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Can tying the knot with a stranger on reality television truly lead to a fairytale ending?
Now in its 19th season, the reality show Married at First Sight has seen its share of enduring relationships, including notable successes like Jamie Otis and Doug Hehner from the inaugural season and Nicole and Chris Thielk, who recently celebrated the arrival of twins. These couples serve as evidence that the show’s unique approach to matchmaking can occasionally yield thriving marriages. However, more often than not, participants experience tumultuous journeys, with many relationships unraveling before reaching the pivotal Decision Day. Such was the case for the majority of the cast in Season 18.
The show’s second foray into Chicago introduced viewers to five couples, each paired by matchmaking experts. By season’s end, only one couple remained intact, while two individuals found love with different partners. As we look back nearly a year after the Decision Day episode aired, what has become of these Chicago contestants?
Camille and Thomas
Let’s begin with the standout success story from Married at First Sight Chicago. Camille and Thomas formed a strong bond from the moment they exchanged vows. Despite encountering some challenges—most notably Camille’s concerns about Thomas’s style—they committed to their marriage by affirming their choice on Decision Day.
As of early 2026, Camille and Thomas are still happily together. Camille often shares glimpses of their life, highlighting their date nights in Chicago and announcing a planned trip to the Dominican Republic in July. Meanwhile, Thomas, an avid fan of the Chicago Bears, recently participated in a Caleb Williams lookalike contest. In a heartfelt birthday tribute in November 2025, Camille expressed her love, describing Thomas as her “favorite person,” “best decision,” and the one who brings joy to her heart with a soul capable of making the world a brighter place.
Camille and Thomas are still together as of early 2026. She frequently posts about their date nights at fun Chicago spots and recently shared that they’re planning a trip to the Dominican Republic in July. Thomas, a die-hard Chicago Bears fan, recently entered a Caleb Williams lookalike contest. In a November 2025 birthday post, Camille called Thomas her “favorite person,” “best decision,” and “the one who makes my heart smile and has a soul that could make the world a better place.”
Emem and Ikechi
Unlike Camille and Thomas, Emem and Ikechi were a mismatch from the start. The awkwardness was obvious at their wedding and only got worse from there. Ikechi felt his wife came on far too strong, while she found him emotionally unavailable. Ikechi moved out of their shared apartment ahead of Decision Day and seemed resentful that he had to continue filming the show. To the surprise of no one, they broke up. Soon after, Emem debuted a new relationship with a man named Brandon.
Emem and Brandon announced their engagement in March 2025. She’s currently pregnant with their first child together, due in February 2026.
Ikechi has kept a relatively low profile since MAFS. He hasn’t shared any updates on his personal life, but according to his social media, he’s been focused on his art, exhibiting his work in several shows around the country in 2025.
Juan and Karla
At first, the spiritually-minded hair stylist Karla and entrepreneurial businessman Juan seemed like they might be the perfect opposites-attract couple. Unfortunately, their differences were too great and there was a glaring lack of physical attraction between them, leading them to agree to go their separate ways on Decision Day.
Since Married at First Sight, Karla has been living her best life, with trips to Miami, Portugal, and New York City, as highlighted on her Instagram. Juan is keeping busy with his various business ventures. He also has a new girlfriend, whom he debuted on his social media shortly after his season of MAFS ended.
Madison and Allen
Allen was looking for love on Married at First Sight, and he thought he’d found with Madison. Unfortunately, his feelings weren’t reciprocated. She spent most of her brief marriage trying to change her husband into the man she wanted, mostly by giving him a wardrobe makeover and urging him to go to the gym more often. But before long, she found another gym buddy in David, a fellow MAFS cast member who was married to Michelle. That led to an explosive cheating scandal and the show’s first-ever couples swap.
While Allen was crushed by Madison’s betrayal, he soon bounced back. He’s now happily dating a woman named Candi, according to his Instagram. Meanwhile, David and Madison are still going strong despite their sketchy beginning.
“Can’t wait for my workouts with my fave gym partner,” she captioned a recent Instagram video of herself lifting weights with David.
Michelle and David
Michelle didn’t get the MAFS experience she hoped for when she married David. She prided herself on her success, working her way from modest small-town beginnings to a comfortable life in Chicago. She wasn’t impressed that her new husband lived in his parents’ basement and smoked cigarettes. The pair got off on the wrong foot and never recovered, though that didn’t stop Michelle from feeling betrayed when she discovered David’s wandering eye thanks to a mis-sent text message.
Michelle has since moved on from her messy marriage. She appears to be embracing her single status as she shares her cute outfits and life updates on her Instagram. Meanwhile, David has made it clear he has no regrets about picking Madison over Michelle.
“These past three years have been insane, thinking about how we met and where we are now – our friendship, relationship, and love,” he wrote in a recent Instagram post about his girlfriend. “We’ve learned so much from each other and the things we’ve taught each other are a true blessing. You’re my missing piece, baby, and I’m so grateful for you. I love you more than words can say.”
Married at First Sight Season 18 is streaming on Hulu.
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