REALITY TV fans will be on the edge of their seats this weekend when 90 Day Fiance UK hits out screens – and there’s an explosive story to start.
The series, which is available to stream from Sunday 24 July on discovery+, follows eight Brits who are enjoying a romance with their long distance lovers.
The series follows Shaun and Christine
But is it the real deal, or are they being taken for a ride? Across 90 days, viewers will be invited in to be a fly on the wall in their romance, and make a call for themselves.
And right from the very beginning there’s a lot at stake, as one of the show’s stars Shaun knows all about.
Shaun, 41, met Filipino mum-of-four Christine, 42, on the internet ten years ago and hit it off.
They began dating the year after and have been head over heels ever since – despite the fact Shaun lives in Botley, Hampshire, and Christine is nearly 7,000 miles away in Antipolo City, Philippines.
The couple, who share one son called Christian together, now plan for Christine to get a visa and fly over to live permanently with Shaun in the UK.
But there’s a further catch, as she’s already married and hasn’t been able to get divorced.
In the meantime Shaun is financing Christine and her kids by sending over £400 a month – something he’s been doing for the duration of their nearly decade-long relationship and leaves him on a very tight budget.
Cleaning Manager Shaun explains: “From all these eight years I’ve been with Christine, I wouldn’t know how much money I would have sent her.
“But all I know is it’s in the hundreds of thousands. It’s worth every penny.”
“After I’ve sent Christine the money, there’s enough for me to pay my bills at least, and then when I look again, I’ve got about £50-£60 for myself, and that’s more than enough to see me through the month.”
What’s more, he’s planning to save up a further £5000 to pay for Christine’s annulment to the husband she says she’s separated from.
He adds: “I don’t have the money, but I am going to be saving up for it and then we can get married.
“Yes, they’re still married, but they don’t live with each other. I don’t feel jealous about it, because I know she loves me, and I love her.”
Perhaps understandably Shaun’s decisions haven’t gone down well with his family and friends.
He continues: “When I started sending her money, my parents and all my friends started saying, ‘why are you sending her money?’
“But, to be honest with you, I don’t really care, I’m following my heart. It’s my choice. So, you either be part of me in the circle, or you’re not.”
Viewers will see for themselves exactly how Shaun’s close circle, including his parents and best mates, feel.
Each confronts him on his decision and insists that Christine is just in it for the money, taking advantage of Shaun and that his son might not even be his.
Yet Shaun is adamant it’s true love and that they will prove their critics wrong.
During a conversation with his parents, Shaun says: “Well, one it’s got nothing to do with you, and two, mind your own business.
“What the heart wants, the heart gets. Alright? I chose this path for me.”
But will he come to regret his decision, or will his family and friends have to eat their words?
The brand new series of 90 Day Fiancé UK is available to stream exclusively on discovery+ from Sunday 24th July
Shaun has defended his decision to his family and friends
