The self-esteem and relationship recovery coach who went on the show with her son Kaleil, 20, said that watching the show back has “brought back some feelings”.
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Natalie, 44 was partnered up with Paul Edwards, 47, in the hit ITV show – but it wasn’t meant to be as they split soon after filming was over.
She shared a screengrab on Instagram from the show where she looked pensive on a date with Paul.
The words: “Obviously, in the real world, it’s not like this,” were written in subtitles below.
She thanked viewers for their support during her time on the show and called it “an incredible experience”.
“Paul and I had an incredible experience in the retreat and loved every moment, we continued that connection over the summer and had some great times together,” she wrote in the caption.
“Unfortunately in Early August we decided to call a day on the relationship. We are both still friends and wish each other the best.
“I also made some incredible friendships that I’m so grateful for,” she added.
She then posted a video a few hours later where she thanked followers for their messages and said that she needed a few days to get back to everyone.
“It’s been a very bittersweet week for me, watching back, although we separated in August and I had time to process before the show aired and then the show airing and watching that played back is a very surreal experience.
“Watching the hope and the excitement I had definitely bought back some feelings again.
“I’ve also got stuff going on outside of all of this experience, so I just wanted to say that I’m not ignoring people, I will respond to all the messages.”
Natalie and Paul were one of the show’s favourite couples, leaving fans shocked that they decided to split.
A source told The Sun: “As is so often the case with these dating shows, it’s easy for a connection to flourish while in the bubble of filming – there’s no distractions, no real life concerns and you’re united in one common goal to find love.
“Natalie and Paul’s flame burned bright for a few months but balancing life on the outside with nurturing their fledgling relationship proved too tricky.
“With Natalie in Bournemouth and Paul in Bath the distance wasn’t insurmountable, but they were both independent people who had great lives of their own and in the end they decided their love wasn’t greater than the hurdles.”
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