Contestants Announced for "Here Come the Newlyweds" on ABC

Contestants Announced for "Here Come the Newlyweds" on ABC 2/12/08

"HERE COME THE NEWLYWEDS," A NEW ONE-HOUR ROMANTIC COMEDY REALITY SERIES FEATURING JUST-MARRIED COUPLES COMPETING FOR HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, PREMIERES SUNDAY, MARCH 2 ON ABC

Seven just-married couples compete for a nest egg worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to kick-start their new lives together and help them realize their dreams, in "Here Come the Newlyweds," a new one-hour romantic comedy reality series, premiering SUNDAY, MARCH 2 (10:02-11:00 p.m. ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Hosted by comedian Pat Bullard, "Here Come the Newlyweds" is all about relationships, the differences between men and women, and the universal issues that every couple must face. The newlyweds are diverse, sexy and competitive, including such pairings as high school sweethearts, couples who fell in love at first sight, an arranged marriage, an interracial couple and two divorcees who are hoping the fourth time is the charm.

In this six-episode show, each couple faces a variety of mental and physical challenges which will test the love and passion they have for one another as well as their competitive spirit. At the end of each episode, the field will be narrowed as the couples vote to send one couple home. The stakes get higher as the potential nest egg grows, until one couple ultimately wins the grand prize.

In the premiere episode, "My Wife the Backseat Driver," the seven couples meet for the first time and the game begins. Each husband is blindfolded and must choose which kiss belongs to his wife - with each correct answer adding $10,000 to the final prize. A sex therapist gives the couples some interesting advice, and whichever blindfolded husband can knock down the least number of obstacles while his wife gives him driving directions will win immunity from elimination.

Those eager to take home the big cash winnings are:

* Fawziah & Atif Bajwa - An arranged marriage, this couple had only one date before their wedding, which lasted three days and had over 500 guests. Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio.

* Dawn & Cody Freis - Cody, an airplane pilot, fell head-over-heels in love with Dawn the day he met her. To be together as much as possible, Dawn quit her job to become a flight attendant. Hometown: Denver, Colorado.

* Heather & Lance Holmes - Lance told Heather's girlfriend that he was going to marry her the moment he saw her. They both professed their love to each other after only three months. Hometown: Middletown, Ohio.

* Kaia & Thomas Jacobi - Since they worked at the same company, Kaia and Thomas kept their romance a secret. Kaia's father is a reverend and insisted that Thomas be baptized. Hometown: Washington, D.C.

* Dana & Steve Krashin - They were high school sweethearts and dated 11 years before they got married. Since they have been together for so long, Dana thinks Steve should have ESP and know all her thoughts by now. Hometown: New York.

* Crystal & Johnnie Moutra - Johnnie proposed to Crystal at a Houston Rockets basketball game. They live with his parents and 10 other relatives in one house. Hometown: Missouri City, Texas.

* Toni & Barry Woodward - Combined, this is their seventh marriage which they say is their lucky number. They never touched, kissed or hugged before they were married. Hometown: Deer Park, Texas.

The executive producers of "Here Come the Newlyweds" are Jay Blumenfield and Tony Marsh ("The Road to Stardom with Missy Elliott," "Tuesday Night Book Club"). The series is produced by The Jay and Tony Show in association with Warner Horizon Television.

This program is broadcast with Spanish subtitles via secondary closed captioning. A TV parental guideline will be posted closer to airdate.

Source: ABC Press Release