Married at First Sight star Jamie Thompson is opening up about why he decided to sign on for this extreme experiment and tie the knot with a stranger on the Lifetime reality series' ninth season.
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Season 9 of Married at First Sight was filmed in Charlotte, NC, and premieres with a special two-hour episode on Wednesday at 9PM ET/PT on Lifetime.
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Jamie, a 35-year-old from Columbia, SC, was matched with Elizabeth Bice, a 29-year-old from South Carolina who was raised in Mooresville, NC, by Married at First Sight experts Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Pastor Calvin Roberson, and newcomer Dr. Viviana Coles based on compatibility, goals, hobbies, religious views and more.
After meeting for the first time at their wedding ceremony, Jamie and Elizabeth's life together was documented over the course of eight weeks -- including their honeymoon and moving in together.
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Jamie admits he didn't always make the right choices when it comes to dating and so he hoped the experts would find him a passionate travel companion, while Elizabeth was looking for a spouse who would embrace her bubbly and very outgoing personality.
During an exclusive interview with Reality TV World, Jamie shined some light into who he is and what he's looking for in his ideal spouse. Below is the first part of what he had to say.
Reality TV World: Why did you initially decide to apply for Married at First Sight and take the risk of marrying a complete stranger? Was dating in the real world, away from cameras, in the Charlotte area that much of a struggle?
Jamie Thompson: I've been looking for a serious, committed relationship for several years now. I've tried online dating, meeting women in social settings, and dating through mutual friends. Nothing was seeming to work so MAFS seemed like a good idea.
I really struggled with meeting the right people and meeting someone that I could see a future with without feeling like I was settling was proving to be extremely difficult in Charlotte.
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Reality TV World: You are admittedly very picky when it comes to women. What has been missing in your past relationships? What have you been unable to find in a woman that you're willing to go through with an arranged marriage to find?
Jamie Thompson: I am definitely picky! When I pictured myself with my ideal mate, she would be vibrant, energetic, lively, and INTERESTING. I'm the type of person who is anything but ordinary and I'm looking for someone similar.
My hope going into my wedding was that I will get matched with someone who fits these characteristics. I feel like I'm a little crazy for doing this and hopefully I'll get a crazy, fun-loving girl in return!
Reality TV World: Since you are so picky, were you concerned about getting married at first sight to a stranger when you basically had no say in whom this person was going to be? Were you afraid all of your criteria would not be met?
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Jamie Thompson: I was definitely concerned about who I would get matched with when I found out that I would be married at first sight. I set criteria for things that were really important to me, but I also wanted to commit to being open-minded in who the Experts picked out for me as well.
I really felt that the Experts would be able to match me with the person that I needed to be with versus someone that I would pick out for myself.
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Reality TV World: Elizabeth said during the premiere she was hoping to be matched with a "metro" type of guy who's unafraid to get pedicures and what not. Would you consider yourself that kind of guy? If so, how so?
Jamie Thompson: I don't think I really fit into one category or another. I fit a lot of the "metro" characteristics (style, grooming, self-care, etc.) but I also know my way around a car engine and power tools thanks to my dad!
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I really like to consider myself well-rounded so hopefully Elizabeth appreciates that! After all, I'm not afraid to do a face mask with my lady if it makes her happy.
Interested in more Married at First Sight news? Join our Married at First Sight Facebook Group!
Also be sure to check back with Reality TV World soon for more from our exclusive Married at First Sight interview with Jamie Thompson, as well as additional interviews with other Season 9 cast members.