“Married at First Sight” Italy is back for 2026, and the new lineup already has everyone talking. The cult reality format — three couples of strangers marrying at the altar after selection by a team of experts — returns with fresh faces and one notable change to the expert panel: psychologist Giulia Davanzante steps in alongside returning experts Andrea Favaretto and Nada Loffredi. The first two episodes land on Discovery+ tomorrow, with a free‑to‑air broadcast set for 7 January on Real Time. Here’s a closer look at the six singles chosen for this daring social experiment, plus what their profiles tell us about love, commitment and contemporary relationship culture.
Meet the six singles
The producers released the photos and short bios of the participants today. The cast is diverse in age, background and life experience — a deliberate mix intended to create both sparks and emotional depth on screen. The six singles are Marina, Linda, Irene, Federico, Andrea D. and Andrea T.
Marina Bernardi, 27 — Receptionist, Rimini. Marina is described as curious, always on the move and with a restless professional history. Her dream is to open an ice‑cream shop, a charming goal that signals entrepreneurial spirit and a desire for a life project. She’s close to her siblings and values family opinion highly. Marina represents the younger cohort: hopeful, social and at a crossroads between adventure and stability.
Irene Mele, 42 — Thanatopractor and trainer, Genoa. Irene’s background is striking and moving. A thanatoesthéticienne (a professional who dresses and prepares the deceased), she turned this vocation into a career after a formative personal loss. She also runs training courses abroad. Creative, resilient and romantic, Irene yearns for family life and children. Her profile suggests emotional maturity, professional depth and an unusual life experience that will bring complex dynamics to any relationship.
Linda Manzoni — Participant profile emerging. While the published brief on Linda is shorter, the imagery and presentation point to a confident woman who may challenge conventional expectations — the type of participant who brings strong presence and personality into conversations about compatibility.
Federico Cortinovis, 38 — Warehouse manager, near Bergamo. Federico loves the outdoors and is a serious home cook (risotto is his specialty). Notably, he played a parental role in raising a partner’s child from infancy to age 12 — an experience he cites with pride. That past shows commitment and emotional responsibility, qualities that can be rare on dating shows and could make him stand out as a stable partner.
Andrea Disisto, 41 — Skilled technician, province of Voghera. Andrea self‑identifies as the “Bridget Jones” of his friend group: the last single among married friends. He lives alone — with his cat — and has a deep bond with his twin sister. He’s open about the desire to build a family, highlighting a longing for connection after years of single life.
Andrea Torreggiani (Andrea T.) — Participant profile emerging. Another Andrea in the mix! The presence of two Andrews already hints at interesting on‑screen interplay — and the producers must enjoy that kind of small‑world coincidence. Expect personal stories and temperaments to unfold in ways that will test compatibility choices.
What the experts bring to the table
With the arrival of Giulia Davanzante, a trained psychologist, the show appears to lean further into a measured, therapeutic approach to matchmaking. Davanzante replaces Mario Abis and adds clinical perspective to the team’s sociological and relational expertise. Nada Loffredi and Andrea Favaretto remain, bringing experience, observation and emotional insight. Together, their role is to assess character, attachment styles, values and life goals — and to match people not just by chemistry but by deeper compatibility markers.
Why the format still captivates
The show exploits two durable human fascinations: the idea of destiny and the spectacle of extremes. Watching strangers marry immediately puts an intense social pressure on authenticity. For viewers, it’s a vicarious experiment in radical trust, in whether ritual, commitment and professional matching can compensate for the lack of shared history. For participants, it’s a high‑stakes choice — and a fast‑track into public scrutiny.
How to watch and what to expect
Early viewers: The first two episodes are available on Discovery+ from tomorrow. Streaming often offers additional content and longer uncut footage.
TV audience: The show broadcasts on Real Time from 7 January at 21:30 — expect a streamlined version with editorial choices designed for prime‑time drama.
Be prepared: The series blends emotional honesty and editorial shaping. Viewer reactions online can be intense; remember the participants are real people with private lives.
Talking points for viewers
Observe how the experts explain their match rationale — do their choices feel psychologically sound or editorially dramatic?
Watch for red flags and healthy signs: communication styles, realistic life expectations and emotional availability matter far more than staged romance.
Consider the ethical angle: how well are participants supported before, during and after filming? Long‑term follow‑up matters for the show’s integrity.
For our Princess Daisy readers: what to take away
Whether you’re tuning in for love inspiration or simply curious about human dynamics under pressure, this season promises real‑life lessons. It’s a reminder that relationships thrive on clarity, shared goals, and emotional readiness — qualities the experts aim to match, even in a radical format. As you watch, keep a compassionate lens: behind every tear and every smile is a person taking a brave step toward connection.
