Married at First Sight UK star Nathanial Valentino has been diagnosed with ‘social anxiety’ following his appearance on the E4 show, MailOnline can reveal.
The model, 36, explained his sleep patterns and ability to concentrate have suffered and at his lowest point he struggled to get out of bed for two weeks.
In an exclusive interview, Nathanial told MailOnline he had to reevaluate his life after the stress of starring on the ‘toxic’ dating series led to unhealthy weight loss and he felt like he was losing a fight against Channel 4, who he alleges were trying to ‘control’ the narrative.
He has urged the corporation to ‘safeguard’ the new lineup of contestants and recruit an external welfare team, insisting producers ‘need to create a more realistic and heartfelt show.’
Speaking ahead of the Married at First Sight UK reunion on Monday evening, Nathanial said: ‘I have been diagnosed with social anxiety, which impacts my sleep and concentration.
‘After the show, I lost weight, I had constant rashes of eczema all over my body and face, I was basically in bed for two weeks.
‘I stepped back from my life and looked at the things which are the most important to me including my friends, my chosen family… and I took everything I thought was toxic out of my life.
‘It was clear after I didn’t come back for the most recent reunion that I wouldn’t film again… I actually haven’t had much contact with Channel 4 since the show launched in September.
‘I didn’t want to be around those people or the producers, it was a toxic, horrible environment and I didn’t want to be part of it.’
During his time on the E4 show, Nathanial married transgender bride Ella Morgan but the pair struggled to connect on a romantic level.
Nathanial felt betrayed by Ella after she pursued a relationship with co-star JJ Slater behind his back and as a result quit the experiment.
He called out producers for setting the couples up to fail after he told them he didn’t want to be paired with someone transgender, a smoker or anyone who had worked in the sex industry. It later transpired that Ella had been a stripper and also smoked.
Despite ending the TV show on bad terms, the former couple are now friends, with Nathanial explaining he has forgiven his ex and they have moved on from their past drama.
He said: ‘I have forgiven Ella. She apologised to me at an event and I understand… it made great TV.
‘She wanted her story to be told and she’s got that… I don’t like forcing the narrative but I’m really happy for her and wish her all the best, I really do.’
With a brand-new cast of dating hopefuls already gearing up to marry a stranger as the show returns later this year, Nathanial hopes producers will learn from his experience and recruit an external welfare team, who can remain impartial over any issues that arise during filming.
Nathanial has also urged bosses not to prioritise creating drama and instead wants them to encourage contestants to take part in a ‘heartfelt show.’
He said: ‘I just really hope Channel 4 safeguard the contestants this year.
‘I understand they’re out to make TV but it’s your life, a producer gets to go home and sleep but it is a very hard thing to do. I won’t be watching.
‘My advice to any future contestants is that the person in front of you at the altar is your partner in this so learn, listen and respect each other.
‘The production and story aren’t on your side, they’re there to create entertainment… and to Channel 4, there needs to be a specialist welfare team, welfare can’t be the people that book you and cast you, welfare needs to be a different company that comes in to monitor and look after you. They need to be external.
‘You’re crying to your welfare but they’re best friends with production and work with them. Something needs to change. They need to create a more realistic and heartfelt show.’
A Channel 4 spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘During production and broadcast we regularly offered Nathanial psychological support and an independent therapist of his own choice.
‘This offer remains open and ongoing. Duty of care is of paramount importance and the wellbeing of all cast and crew is our utmost priority at all times, throughout production and beyond.
‘We have robust contributor care protocols in place and appropriate support is available to contributors before, during and after broadcast, including access to an independent psych team.’
Five months after his TV marriage failed and Nathanial was left doubting his future, he’s now dating a new partner who he says has changed his outlook on life.
After connecting through mutual friends, the model has fallen for hairdresser Ben and although it’s still early days, the couple are already taking their relationship to the next level.
He said: ‘I have found this amazing guy. He grounds me, makes my anxiety better, he’s pretty special. I’m even meeting his parents next week.
‘When he was watching the show his best friend told him ‘This guy is for you’, a month later I popped up and said something to him on Instagram and we started speaking.
‘I was so against dating. If I could show you my Inbox I had a lot of attention… every gay celebrity was in there trying to get a bit. But I stepped away from anyone who was famous because I just want to live a really lovely life and not be in the limelight.’