Another couple from Channel 4’s Married At First Sight have confirmed their split.
Stephanie and Ben will be divorcing – despite viewers’ hopes they may be able to overcome the odds after Ben said they were determined to give their marriage a chance in the climax of the recent third series.
But speaking on Fubar Radio last night, Ben revealed the relationship was now finished, and it was him who ultimately pulled the plug.
Read more: Married At First Sight viewers smell DIVORCE as groom removes his wedding ring after honeymoon
“Stephanie and I are still friends but I couldn’t give her what she wanted and what she needed, and time is of the essence. And why waste someone’s time if it’s not there?” he said.
“It killed me. After the end of the show we were giving it a go, but as my mum said: ‘You don’t know someone until you’ve lived with them.'”
The 36-year-old quantity surveyor said the final decision to move on was his, revealing Stephanie was “gutted”.
He said: “It broke my heart to do what I had to do – I couldn’t give someone so lovely and so nice what she wanted.
“She was gutted, to be totally honest. And she still wanted to try. But it ain’t there, kiddo.”
Ben had immediately found a spark with police officer Stephanie on honeymoon in Majorca, as they glugged champagne and mucked around by the pool.
But he seemed to get cold feet as reality hit back home on their return to the UK.
Ben said he wants to remain friends with Stephanie going forward: “She’s a lovely girl and I’m still friends with her but I couldn’t give her what she needed, or what she wanted.
“She’s a beautiful girl and a phenomenal person. I went back to my life and she went back to her life.
”One of the things I didn’t like was when she said: ‘You’re my husband.’ And I was like: ‘Okay, but I’ve got to get to know you first.'”
However, Ben claimed the couple were under no illusions the relationship was struggling, even if fate had brought them together as friends.
“Stephanie’s a very intelligent girl, and she knew, bless her,” he said.
“We both tried our hardest and I did say to her: ‘People’s paths are meant to cross and I met an amazing friend.’ I hope that we can still be friends.”
Both of the series’ two other matches also fell apart, with Harriet and Richard calling time on their TV union in front of cameras.
“I didn’t want or expect it to end in divorce. So I leave with a heavy heart,” Harriet told the show’s matchmaking experts through tears.
A third couple, Wayne and Carrie, didn’t even make it down the aisle after he pulled out at the last minute.
According to reports, Ben and Stephanie’s divorce means that EVERY couple who appeared on Married At First Sight have now called it quits.
ED! has reached out to Channel 4 for comment.
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