Married At First Sight UK 2022 was memorable in many ways.
It included a few intense scenes after a wife swap, and a love story that looks likely to last. However OK! has reported that the drama has since continued after the show, with Thomas Hartley making a number of outlandish claims about his co-stars that saw him labelled as “sickening”.
There’s still more to come as well, as a MAFS UK Christmas special is set to hit E4 screens later this year. The special is thought to have brides and grooms from 2022 and 2021, but not everyone will be making an appearance. We take a look at who has said no so far… and their reasons for doing so.
Read more: Married at First Site's co-stars turn on Thomas after new 'sickening' and 'unforgivable' comments
Gemma Rose
Gemma Rose’s marriage to Matt Murray on the show ended in disaster when it was revealed that he had feelings for Whitney Hughes.
What ensued was a few episodes of drama that saw Gemma pull out of her appearance on the upcoming Christmas episode. Her representative confirmed the news to Metro, citing "editing issues" as the reason behind Gemma pulling out.
They said: "Gemma was intending on attending the Christmas reunion as she was asked to be part of the cast but after the show airing and seeing how they edited her she has since decided to not work with Channel 4 again."
Gemma has previously opened up on her grievances with how the show portrayed her, once saying: "Storylines like this, the image they've created of me, ruins lives. It's not okay, I have two children and a business."
Matt Murray
Gemma's ex-husband from the show, Matt Murray, is also said not to be returning for the Christmas special after a "traumatic" experience on Married at First Sight UK.
He has a lot going on in his personal life as his mother is sadly battling cancer. Speaking about his decision to skip the upcoming reunion, a source told the Mirror: "He didn’t want to relive the emotional turmoil from the series.
"He’s spent time working on himself, recovering from the heartache he’s felt during the series and wrapping his head round his mum’s diagnosis." They added: "So he's chosen to focus on family and his own mental health.”
MAFS’ 2021 alumni Marilyse has been enjoying a holiday with Matt, though the pair have remained stout on the decision that they are both just “good friends”.
She will also not be appearing on the Christmas reunion episode as the pair’s trip coincided with filming of the episode. A source told Metro he wanted to get away from the show he claimed “traumatised” him. “Marilyse knows how the public reaction can impact the mental health of the men on the show so she’s being nothing more than a supportive friend to him while other friends from the show are filming the Christmas reunion.”
Whitney Hughes
Whitney caused plenty of controversy during this year’s season thanks to her marriage to Duka Cav that didn’t end too well - and her affair with Matt.
She is also one of this year’s cast who is not thought to be taking part in the Christmas reunion special.
A source told The Sun about her and Matt not attending: “Not every participant from the 2021 and 2022 series was asked.
“But considering what key characters both of them were during the most recent run, there was lots of chatter on set about them not being involved.”
April Banbury
Whitney and April struck up a firm friendship during and after the show ended and its now thought that she will not be joining the reunion special.
MailOnline reports that April, who had a rocky relationship with husband George, will be absent from the special episode set to air later this year.
George Roberts
April’s husband George was arrested earlier this month on suspicion of controlling and coercive behaviour, after three of his ex-girlfriends claimed he was an “emotional abuser”, which he denies.
Shortly after the show ended, April and George split up and according to MailOnline, he also will not be attending the reunion episode.
OK! have contacted a rep for Married At First Sight UK for comment.
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