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Naked Attraction has been on our TV screens since 2016, so although the dating show is an unusual concept people in the UK are pretty accustomed to the shenanigans (although there are still some spit-out-your-tea moments).
The same can’t be said for Mariia, who was pretty shocked when she stumbled across the program while flicking through the TV channels after only recently moving to Liverpool.
Mariia, 23, previously lived in Ukraine but was forced to flee in April 2022 after Russia’s invasion.
‘I was very surprised by what I saw. It’s not something that you’d ever see in Ukraine.’
Quickly, the initial shock turned to intrigue: ‘I immediately watched a few more episodes. I think now I’ve caught up on every series.’ The E4 show is on its 11th series so that is a pretty impressive feat.
Although, the sex therapist wasn’t content with just being a viewer, and began the process of applying for the show.
‘My sponsor helped me find the application form online, and it didn’t take long. I was shocked when they called me a week later because in Ukraine it’s very hard to get on TV.’
A few months later, she was in the Manchester studio getting ready to bare all.
‘I wasn’t nervous, I was just very overexcited and emotional. I am very extroverted and comfortable in my body, so getting naked didn’t bother me one bit. Right before the show I was just dancing to techno music with the crew, who were all so much fun.
‘When I watched back my episode I realised that my accent had gotten stronger because I had so much energy.’
Mariia was the ‘picker’ meaning she got to choose which people to eliminate one by one based on their bodies, until selecting her date – Six.
And how did things work out with Six? They had an enjoyable date, and even had sexual relations. However, Mariia concluded that they were too young at 19.
‘I’m not someone who believes in lifelong love stories or anything like that anyway. I just want to have exciting experiences with interesting people.’
Luckily, the experience was everything Mariia wanted it to be and it provided something fun for her after life had changed so much.
‘In Ukraine, I was working non-stop as a Sex therapist helping people find liberation, and then at the weekends, I would be going to three parties – raves and sex parties, some of which I organised. It was chaotic, but I loved it. I’d just purchased my very own flat too.
‘The war took so much of that away from me,’ she states.
‘My flat is now destroyed. A lot of my clients are victims of rape in the war, and so I’m helping them overcome trauma.
‘I’m having to rebuild my life. I’m lucky that my UK hosts are so brilliant and very queer. It’s been a nicer experience than the refugee camp in Spain where I stayed for six weeks.
‘I needed something just fun and joyous, and that’s what Naked Attraction was for me. It made the UK feel more like home.
Mariia has one lasting memory of the day that she truly cherishes.
‘At the end of the day, I was waiting for my taxi and taking hundreds of photos and videos as I loved my professional hair and makeup.
‘One of the crew said to me in his British accent: “You bloody poser you”.’
‘It’s a clip I watch over and over again, it makes me so happy. It was such a simple moment that makes me laugh.’
Russia’s escalation of their invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 was sadly not the first time Mariia had gone through an upheaval of their life.
‘It’s a sad fact, but it’s actually easier for me this time because this is my second war. I lived in my native city Donetsk but nine years ago it was occupied by Russia and I was never able to go back.
‘If I’m able to return fully one day then I want to somehow bring the show back with me. It was a wonderful and liberating experience.’
Mariia was recently able to temporarily return to Ukraine for a trip to see family and friends, and there was one big conversation – her appearance on Naked Attraction.
‘We couldn’t watch it as Channel 4 is blocked over there, but I explained what a wonderful time I had. It was nice to have something that wasn’t a hardship to talk about.’
New Naked Attraction continues Wednesdays at 10pm on Channel 4 and stream free on All 4.
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