Leah Tyrer, a star of the latest series of Married at First Sight UK, has filmed what promises to be an explosive reunion with her former bride, Leigh Harris, months after their emotional split. The businesswoman from Liverpool came face-to-face with Leigh for the first time since their final vow ceremony, where she confronted her about allegations of being strung along for the cameras.
Confrontation and Claims of a 'Carrot' Strategy
In an exclusive interview, Leah, 36, detailed her belief that Leigh, from Romford, kept her "dangling like a carrot" to ensure they reached the show's final. She alleges this was part of a plan to gain fame, all while Leigh had a secret girlfriend away from the experiment. "When I found out that Leigh had a girlfriend away from the show it all kind of made sense," Leah stated. "The way she'd been with me, she wouldn't touch me and would avoid doing anything remotely intimate."
Leah confirmed she confronted Leigh with evidence, including messages, during the recent reunion filming. The episode is scheduled to air on E4 early next year. Their relationship struggled from the start, notably after Leigh admitted she found Leah too feminine, though she was willing to try after being matched by experts.
A New Love and a Life-Changing Diagnosis
Despite the turmoil, Leah has found happiness off-screen. She is now in a relationship with 28-year-old Everton footballer Maz Pacheco, a friend of 13 years. The pair are excitedly planning their first Christmas together, which will include a trip to Cyprus with Leah's family followed by a New Year visit to Dubai.
Reflecting on her journey, Leah credits her three months on the show with profound personal growth. "It was like three months of therapy!" she said. The process led show psychiatrists to identify traits of Autism and ADHD, prompting Leah to seek a formal diagnosis after filming wrapped in May. "Getting diagnosed at 36 has definitely been an eye opener," she shared, adding she is now on a "new journey" and hopes to help others.
Social Media Fallout and Bar Argument Revisited
The revelation of Leah's new relationship has fuelled further controversy. Leigh recently launched a blistering social media attack to "set the record straight," claiming the woman Leah was accused of flirting with in a now-infamous bar argument on the show is the same person she is now dating—Maz Pacheco.
"I then saw a photo of Leah and her partner... and I realised that, the 'girl in the bar' is the same person," Leigh wrote on Instagram. She expressed shock, having been persuaded during the experiment that she had overreacted to her suspicions at the time.
Leah, however, maintains she would not have been ready for her current relationship without the self-work done during MAFS. "I'd done so much work on myself that I was finally ready to have this incredible relationship with Maz," she said. "I've never been happier."
