Married At First Sight’s Natalie Parham has broken her silence after sensationally leaving the show on Monday night after failing to connect with her TV husband Collins Christian.
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, the 32-year-old opened up about the grim reality of her doomed partnership with Collins – and the moment that led her to leave her ‘marriage’ behind.
“It feels good to be home, to be back in my element and feel more like myself, but it was a pretty tough watch,” Natalie admitted.
“It was sad to see me lose my sparkle and see the life drain from my eyes as Collins delivered monologues.”
The connection that never was
Married At First Sight’s Natalie Parham has broken her silence after sensationally leaving the show on Monday night after failing to connect with her TV husband Collins Christian
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, the 32-year-old opened up about the grim reality of her doomed partnership with Collins – and the moment that led her to leave her ‘marriage’ behind.
Collins’s apparent lack of appeal was a key factor in her decision.
“There was no connection,” she stated bluntly.
“I wasn’t Blake Lively enough for him,” Natalie revealed, as she watched his audition tape, where he revealed the Hollywood actress was his “dream girl.”
Collins’ efforts (or lack thereof)
Natalie admits that attempts were made to establish a connection, but were unsuccessful.
“He couldn’t really say how he would make an effort, other than offering to play Mario Kart,” she explained.
“It was quite disappointing considering how much we both sacrificed to be there.
“I just had to call him early because there was just… no chance of making any connection despite giving him a few extra tries to come back and talk to him.”
Natalie admits that attempts were made to establish a connection, but were unsuccessful
Apologies for friend zones and gym
“We went to dinner in Bondi and it was, yeah, it was more of a friendship atmosphere,” Natalie said.
Collins’ long gym sessions only added to Natalie’s feelings of isolation and neglect.
“He went to the gym for six hours and I was like, ‘Oh, I’m going to check the gym, oh, he’s not there.’ Okay, he went away for the day. That’s okay,” she said.
Despite the failed connection, Natalie expressed her condolences for her TV husband
Sympathy for Collins
Despite the failed connection, Natalie expressed her condolences for her TV husband.
“I feel sorry for the guy,” she admitted, acknowledging the possible disappointment Collins might feel about his portrayal on the show.
“He’s probably watching, clenching his fists and not happy with how he’s being portrayed on TV, because I know that probably means a lot to him.
“I feel bad because if he wanted love, he just had very, very, very high expectations. And yes, he probably feels like he got the short end of the stick with me.’
Natalie’s personal struggles, including grief over the death of her father, were met with indifference by Collins
Sadness and lack of support
Natalie’s personal struggles, including grief over the death of her father, were met with indifference by Collins.
“As soon as I said, ‘Oh, my dad died and I’m sad,’ he said, ‘Oh no, that’s too much for me,’” she shared.
“Yes, he’s never been in a relationship, but it doesn’t take much human decency to just drop by and ask, ‘Are you okay? How are you all doing?’
Hope for connection
“Yes, 100%,” Natalie confirmed when asked if a better connection could have changed her mind about leaving the show.
She emphasized the importance of a support system within the relationship, something she lacked with Collins.
“If I had had a connection with someone, that would have been my support system, and I wouldn’t have been so affected by my emotions,” Natalie explained.
‘I wouldn’t have felt alone. For example, if someone had stayed with me at that first dinner, I wouldn’t have left crying and being a babbling mess.”
“Yes, 100%,” Natalie confirmed when asked if a better connection could have changed her mind about leaving the show
‘I’ve never seen that side of Collins’
Natalie also discussed Collins’ epic feud with pundit John Aiken during Sunday’s Commitment Ceremony.
“I wouldn’t say it was fun, I didn’t expect him to go toe to toe, and I really didn’t expect Collins to bite back as hard as he did,” she said.
She observed a side of Collins that was previously invisible, characterized by defensiveness and dramatic gestures that made her determined in her decision.
“So when I wrote ‘leave,’ I was very happy,” she said.
Natalie also discussed Collins’ epic feud with pundit John Aiken during Sunday’s Commitment Ceremony
Looking ahead: the reunion and beyond
Natalie is already planning her approach to the reunion, with the goal of treating Collins with the kindness she feels was missing from their first dinner.
“When the reunion comes, I’m going to treat Collins the way I wanted to be treated at the first dinner. This is how I’m going into the reunion,” she said.
And as for another season?
“I’d like to try again, but I need to make sure it’s someone who is emotionally mature and absolutely ready for a relationship,” she added.
Married At First Sight continues on Channel Nine on Tuesday at 7.30pm
