Whether it's dishing out invaluable advice on the likes of MAFS UK and Celebs Go Dating, or providing a safe space for unfiltered chats on his We Need To Talk podcast, it's fair to say that Paul C. Brunson, has a wealth of experience as a relationship expert and life coach.
And luckily for heat, we get the opportunity to pick Paul's brains about it all. In addition to finding out about his involvement with Tinder's new dating nail bar, we are itching to learn what he's really thinking about this year's Married at First Sight UK...
How would you describe MAFS this series?
It, hands down, is the most high-octane, roller coaster, dramatic series we've ever had. It is intense.
How do you feel when spoilers come out online?
I hate it. But then, in part, I understand sometimes why they come out. I think there are three reasons. One is that you're talking about people who are not television savvy. They don't understand that people are going to be watching their every move. Secondly is a more devious category, and that is when you feel as if your story is not being displayed as you want it to be displayed, and therefore you want to tell the audience, 'This didn't happen' or, 'This happened' and then in the course of that, you spoil - and I understand. I've felt that way before. The third drive is the most nefarious, and that is, 'Oh I want to get paid from this press outlet that's going to slide me some money so that I can spoil.' It ruins the experience. However, production is getting much better at managing it.
What is your take on the reports surrounding coercive control?
I think we have to step back and understand that we now are armed with more language today. I've been on television for 12 years. 12 years ago, not even the experts on TV talked about coercive control. No one talked about narcissism, OCD, and neurodiversity. Now, we are armed with more terms, which is great. However, most of us use the terms inaccurately. Also, storylines are edited so that you see a highlight reel of the most extreme responses. The commitment ceremony, we film for 12 to 14 hours and every couple sits on the couch between 60 and 90 minutes. You see the most extreme parts and I think that's something to be aware of. The last thing I'll say is there's a 24/7 welfare team who are constantly with the contributors. The moment that something happens where they believe a line has been crossed - or a line could be crossed - it is immediately addressed, and that's why certain contestants or contributors are removed.
Talk to us about the couples who have surprised you with how they've progressed...
All of them. This is the one series where every couple goes in a direction that you didn't think they were going to go in. Take Kieran and Kristina. Here is a couple who you immediately say, 'This is going to be perfect. Physically, they're attractive, they've got the same values.' But what they're navigating right now, it's beautiful to watch. They're navigating Kieran's willingness to stay in a relationship with someone with PMDD [premenstrual dysphoric disorder]. So ultimately, the question is, how much of his behaviour and his lifestyle is he willing to compromise to be in this?
And finally, how does the Tinder ‘Dating Nailing’ nail bar encourage healthy conversations around relationships?
This is critical. 57 per cent of women feel comfortable talking about dating and their relationships in a nail bar, while 75 per cent of single women still hold back from sharing their dating lives with friends and family. So you think about that - and how important it is to actually talk about your experiences. This opportunity is very important and I'm so proud that Tinder is participating in this.
The Tinder ‘Nailing Dating’ nail bar opens in London, 25 - 26 October 2024, with free dating workshops, manicures and nail art. Book at the Nailing Dating website.
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Millie Payne is a News and Entertainment Writer for heat. She has specialised in showbiz interviews, features, articles and roundups for over three years and loves combining her love for writing, talking and all things popular culture.