Ryan Gallagher, the 37-year-old star of Married At First Sight, has publicly confirmed his separation from Olympic swimmer Emily Seebohm. The couple, who became engaged in 2022 and share a two-year-old son named Sampson, have been at the centre of breakup rumours for several months.
A Candid Confirmation on Social Media
Gallagher took to his Instagram Story this week to openly discuss his relationship status, confirming to his followers that he is officially back on the dating scene. 'I went on a date on Sunday, I don't go on too many dates, I've only just sort of started doing that,' the reality television personality admitted.
While he kept the identity of his date private, Ryan proceeded to recount a dating mishap that took a decidedly awkward turn. The pair had gone to see a movie, but the choice of film proved unfortunate for Ryan's hunger pangs.
The Date That Went Hilariously Wrong
'We went to the movies and I was starving—I hadn't eaten and she'd already eaten,' he explained. 'During the movie, I got a slider and chips, but it wasn't one of those loud movies, it was like a quiet one.'
The situation escalated as Ryan tried to eat discreetly. 'I basically wasn't chewing the food, and swallowing the whole lot down,' he said, which led to an uncomfortable build-up. His attempt to clear his throat resulted in an audible burp that echoed in the quiet cinema.
The date concluded with his companion messaging him afterwards to say their 'energies didn't align,' a sentiment Ryan conceded he shared. To compound his misfortune, he revealed, 'then I got out of my car and a bird s*** on my face.'
Reflections on Reality TV and Relationships
Gallagher also opened up about the unique challenges of dating as a reality television personality. He offered a colourful analogy for the casting process, suggesting producers 'literally drive a bus to the mental ward and go, "Quick, get in, we'll take you on a ride."'
He described himself as 'a bit hyper,' a trait he feels is amplified when he's nervous on a date. This, he theorised, is why reality stars often end up dating each other. 'I think that's why you also find a lot of people in reality date each other, because it's just crackers and crackers meet each other and sometimes it works,' he mused, before adding, 'I know it didn't work in my case.'
The couple's split rumours began circulating in April, notably when they unfollowed each other on Instagram. A source close to the pair confirmed to Sky News Australia that they had indeed parted ways. 'Ryan and Emily are trying to find a new normal, which has been a real process,' the insider shared, emphasising that their son remains the top priority. 'Their number one priority is Sampson and ensuring he continues to feel supported by both parents.'
It has also been reported that Ryan has since relocated to Brisbane, where he is now living alone following the breakup.
