Steven, a groom from the 2025 series of Married at First Sight UK, has made a candid public admission, revealing he has sought professional therapy following his controversial appearance on the show. The former footballer, who was married to Nelly, stated he was deeply unimpressed with his own behaviour and the person he became during filming.
A Turbulent Journey on MAFS UK
Steven's time on the reality experiment was marked by significant drama. After an initially promising start with his wife Nelly, he began to distance himself. The situation escalated when he was caught using a dating app while still technically married, a breach of the show's core commitment.
The controversy did not end there. During the explosive MAFS UK reunion, it was revealed that Steven had flirted with another participant, Julia-Ruth, in an attempt to retaliate against Nelly for exposing his Hinge profile. This action further cemented his portrayal as one of the season's most contentious figures.
Taking Accountability and Seeking Help
In a lengthy and reflective Instagram post, Steven came clean about his struggles. He confessed to having avoided watching most of the aired series, explaining, "Mainly, because I don’t like this version of myself. I didn’t like it during filming & I didn’t like it afterwards."
He admitted that his actions and words were "not acceptable in any way" and apologised to viewers who may have been triggered by his behaviour. Despite his reluctance, Steven emphasised that he felt compelled to attend the reunion to finally take accountability for his actions.
Embracing EMDR Therapy for Recovery
The most significant revelation was Steven's proactive step towards mental well-being. He announced that he has begun EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing). This psychological treatment is designed to help individuals process and reduce the emotional impact of distressing or traumatic memories.
Steven described returning to the reunion in a "better head space," having spent quality time with his children, family, and returning to work. He reflected that while he entered the experiment believing he was ready to settle down, upon reflection, he should have declined the opportunity.
In stark contrast to Steven's path of introspection, his former TV wife Nelly has moved on positively. After the show concluded, she shared a photo from the reunion with the empowering caption: "Glowing because I finally chose me."
