Reality television lovers, rejoice. One of Australia's most controversial -- and popular -- shows is returning to our screens, and if the promos are anything to go by, it's bringing plenty of juicy, juicy drama with it.
For those not in the know, 'Married At First Sight Australia' is a dating series which essentially sees a number of couples (usually four, but this season, five) who are selected by a panel of experts and agree to 'marry' at first sight. Each of the couples then have 30 days in which to decide whether or not to pursue the relationship. (It's worth nothing each 'marriage' is actually a commitment ceremony, and thereby not legally binding -- but still.)
Of the two previous seasons, only two couples have stayed together: Alex and Zoe from season one -- the pair is actually expecting their first baby together -- and Erin and Bryce from season two.
So what's in store for us this time around?
First of all, one of the five weddings will be a same sex union (about time, we say) while a different match is being heavily promoted by the Nine Network as a 'fairy tale come true'. In other words, at least one bride and one groom are actually physically attracted to each other from the get-go.
"One of the things we often talk about with this whole matchmaking process is that science can only predict so much," psychologist, dating and relationship coach and one of the show's panel of experts, Melanie Schilling, told The Huffington Post Australia.
"We can draw on all the data regarding a person's personality, family background and values, and make really strong predictions about their compatibility with someone else, but that's kind of where the science stops. You have to hand it over the couple -- is there going to be a spark?
"This season, one couple, literally the minute their eyes meet, there are definite sparks. There is an incredible, palpable physical chemistry between them -- it's quite hot to watch."
Whether or not the couple's instant chemistry translates into a lasting relationship of course remains yet to be seen, but at least we know there won't be a repeat 'she isn't what I ordered' disaster like last season.
"It's the opposite to that," Schilling told HuffPost Australia. "This time, from a physical perspective, the reaction is 'this looks like my dream partner'. There is a unique spark that happens here. There's lots of pashing."
As for the same-sex couple, Schilling echoes the majority of the country in her delight the program has expanded its view to recognise non-heterosexual relationships.
"It's wonderful. It's so great, I'm very happy to talk about that," Schilling said. "It was so great to be able to get two guys together to go through the marriage process.
"In the current political climate it's something that people are going to have very powerful views about -- both for and against -- but what I think is important here is that you can look at this through the lens of love as opposed to through politics.
Of course there was a lot of pressure on the guys... not just in the context of the experiment, but also in the broader political climate.
"You can see this is a fantastic opportunity [for them] put their faith it the science... and trust the process, and allow the natural sparks to develop."
Given the excitement surrounding this union in particular, Schilling acknowledges there may have been more pressure on the grooms than the other season three couples.
"Of course there was a lot of pressure on the guys for that reason -- not just in the context of the experiment, but also in the broader political climate," Schilling said. "A lot of pressure. In fact, it weight quite heavily on them.
"Plus it's a high pressure environment anyway. The [contestants] are constantly talking about it as a pressure cooker. Emotions run high. In the wedding and ceremony, there's a lot of emotion that happens there."
While Schilling remains tight-lipped about whether or not any of the couples are still together, she does say fans of the show have a lot to look forward to.
"There are more couples which is fun. There's a lot more happening and a lot more personalities in the mix," she said.
"When they all get together at the dinner party there's fireworks. Let me put it this way -- there are some very different personalities in there. It's always unpredictable when you get different mix."
'Married at First Sight' season three premieres on Channel Nine at 8.40pm, Monday 29th August.