Married at First Sight Recap: Season 13 Alum Brett Layton Weighs In on the Current Couples' 'Red Flags'

Brett Layton debuted on Married at first sightThe thirteenth season, which took place in Houston, Texas in 2021. Although she ended up saying “I do” to Ryan Ignasiak then, the two have since divorced. October 15, Season 18 Married at first sight premiered on Lifetime, returning to Chicago to follow five couples as the reality of their newlywed lives together begins. Here, Brett gives PEOPLE his recap of the Nov. 12 episode.

For anyone who has ever felt nervous about meeting a new boyfriend/girlfriend’s family, can you imagine meeting your spouse’s family when you haven’t known that spouse for 24 hours? You don’t even know what questions to ask, and they have all the questions for you. Wild.

As a foreigner, making that first impression is very important for both parties. Things will be learned and flags will be waved.

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(L) Michelle and David.

Misha Media photo

Michelle and David

Unpopular Opinion: It’s more upsetting to wake up with someone you pledged your commitment to on the first morning than it is to do a fun “dog and pony show” the night before. That’s the “fun” part. It is obvious (to the viewer AND David) that Michelle has some extreme remorse.

Their strength right now is how honest and raw they are with each other. David belies Michelle’s depressed and anxious demeanor with a relaxed composure that few possess. She probably needs someone like that, and he seems to be patient as she works through her objection to him living at home (in the basement apartment he chooses to stay in, with his own entrance, he might add). They’re the only couple who don’t seem physically at ease with each other, and it’s a bit awkward to witness in comparison. Michelle noticed it too.

Something significant: these two have strong sisters! It was nice to see them express not only their concerns, but also their love for their brothers and sisters. Can Michelle, or will Michelle, allow herself to deviate from his life situation when he so wants to have his own definition of an independent and successful partner?

(L) Emem and Ikechi.

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Ikechi and Emem

These two are fun to watch together, although some reddish-orange flags are slowly waving in my face. Their physical chemistry is off the charts and they seem like kindred spirits (talk chitlins, anyone?). Since they are both already engaged, it is clear that they really want a partnership and marriage. I love their energy and easy relationship.

With Emem’s career as a nurse and Ikechi’s colleague as a high school teacher, I can see that I can relate to the ways they help others and navigate the world. I kept my eye on Ikechi, though, because his family said he gets a lot of attention on social media and the idea that someone “isn’t doing this for the right reasons” always gives me pause. Please don’t be a power hunter Ikechi, I’m rooting for you and Emem. I hope Emem is looking at you too, just in case.

Married at first sight: Emem breaks down in tears as she prepares to walk down the aisle without her father (Exclusive)

(L) Karla and Juan.

Photo by Yosmair Ocho

Karla and Juan

This is how I like to describe these two: they’re the same noodles but different sauce. They are made of the same material, but they also have a lot of differences. I know their wedding must have been fantastic, and seeing the similarities in their families solidified my view of why they came together. They both radiate positivity and that definitely makes me want to share a meal and a shot of tequila with them.

What makes me tiptoe is how practical Juan is and how moody Karla is. She demonstrates motherhood at home while he plans for financial success in a very self-conscious way. Juan’s high energy (that music in the morning, right?) and Karla’s sound healer energy could swirl together and make beautiful music, or end up clashing and making terrible noise. I hope the first.

(L) Camille and Thomas.

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Thomas and Camille

I’m throwing caution to the wind and putting all my eggs in Thomas and Camille’s basket. Both are hopeful (not hopeless) romantics, both have waited so long to find the right partnership, and seem to fill in the blanks for the other person. Camille’s radiant energy may be enough to bring Thomas’ reserved mature nature to a more carefree place, while Thomas’ desire for true love and commitment is exactly what Camille has been desperately waiting for.

Thomas’s twin gave Camille important insight into her brother’s habits and personality traits, while Camille’s sister expressed concern about a possible heartbreak. It is obvious that both families want what is best for them; Camille and Thomas share the same core values ​​despite some personality differences.

Something that could derail their progress, although I hope they won’t let it, is Thomas’ problem of being truly vulnerable. I feel their past pains and desire to be loved come to my TV screen. To Camille and Thomas: keep being honest with yourself and allow yourself to truly open up to each other. You got this!

Married at first sight: Camille ‘ready to go the other way’ as her groom Thomas waits down the aisle (Exclusive)

(L) Madison and Allen.

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Madison and Allen

Let’s go. Madison is not attracted to Allen. I said that. She is a gym girl who is used to the “hot guys” from the gym. Allen seems a little intimidated, but he’s also incredibly respectful of his wife’s body language and cues. I think Allen is the kind of optimistic, intelligent and caring partner Madison is looking for. Madison is the vivacious, fun, outgoing partner that Allen is looking for.

I don’t know if their puzzle pieces fit, but that doesn’t mean they can’t succeed. They have all the ingredients for a good life, but do they have the intangible spark of “zsa zsa zsu”? Usually when the dreaded words “you’re not my type” are uttered, it’s lights out for that couple.

Allen’s family was so loving and supportive, while Madison’s father demanded an STD test with proof of the results. I have to respect that, Dad. Extra points to Madison and Allen for talking about mental health and the benefits of therapy. Too few people invest in themselves and take these steps. I really like these two people and root for their success, but I worry that Madison’s shock at marrying a stranger might affect them.

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Married at first sight (produced by Kinetic Content) airs Tuesdays at 8:00 PM ET on Lifetime.

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Source: HIS Education