MAFS UK bride Sarah issues statement as fans call for her to be pulled from show for her 'fat shaming' comments to husband Dean

Sarah and Dean were the first couple to be married in this year’s series 10, but the match doesn’t seem to be working out well so far.

Moments after meeting at the altar, Sarah said she didn’t fancy Dean and then on their honeymoon confessed she was struggling to get past the fact she had no physical attraction to him. Her behaviour is upsetting viewers, with some even saying they have complained to Ofcom.

Sarah caused further outrage during Monday night’s episode (September 23) when Dean asked her if she had ever been with a larger man and she said no - while looking less than impressed. Then, in last night’s episode (Tuesday September 23), she also told the producers that she might fancy Dean if he “lost some weight and got some tattoos”, only making matters worse.

In response, one person wrote on X: “Get rid of Sarah before I put in a complaint from every device I have to offcom I stg #MAFSUK.” Another person said: “Seriously @Channel4 #MAFSUK it’s time to quit the fat shaming. We get that you are looking for viewing figures but this has to STOP,” appealing directly to TV bosses.

Sarah has now issued a statement on her Instagram to address the backlash. Sharing a photo of herself and Dean on their wedding day, she said: “ I take full accountability for the things I have said, even if they don’t always reflect how I would normally express myself. This was a unique and intense environment, and I did my best to remain honest and open throughout.”

She also reminded viewers that the show is edited and revealed there was positive moments with Dean that were not shown. “Not every conversation, emotion, or bit of context makes it to air. There have been many lighter, happy moments - including plenty of laughter during our honeymoon - that viewers have not seen,” she said.

She went on: “At the heart of it, I am simply a 32 year old woman who decided to take a leap into something completely new. I have always been honest with Dean, and while not everything has been shown, we shared many genuine and positive moments together during filming.”

The TV bride added thanks to people who have supported her. “I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has reached out with kindness and support. Being part of Married at First Sight has truly been a once in a lifetime experience, but it’s important to remember that what is shown on TV is only a very small part of a much bigger journey,” she said.

Sarah received a message of support from MAFS UK 2024 bride Hannah Norburn. She wrote: “It takes a brave soul to jump into this madness on national tv and an even braver one to hold their hands up to mistakes. PS. Those honeymoons are VERY intense!!” Sarah replied with three love heart emojis. The comment also got a response from Sarah’s dad Ian, who said: “I appreciate your comments very much, as Sarah’s Dad. Thankyou.”

Sarah tagged Dean in the post, but at the time of writing he does not appear to have commented or responded. He has also not posted about the situation on his own page.

* Married at First Sight UK continues tonight (Wednesday September 24) at 9pm on E4.