Married At First Sight UK viewers have turned on groom Brad Skelly after he criticised bride Shona Manderson during the Confessions Week task Ask Me Anything, saying he had identified 'red flags'. The criticism came just hours after the pair had told the MAFS UK relationship experts that they loved each other during the first Commitment Ceremony.
During the challenge, Shona asked Brad to name three things he would change about her. He responded by saying she should be 'more aware', citing an incident at the airport where she was losing her passport. He also said he wanted her to be 'more considerate' and 'a little bit tidier'. When Shona asked if they had the same level of maturity, Brad replied: 'No. I don't.'
Shona later said she had 'no idea' he felt this way, describing the shift from their earlier declarations of love as a 'complete 360'. Brad, who has a child, said in a VT that he had seen 'red flags' and that their different life stages were causing them to 'miss each other a bit'. At the end of the challenge, he told Shona she had passed the test, but viewers labelled him patronising and condescending.
One viewer wrote on social media: 'Brad has freaky soulless eyes. Patronising because Shona hasn't had kids. Mind games.' Another added: 'I’m getting “because I’m a parent” I’m better than you’ vibes from Brad.' The couple later spent the night in separate rooms for the first time since their wedding, with Shona saying she felt she may have 'made a huge mistake'.
After confronting Brad about discussing their issues with other cast members, including fellow bride Laura, he apologised and said his feelings for her were more important than her 'imperfections'. However, a preview of the next episode suggests further tensions when the honesty boxes are brought back.
