Married At First Sight UK viewers have erupted in anger after bride Sarah was accused of deliberately leading on her former groom Dean, despite the pair having left the experiment weeks earlier.
The Post-Show Dating Controversy
Although Sarah chose to quit the E4 series after struggling to find a romantic connection with Dean, the couple have been spotted enjoying multiple dates together in Scotland since their departure from the show. During the emotional reunion episode, Sarah revealed to co-stars Rebecca and Bailey that she and Dean had maintained regular contact.
"He came up to Aberdeen and we went to the darts and played golf with my dad," Sarah confessed. "We had a great weekend, it was really really good. We had quite a few drinks and he did say to me that 'I've still got feelings for you'."
Mixed Signals and Expert Concerns
Sarah insisted she had immediately clarified that their connection was "purely friend vibe" and denied any intention of leading Dean on. "I've never intended on [leading him on], this weekend was just for friends," she explained, adding that when feelings become involved, she takes "a little step back."
The relationship experts on the programme expressed concern that these post-show encounters had "muddied the waters" between romance and friendship, creating confusion for both parties.
Dean arrived at the reunion clearly still emotionally invested, admitting: "Seeing Sarah again, I have got little butterflies, I can feel what I was feeling before." In a desperate bid to win her approval, Dean even got tattooed after Sarah mentioned she liked tattooed men during their original marriage experiment.
Fan Fury Erupts on Social Media
Viewers of the popular dating show took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their outrage at the unfolding situation, with many criticising both participants for their behaviour.
One frustrated viewer wrote: "DEAN IS DOING TOO MUCH it's lowkey harassment now!! She doesn't fancy you!!!! #MAFSUK."
Another shared similar sentiments: "Dean pleaseeee. You're so nice but pleaseee, LET IT GO. #MAFSUK #mafs."
Others directed their criticism toward Sarah, with one comment reading: "Sarah needs to let Dean go, he is never gonna not have feelings for her & he's probably thinking he's still in with a chance."
A fourth observer noted Dean's tattoo decision appeared particularly desperate, commenting: "Dean with fake tattoos is a desperate way of still liking Sarah. Dude you need to move on!!!"
According to The Sun, the pair were recently seen having drinks together, appearing "happy yet awkward" during their encounter.
Rocky Relationship History
The couple's journey on Married At First Sight UK was turbulent from the beginning. Sarah frequently expressed that Dean "wasn't her usual type" and faced criticism from viewers for what some perceived as fat-shaming comments toward her husband on national television.
Despite initially wanting to remain in the experiment to see if their connection could develop, Sarah ultimately broke down in tears during October's episodes and decided to quit the show.
When explaining her decision to the MAFS experts, Sarah revealed: "We're at that point now if I take a step back, I'm worried if I give up I'll be like, did I try?"
After receiving reassurance from expert Mel Schilling, she continued: "I don't want to hurt you anymore. I just don't think we're right for each other romantically."
The drama intensified when one of Dean's close friends previously branded Sarah as "disrespectful and muggy" during a foul-mouthed clash on the programme, highlighting the existing tensions surrounding their unconventional relationship.
