Married At First Sight UK groom ‘in relationship with TOWIE star before lying to her about filming the show and claiming he went travelling’

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A groom on the UK version of Married At First Sight reportedly had a secret relationship with TOWIE star Dani Imbert before appearing on the show.

Reiss Boyce, a 33-year-old painter and decorator, married Leisha Lightbody, 31, on Tuesday night’s episode of the E4 show. He joined the program hoping to find his soulmate.

People close to Dani, 27, report that Reiss appeared on the show even though he’d previously seemed dedicated to her and had told her he was going traveling.

According to a source speaking to the Daily Mail, Reiss told friends he believes she’s met her perfect match and that they plan to continue dating when he gets back from vacation.

Okay, so this is a wild one! I heard about a guy, Reiss, who actually met his wife, Leisha, *at the altar* – yes, you read that right! They agreed to marry each other on the spot. But, let me tell you, he was a little surprised by how incredibly vibrant and outgoing she is. It’s a total whirlwind romance, and definitely not your typical meet-cute!

As a lifestyle expert, I’m hearing that Dani is understandably feeling really hurt and humiliated by what’s unfolded. There’s a lot of talk suggesting Reiss might be using the show for his own gain, which, of course, adds to the pain of the situation. It’s a tough spot for anyone to be in, and I feel for her.

According to a source, Dani and Reiss began dating in early 2023 and broke up briefly in May 2024. Dani worried that Reiss was prioritizing his career and public image over their relationship.

Even after their breakup, they kept meeting secretly and were still a couple in March 2025. It was then, without Dani’s knowledge, that he started filming the show Married At First Sight UK.

Reiss told Dani he planned to travel and assured her they’d get back together and make their relationship official once he returned.

Dani is heartbroken and feels betrayed. She and Reiss had been together for a long time, and he’d given her the impression they were building a life together. However, she later discovered he was actually on a dating show and ended up marrying someone else.

Reiss explained to the Daily Mail that while he thinks Dani is wonderful, their relationship didn’t develop romantically. He has a lot of respect for her and hopes she finds happiness, but he entered the show ‘Married At First Sight’ as a single man looking for a serious commitment.

On Tuesday’s episode of Married At First Sight UK, Reiss explained to the experts that he’s determined to find the right person and asked them not to base their opinions of him on his perceived ‘Essex’ personality.

He confidently stated he sees himself as attractive. While he acknowledges he might appear like a typical ‘Essex boy,’ he insists there’s more to his personality than meets the eye.

I’m longing to be in a relationship again – it’s hard to find something that truly fulfills you. I haven’t met someone who feels like the complete package yet, and I think I tend to pick the wrong people. My last relationship ended because we argued too much, and I’ve definitely experienced heartbreak before. I’m even open to something unconventional, like marrying a stranger, because I’m really determined to find the right person.

The Daily Mail has contacted a spokesperson at Channel 4 for comment. 

Reiss shared on the show that learning his father wasn’t biologically related to him motivated him to find a wife and start a family.

He explained that he wants a partner who will accept him completely and stick with him even through difficult times.

I’m ready to find someone to build a life with, and I feel like now is the perfect moment. I’ve experienced love and know how amazing it feels – that exciting, butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling is incredible. I’m looking for a lasting relationship and a truly special connection.

Reiss wasn’t immediately impressed with Leisa, the bride he’d just met at the altar. He found her personality to be very outgoing and dramatic.

He said: ‘I am contemplating whether I am going to be attracted to her, it’s hard to tell.’

Dani, a familiar face from the reality show TOWIE, recently made news when she kissed two different stars from this season’s Love Island in one night.

Tommy Bradley and Ben Holbrough both confessed to kissing Dani while they were already in couples on Love Island.

The reality TV personality also dated a fellow cast member, Roman Hackett, who is currently seeing Matilda Draper, a contestant from a previous season of Love Island.

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2025-10-08 14:49