Do you think Catfish UK is real? Spoilers

[Mothership4two]

Watching the latest Catfish UK, thought there was something fishy about the whole set up and wondered if it had been contrived by the two "influencers" to boost their ratings and merchandise. The angry brother wasn't relevant and seemed to be thrown in to add a bit of drama. The 'catfish' turned up wearing one of their sweatshirts and didn't adequately explain why she had been sending a lot of "weird" presents to their home (they weren't actually that weird) or why she included the note "I will always win" which was weird. She gave some guff about wanted to do something nice for them but as they didn't want gifts, putting in the note that meant she's won by doing it anyway or something . She also didn't explain (and they didn't ask ) why she carried on doing this when she knew they were getting weirded out and distressed. Two months later they are all friends again with this woman who nearly broke up their marriage.

This has made me doubt the whole format. The first programme was a genuine catfish story but the other two were again odd stories involving only a small number of people. In fact, last weeks was quite similar to this weeks. It turned out to be the best friend, who again gave a garbled explanation and they made up afterwards. I was surprised the model who's profile was used by the catfish a) agreed to turn up in person and then stay to see it out and b) lived near enough to come.

I haven't watched the US Catfish, so don't know how they compare, but I'm finding the British one 'padded out' a lot, going over and over footage, lots of reaction shots with obligatory dramatic music, lots of the presenters walking around looking self-important surrounded by camera crews and lots of irrelevant fluff of the presenters interacting. I'm not sure what I was expecting but I haven't seen them do anything that anyone could do. I'm rubbish with technology, but I could do a reverse image search and check on a profile! Am I missing something?

Absolutely watch the US version of Catfish and see the difference. I didn't watch lastnights. But have seen the others of the UK series.

The way the guy was acting at the door when Neil was looking for Jasmine was pretty weird and seemed fake. But her reaction to Neil, seemed genuine when they finally met.
However the way her friends was standing there, gave the impression he was the one. No one stands like that for a good few minutes holding the rose. That part did look set up if you know what I mean.

Absolutely think it's nonsense. The other week, both girls looked like they were trying not to laugh. This nonsense is just all about the likes. I used to really like watching the US one but the UK version is just dreadful.

It does feel rather contrived. The US one is my fave escapist TV but the UK one lacks any real substance and is too heavy on the recaps and dramatic music. Also Oobah or whatever he's called looks uncannily like Beringar (sp?) from The Name of the Rose.

Yes it's real

I see the two influencers on TikTok a lot, there’s been loads of backlash there saying it’s fake and just for clout

I think there is maybe a tiny piece of truth in the story somewhere & they just build a story from there. I like the US version but I don't think I will watch the UK one again.

Never seen the uk one but I read an article from a person who’d been in a USA one and they admitted that they and their friend made the whole thing up. Seem to remember that they got money for it?

Yes the last two episodes have been weird. Both ended up being the friend and just accepted that they said they were doing it to be nice.

I think we were supposed to think it was the brother in the last episode.
The guy with the rose was stupid. Even if he was there for support she could have opened the car door herself.