Married at First Sight UK star Paul Liba has broken his silence on his split from wife Tasha Jay.
The pair have gone their separate ways following a year-long romance, leaving only two contestants from the 2023 series still in a relationship.
Tasha and Paul got married after meeting for the first time at the altar during filming of the E4 dating show last year.
But after committing to each other at their final vows last November, the couple’s romance has now ended, and Paul exclusively told MailOnline the reason behind their split.
During an appearance at Mixtons’ Winter Wonderland event, he said: ‘I’m doing alright, but it was tough. I’ll be honest, I spent the year with someone, joined at the hip, and then you split up, you’re finding yourself again. But we’re on good terms, and I’m enjoying life right now.’
Paul added that the main reason they split was down to the distance, as they both didn’t want to move far away from their families.
He said: ‘My issue was figuring out if Tasha was the right person to move up North for. I’d say if we lived in London it might be easier, but to sacrifice my life and drop everything for her is a big move and I just wasn’t sure about it. And that was the issue.
‘Tasha is extremely close with her family. She has all her nephews and nieces, which she loves. I had my family and my friends, and I’m always busy with boxing. I think if there was a middle ground, but we just couldn’t figure it out, which was kind of sad.’
When asked if he is looking for love again, Paul explained: ‘Being with Tash didn’t work out and I have no bad words to say about her, but she made me realise that I enjoy being loved and I enjoy looking for love and I just want to find the right person.
‘Like someone to cuddle at night, someone to stop me going out, someone to tell me I am amazing.’
Paul was seen enjoying a night out at Mixtons’ Winter Wonderland event on Tuesday, with fellow MAFS stars and Love Islanders.
‘I’m enjoying the night with the boys, but whatever comes my way, I’m not going to say no,’ he added.
It comes after Tasha confirmed their split on Instagram, penning: ‘It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing Paul and I have decided to part ways.
‘There isn’t any major reason, we have just come to terms with the fact that we are not right for each other.
‘Paul is the loveliest guy I’ve ever met and I’m grateful for the time we’ve shared together and I’m glad that we can remain friends.
‘I’m utterly heartbroken that I’m having to write this post, but it is best for both of us.’
She added: ‘Thank you to everyone who has supported us as a couple. I hope you can now support us on our individual journeys.’
The couple were put together by the show’s relationship experts and at the most part managed to avoid any drama during their appearance on MAFS.
They follow the likes of former co-stars Georges Berthonneau and Peggy Lawrence who split earlier this year, as well as Jordan Gayle and Erica Roberts.
Shona Manderson and Matt Pilmoor are the last remaining pair still in a relationship after connecting off camera when their respective marriages failed.
Shona found her happy ending with Matt after her marriage with Brad Skelly failed and the tattooed model was accused of gaslighting, causing producers to axe him from the series.
Matt married Adrienne Naylor but the pair’s romance was short-lived, leaving the personal trainer free to connect with Shona.
Married at First Sight UK returned with a new series in September but not one couple from the show remains in a relationship.
Viewers hoped Sacha Jones and Ross McCarthy would have a happy ending but the pair split shortly after filming for their series ended.
Sacha was heartbroken after Ross moved on with a new girlfriend despite declaring his undying love for his wife and promising their future together.