Series 10 of ‘Married at First Sight UK‘ has lost its first couple after the show’s second commitment ceremony.
On the Sunday, October 5 episode of the series, Anita Barker, 54, and Paul Richardson, 60 opted to go their separate ways, as they both wrote “Leave” on the show’s famous couch.
Barker, an Operations Manager from Durham, England, and retired Richardson from Edinburgh, Scotland, were matched on episode 6 of the series, but lasted only five episodes, as they departed in episode 11.
Richardson Is Not the ‘Silver Fox’ Barker Was Looking For
Prior to their time on ‘Married at First Sight UK,’ both Barker and Richardson had been in long term relationships. Barker endured a particularly tough time in that regard, as her 17-year romance broke down the same year she lost her mother. Richardson went through a divorce 14 years ago, and he hadn’t had a relationship since.
They signed up for the show looking for second shots at love, and were matched because Barker wanted a “silver fox” with a zest for life, which Richardson certainly seemed to have. Richardson also claimed to be looking for a romance that could stand the test of time.
However, the couple quickly appeared to be on different pages. On their honeymoon in Cape Verde, while Barker asked a lot of questions about Richardson, that curiosity wasn’t reciprocated. Moreover, it appeared that, while Barker genuinely wanted love, Richardson was more interested in learning more about himself. His inability to respond to her questions with a straight answer also frustrated his new wife.
At the end of their trip to Cape Verde, Barker said, “I really don’t know what he wants. I don’t know if there’s hope for the marriage. Truthfully I don’t think there is.” It turns out she was right.
‘Married at First Sight’ Couple on ‘Two Totally Different Pages’
In a video captioned “Our first couple leave the experiment #MAFSUK,” posted to the official MAFS UK Instagram page, the couple’s exit is shown, as they discuss their reasons for their marriage not working.
Barker said, “The outside is great and I can see why we’ve been paired and matched up. But, like, he’s like a huge onion. He’s got loads of layers to him, and the deeper layers… we are just on two totally different pages.”
She continued, “I’m ready. That’s why I’m here. I don’t think, truly, Paul has actually been ready. Paul and I are good friends. But that’s not what I came for. I came looking for love.”
Richardson agreed, saying, “Yeah, it’s a very observant comment, I think. You came to find love and I came to find myself.” He then said, “I enjoy her company, she’s a good girl” — and it’s nice that they’re parting on good terms.
Positive Fan Reaction
The comments under the video were primarily positive, with fans wishing the two well for the future.
One person commented, “I liked both, he needs help to date and she needs to slow down a bit bless her. I hope they both find the one though x.”
Another user wrote, “I like they both regardless stayed respectful to each other unlike some of others ❤️.”
Someone else simply said, “I loved these two 😢.”
We certainly hope Barker and Richardson find happiness, in whatever form that comes, following their departures from ‘Married at First Sight UK.’
The next episode airs tonight, Monday, October 6, at 9 p.m. on E4.
