Three have released a new trailer for the first ever series of 'Married At First Sight NZ'. Source: Three
Vicky Gleeson-Stokes believes love is worth the chance.
So the 27-year-old from Kaeo didn't hesitate when the chance to marry a complete stranger was on the table.
She is now one of 12 contestants on Married at First Sight New Zealand, a reality television series where six couples are paired together by social psychology expert Dr Pani Farvid and relationship counsellor Tony Jones, and marry at first sight.
"I applied straight away when the casting call was advertised. It was an easy decision to apply because I feel love is worth the chance. I felt overwhelmed and in disbelief when I was cast. It felt surreal," she said.
"I'm nervous and apprehensive. However, I've put my full faith in the experts to make the right choice."
Ms Gleeson-Stokes was born in Auckland and moved to Kaeo with her mum and sister when she was young.
She attended Kaeo Primary School and Kerikeri High School and moved back to Auckland in 2008 to pursue a career in travel. She has been working as a flight attendant for six years.
"I loved living, growing up in a small community because everyone knows one another," she said.
Kaeo's Vicky Gleeson-Stokes is nervous about marrying a complete stranger but has put her faith in the experts. Photo/Supplied
Her mum, Sandra Gleeson, who said she was excited for the series to air, and stepdad still live in Kaeo next door to her aunty, uncle and cousin.
Ms Gleeson-Stokes said her family and friends were very supportive of her decision.
"They have been really supportive and are excited about the whole journey. It'd be much harder if they weren't by my side."
Ms Gleeson- Stokes watched the most recent Australian series of Married at First Sight and became addicted.
None of the 10 couples paired together on the 2017 Australian season remained together but Ms Gleeson-Stokes has a little more faith in the local version.
"[I was] a little sad it didn't work out for them as I'm sure they had the same hopes as I have for myself. However, it appeared they weren't well suited for one another," she said.
Ms Gleeson-Stokes said she has had a bad run with previous relationships and admits she seems to meet the wrong men and wants to put her trust in the experts to help her find a life partner. So what is she looking for in a husband?
"Tall, dark and handsome of course. Funny, adventurous and takes care of themselves. Personal hygiene is a must."
Married At First Sight NZ will premiere on Sunday, October 1, at 7pm on Three.
It's not the first time a Northlander has appeared on a reality television series. Kerikeri woman Gabrielle Davenport, who Ms Gleeson-Stokes' mum knows through netball, was on season two of The Bachelor NZ.
