
Ross’s story also sheds light on the challenges of navigating relationships as a deaf individual. His emphasis on communication as a cornerstone of a successful partnership resonated with Sacha initially, but their struggles underscored the complexities of aligning communication styles under pressure. His advocacy extends beyond the show, as he continues to share his experiences on social media, encouraging others to embrace their identities.
The Role of Social Media and Editing in MAFS UK Drama
The MAFS UK experience is heavily influenced by social media and editing, and Ross and Sacha’s story is no exception. Fans’ detective work on Instagram and TikTok, such as spotting Ross’s interactions with Magda, broke the news of their split before the show concluded. This premature reveal disrupted the narrative crafted by producers, who rely on secrecy to maintain suspense.
Editing controversies also played a role. Sacha accused producers of misrepresenting her emotional reaction during the final vows, claiming they made it seem like she was upset about Ross’s comments rather than a spoiled surprise. Such manipulations are common in reality TV, but they can significantly impact public perception of participants. Ross’s decision to distance himself from the show post-filming, including avoiding the Christmas reunion, suggests frustration with the MAFS process and its aftermath.
FAQs
What is Ross’s relationship status on MAFS UK?
Ross was paired with 29-year-old Sacha Jones on MAFS UK 2024. Initially, they seemed to form a strong connection, even choosing to stay together during the final vows. However, shortly after filming concluded, their relationship ended. Ross has since gone Instagram official with a new partner named Magdalena.
What is Ross’s background in sports?
Before his appearance on MAFS UK, Ross was a talented footballer. He played for the Everton Deaf Football Club and was scouted for Team GB trials at just 17 years old. His athletic background showcases his discipline and commitment.
How does Ross manage his hearing impairment?
Born deaf, Ross wears two hearing aids and communicates using British Sign Language. He has spoken openly about growing up in a hearing family and how he navigates the world with his hearing aids. Ross’s openness has contributed to increased awareness and understanding of deafness.
What has Ross said about his experience on MAFS UK?
Ross has expressed that being on MAFS UK was a significant opportunity for him. He has shared insights into his journey, including the challenges and rewards of participating in a reality TV show as the first deaf contestant. His openness has been appreciated by fans and has sparked conversations about representation on television.
In Summary
Ross McCarthy’s journey on MAFS UK 2024 was a rollercoaster of romance, conflict, and personal growth. As the show’s first deaf groom, he brought visibility to the deaf community while navigating the highs and lows of a televised marriage. His relationship with Sacha Jones captivated audiences, but their “toxic” split and Ross’s new romance with Magda have kept the drama alive off-screen. Through it all, Ross has remained a devoted father and advocate, using his platform to inspire others.
Fans continue to seek answers about Ross’s life, from his tattoos to his career and new relationship, with platforms like YouTube and Google buzzing with queries. While his MAFS chapter has closed, Ross’s story is far from over, as he continues to share his love for Magda and his daughter, Bleu, with the world. As MAFS UK fans await potential updates from a rumored Christmas reunion, Ross McCarthy remains a compelling figure whose journey has left a lasting impact.
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