The latest episode of Married at First Sight UK featured a significant moment for intruder couple Abigail and John, as the bride’s notoriously hard-to-please mother finally gave her new son-in-law a trusting seal of approval, a moment Abigail described as “massive.”
In the new wave of couples joining the experiment, Abigail, a 34-year-old veterinary nurse, and John, a 38-year-old marketing consultant, were the first to marry. While their initial meeting at the altar was filled with clear chemistry and mutual attraction, one major hurdle remained: winning over Abigail’s very protective mother.
A Mother’s Central Role
From the outset, it was clear that Abigail’s mother plays a central role in her life and past relationships. Abigail herself warned John that her mother is the one who “vets everybody” and that she would be difficult to impress. She confessed, “God help him if my mum doesn’t approve,” highlighting the immense weight her mother’s opinion carries.
John understood the stakes immediately. In a private confession, he acknowledged, “I know that Abi’s mum means a lot to her, so I want to really cement that I’m the right person for her daughter. So, there’s huge pressure on it.”
The mother, who has been married for 41 years, did not hold back during the wedding reception. She sat down with John for a direct conversation, outlining her expectations and sharing her daughter’s painful dating history.
She told John about the times she had spent with Abigail “crying on the sofa because she attracts the men that love themselves and seems to think that putting a woman down keeps them in place.” She made it clear her ultimate fear was her daughter being hurt by “some arrogant person that comes along.”
John Wins Over His Mother-in-Law
Faced with this pressure, John handled the conversation with calm assurance. He listened to her desires for a loyal and supportive son-in-law and confidently replied that he possessed those qualities. He focused on reassuring her of his intentions.
“I just want someone to love her as much as we do,” Abigail’s mom told him.
“They are all qualities that I feel like I have in myself,” John responded, aiming to put her concerns to rest.
His approach worked. After their talk, when Abigail asked if her mother approved, she received a definitive “yes.” Her mother added, “I feel like I can trust you.” Speaking to the cameras, her mother confirmed her changed perspective, saying, “I’ve seen my daughter light up and he seems a genuine, decent person. My concerns have been put to rest. Abi and John are a great match.”
Fan Reactions to the Dynamic
The intense dynamic, however, did not go unnoticed by viewers. While the moment was positive for the couple, some fans online expressed concern about the mother’s level of involvement.
One viewer on X joked, “Quite surprised Abigail’s mum, didn’t jump in, and test out his kissing technique, before she let her daughter ‘have a go’.” Others were more direct, with one commenting, “So Abigail’s controlling mother has made it clear that John has to move to HER town – not a second thought about what they want.” Another viewer questioned why Abigail’s comment about her mother vetting her boyfriends wasn’t a “red flag” for John.
A Promising Start for the New Couple
With the mother’s approval secured, Abigail and John could finally relax and focus on their new marriage. Their wedding day had already gone remarkably well, with an instant connection from the moment they met at the altar.
John immediately told Abigail, “You look amazing,” and later confessed to cameras, “She’s absolutely beautiful.” Abigail was equally smitten, noting his “stunning eyes” and confirming, “He’s definitely my type 100 per cent. Instantly I’m just relaxed.”
They shared multiple kisses after saying “I do,” and John admitted he could already see himself falling for her, saying, “Yeah I fancy Abi, she’s everything that I’d want.” In a private moment, John told Abigail she was the “whole package,” and they bonded over their shared relationship history, both admitting they had never truly been in love before and hoping this experiment could change that.
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