'Forbidden Love': New TLC show features couples grappling with issues beyond the mortal realm
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK: TLC recently introduced a new surprising show 'Forbidden Love' navigating four couples each trying to find happiness against really long odds as they all belong to a different religion. The cultural and religious differences threatened their romance as they try their best to overcome it.
The latest season featured Ashley and Mohammad Qasem, Laurie Palermo and Eli Hayempour, Kris and Lensa, Laurie Palermo and Eli Hayempour, and, Lindsay and Elmer. The TLC show couples also have to convince their families to finally have a happy marriage.
However, the three couples are still together and navigating their lives while enjoying each other's cultures. Here's a look into the relationship status of all four couples.
Ashley and Mohammad Qasem
'Forbidden Love' Season 1 couple Ashley and Mohammad Qasem have been married for 3 years, and have a 2-year-old daughter. Ashley is a Christian who has fallen in love with a devout Muslim, Mohammad. Ashley impulsively moved from Jefferson City, Missouri to Rochester, New York to live with and marry Mohammed, who moved to the US from Saudi Arabia.
Ashley's family struggled to accept her relationship as they were concerned about her safety. Additionally, Ashley's sisters even called Mohammad a terrorist behind his back. Mohammed’s family is also not a big fan of Ashley. His twin brother suggested that Ashley has a terrible temper.
Mohammad gave an ultimatum to Ashley that if they failed to convince their family, they would have to split. However, things didn't get worse and their family members finally accepted their marriage but not at full heart. They still have doubts about Ashley and Mohammad's marriage which might go away with time.
Kris and Lensa
The premiere episode of the TLC show provided a glimpse of Kris and Lensa. The couple failed to survive their family drama about religious differences. Lensa is Muslim and has already been through two failed arranged marriages. Meanwhile, Kris is the son of a Pentecostal minister who often speaks in tongues.
Kris has been dealing with judgment from his father for being in love with Lensa. However, their relationship seemed could not handle much pressure as they both wanted to convert each other to their religion which was the biggest trouble in their paradise.
Lindsay and Elmer
'Forbidden Love' Season 1 couple Elmer and Lindsay have been married and expecting their first kid but again their families are against their choice. Elmer left his Amish community in Ohio to marry an 'English' named Lindsey. She is pregnant with their first child.
Elmer had issues adjusting to life with modern conveniences as he moved in with Lindsay. Elmer's family has notably completely shunned him because he married Lindsay. Although they are still living happily together, they hit a bump. Elmer was introduced to the internet which caused trouble in their marriage after Lindsay found out he was watching adult content.
Laurie Palermo and Eli Hayempour
'Forbidden Love' Season 1 star Laurie Palermo struggled to accept Eli Hayempour which jeopardized their marriage. Eli is an orthodox Jew and devout in his faith. Meanwhile, Laurie needs a little more time to accept religious practices. Although Laurie grew up in the Catholic church, she stopped practising spirituality after her father's death.
However, Laurie converted to Eli's Jewish faith after their wedding but seemed to regret it now. She soon realized that the transition journey would not be easy as she had to ditch aesthetic things like clothes, changing her hair, and more. She is still juggling leaving her favorite things for love until she announces it's over.
'Forbidden Love' Season 1 airs on Sundays at 10 pm ET on TLC.