Reality TV show Married at First Sight UK, known for its high drama, has unexpectedly yielded a true success story.
Zoe Clifton and Jenna Robinson, a couple from Stafford who met on the seventh season, are still together two years later, proving that love can indeed emerge from reality TV’s intense setting.
However, both Clifton and fellow season-eight participant Rozz Darlington have revealed that the show’s environment can be far from nurturing.
Clifton described the filming atmosphere as “toxic,” sharing on BBC Radio Stoke how constant arguments and restricted access to personal support affected her experience.
“If you can get through that, you can pretty much get through anything,” she said.
She criticized the show’s practice of seizing contestants’ mobile phones, isolating them from friends and family—a restriction she believes heightened tension among participants. Without external perspective, Clifton noted that “your judgment is completely off.”
Darlington, who left the show after a turbulent split with her partner Thomas Kriaras, echoed similar concerns.
She mentioned that access to her phone for support would have helped, adding, “You need support from your loved ones because they know you best.”
Darlington also faced severe online backlash after her breakup, describing the volume of hateful messages as “abuse” and recounting sleepless nights overwhelmed by negativity.
Both Clifton and Darlington still encourage others to try the show, with the caveat of preparing for social media scrutiny.
Channel 4 has emphasized that Married at First Sight UK is unscripted and follows strict care protocols, providing mental health support before, during, and after filming.
Nonetheless, the participants’ stories highlight the toll that reality TV’s pressures—and its dedicated fanbase—can take on personal relationships and mental wellbeing.
Also read: Family Of Liam Payne Prepares To Bring His Body Home Following Tragic Fall In
