Catfish UK is looking for online daters to take part in a new series - here's how to apply

Online dating has experienced a boom during the ongoing pandemic. Yet, when it comes to filters, old photos and texting, it can be hard to know whether the online persona you're flirting with really is who they say they are. It was this conundrum that Catfish, an MTV series which first aired in 2012, aimed to address. Catfish helped online daters to uncover the true identity of the people they'd "met" online - with often shocking results. Now, a version of the show is launching in the UK, and producers are looking for participants to appear on it. What is Catfish about? The show originally came about after host, Nev Schulman, was himself catfished - a phenomenon where people assume false personas online to deceive people. Schulman later rolled out the series, based on his film of the same name, with co-presenter Max Joseph. The pair help other online daters discover who their online beau really is, or if they're even real. A UK version had previously been on the cards, but was scrapped, meaning the next series will be the first time Catfish has been filmed in the UK. The casting announcement came from Catfish UK's Twitter account, and reads, "Catfish UK is casting now! Have you ever matched with someone online? But you've never met them in person? Do you want our help to reveal their true identity? If so, then we can help!" It's not yet clear whether the UK version of the show will feature the original American hosts, but it will have a similar format to the original. How to apply Viacom Studios UK, the show's UK production company, put out an official casting call in a statement which reads, "Whether you want to finally meet your online love or friend face-to-face, have something to confess or simply want to get to the bottom of why they always cancel dates, MTV's Catfish UK would love to hear from you." To take part, you'll have to be 18 or over, and be willing to give show hosts access to all your virtual messages with the online lover being investigated. To find out more, contact the Catfish casting team on 07743 001261, email Catfishuk@viacomstudiosuk.com or fill in their short application form here.