MAFS star reveals he’s been diagnosed with ‘social anxiety’ after doing the show as he sends warning to Channel 4 bosses
NATHANIAL Valentino has spoken out about how he was negatively affected by his time on Married At First Sight.
The reality TV star shared that he struggled to sleep and focus on anything after appearing on the show.
He also says he was essentially bed ridden for two weeks after filming stopped, citing the 'toxic' environment on set as one of the things that damaged his mental health.
Nathanial appeared on the most recent season of MAFS UK, where he was paired up with transgender bride Ella.
The pair clashed several times on the show over a difference in values and eventually she stepped out on him with another groom on the show, JJ.
Now Nathanial has told the Daily Mail that he was diagnosed with social anxiety after participating in the Channel 4 relationship experiment.
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He shared: "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."
As his co-stars prepare to film a reunion episode on Monday night, the model has warned show bosses that they need to try harder to protect people who appear on the programme.
He made it clear that he will not be tuning in for this year's season of MAFS, and wants Channel 4 to work on creating a 'more realistic and heartfelt' show.
He added: "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.
"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 responded by telling MailOnline: "During production and broadcast we regularly offered Nathanial psychological support and an independent therapist of his own choice.
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"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."