sensationally

Married At First Sight UK couple Sarah and Dean called time on their troubled marriage in an emotional commitment ceremony after weeks of tension, criticism, and viewer backlash over their rocky relationship

A dramatic exit rocked Married At First Sight UK as Sarah and Dean became the latest couple to quit the experiment following a tense and emotional commitment ceremony.

The pair’s relationship had been hanging by a thread for weeks, marked by awkward exchanges, lack of affection, and mounting viewer complaints over Sarah’s remarks about Dean’s weight.

During the ceremony, Sarah insisted she wanted to give their marriage “one more week,” telling the experts: “For me things have been moving positively… I want to see if romance develops. I think we’re at that point now. If I take a step back, I worry I’ll regret not trying.”

But her plea was met with firm opposition from the panel. Relationship expert Mel Schilling cut in, saying: “Sarah, I think you know how you feel. You’re clutching at straws here. We’re halfway through this experiment.”

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Sex and relationships expert Charlene Douglas agreed, adding: “I think perhaps you’re making excuses. There isn’t any desire here at all. At what point do you call it quits? You’ve said the affection is too much. You’re both in denial.”

Paul C Brunson then chimed in on the whole situation, telling clashing Sarah and Dean: “We all see it.”

After a series of brutally honest interventions, Mel told the couple: “You two know what the smart thing to do is. You’re just not ready to say it.”

Initially, both Sarah and Dean wrote “stay” on their commitment cards, but changed their decisions after the confrontation.

Through tears, Sarah admitted: “I don’t want to hurt you anymore. I just don’t think we’re right for each other romantically.” Dean quietly replied: “Thank you for being honest,” adding that he “just wanted to be loved.”

Their relationship had been strained since the wedding day, when Sarah admitted she wasn’t physically attracted to Dean.

In one uncomfortable exchange, Dean asked if she had ever dated someone “overweight,” to which she bluntly replied: “No, never.” When asked what he could do to change that, she said: “Get some tattoos and lose some weight.”

Dean handled the comment with grace, later revealing he had “never been the boyfriend, always the best friend.”

However, Sarah’s behaviour drew much criticism from viewers, who accused her of fat-shaming and unforgivable disrespect.

Despite brief attempts to show a lighter side of their relationship, including honeymoon photos captioned “TV gave you the drama but here’s the real Maldives… fun, drinks & a lot of laughs”, tensions only deepened between Sarah and Dean.

Sarah later told the cameras: “I don’t think I can do this anymore,” before confirming their split at the ceremony.

Their departure brings an end to one of the show’s most turbulent marriages the show has ever seen, with both Sarah and Dean leaving the experiment in tears.

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FABIAN EDWARDS sensationally replicated brother Leon’s famous head kick knockout – almost three years to the day.

Leon won the UFC welterweight title against Kamaru Usman in the dying embers on August 20, 2022.

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A left high kick KO’d Usman with just seconds to go – crowning Leon champion in one of the greatest come-from-behind victories in UFC history.

Fast forward three years and his younger brother Fabian challenged American Dalton Rosta in the Professional Fighters League middleweight final.

In round three – in what proved to be a remarkable dejavu moment – Edwards connected with the exact same left kick to the head.

Edwards – joined by his brother Leon in the cage – collapsed in celebration as he was crowned the 2025 PFL winner.

He also collected the $500,000 cash prize – having won the three-stage tournament with prior wins over Impa Kasanganay and Josh Silveira.

Flanked by ex-UFC champ brother Leon in the cage, Edwards, 32, said: “That is team head shot dead. That is crazy. God’s got a funny way of working.

“I’m so grateful. Last October, I lost a championship fight to Johnny (Eblen) less than 12 months on I’m PFL champ. It’s crazy.”

Rosta, 29, had built up a lead in the opening two rounds after a succession of takedowns.

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But the American tired heading into the third – allowing Edwards to land the trademark kick they had practised.

He said: “I said to my brother, he likes to paw, so I said to him I’m gonna try that shot.

“I do that shot good in the gym and look, it worked beautifully.”

Edwards’ mum Denise has a Caribbean restaurant called Sweet’s Kitchen in Birmingham town centre – where the family moved to from Jamaica.

And the newly-crowned champ plans to celebrate with a feast when he returns back on home soil.

EASTENDERS star Jamie Borthwick has been dramatically suspended by the BBC for using a vile disabled slur on the set of Strictly.

The actor 30, apologised for “any offence and upset” after aiming the sick jibe at Blackpool locals.

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Disability equality charity Scope said the remarks were “ignorant and hurtful”, adding: “Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable.”

The EastEnders star was suspended by the BBC after a video emerged of him on the Strictly set using the term “m********s” to describe the people of Blackpool, the seaside town where the show was being filmed.

Blackpool Council’s Tory group leader Paul Galley blasted: “Everyone will be shocked at such a horrible comment and I join them in condemning it.”

And the BBC told The Sun on Sunday: “This language is entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC. We have robust processes in place for this.”

The Sun on Sunday understands Jamie has been suspended by the BBC from his role playing Jay Slater on EastEnders.

Jamie made the offensive remark on a mobile phone video while the Strictly cast and crew were at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom last November for the flagship BBC1 series live show.

He was backstage during rehearsals with his Strictly co-star Wynne Evans who said “Oh my God” on the footage sent to a pal of Jamie’s.

Jamie, who has been on EastEnders since 2006, said in a statement to The Sun on Sunday: “I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly.

“I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused.

“It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning.

“That is on me completely.

“Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did.

“It was wrong.

“When I made the video, I was excited and caught up in the moment.

“Again, that is no excuse.

“But my regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views, or who I am.

“I enjoyed every minute of my time in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the town itself.

“The people of Blackpool have always been amazing with the Strictly crew, dancers and cast members.

“I know they will be again for this year’s show and those in years to come.

“I am truly sorry.”

The actor and Wynne were sharing their excitement after being told they were selected for the lucrative Strictly tour – which was staged nationwide earlier this year.

Jamie, laughing, says on the video: “Blackpool by the way. “Absolute m********s’.”

The soap star and his professional dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas were lauded in Blackpool after dancing the Jive to The Ketchup Song by Las Ketchup in the live show on November 16.

This latest shock comes after opera singer Wynne was booted off the Strictly tour in January accused of making an inappropriate sexual comment, and later told his BBC Radio Wales contract is not being renewed following a four-month investigation.

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And it follows The Sun on Sunday revealing in April how Jamie and Wynne were rapped by BBC bosses for sharing a joke over a sex toy video backstage at the Strictly tour in Birmingham – which happened before the latter’s suspension.

Now Jamie is at the centre of a new storm after The Sun on Sunday alerted his team and the BBC to the latest video.

It sparked an angry reaction from disability campaigners and the people of Blackpool.

Warren Kirwan, Media Manager at disability equality charity Scope said: “Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable.

“It’s not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people, it has wider consequences.

“Negative attitudes hold disabled people back in all areas of life from getting a job to shopping on the high street.

It’s not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people, it has wider consequences. Negative attitudes hold disabled people back in all areas of life from getting a job to shopping on the high street

Warren Kirwan, Scope

“Mr Borthwick needs to reflect on what he said, educate himself and do better.

“We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people’s lives.”

Councillor Paul Galley, Blackpool Council’s Conservative group leader, condemned Jamie Borthwick’s comments.

He said: “Blackpool’s best asset is its amazing people, along with the millions of people from around the UK who genuinely love the town.

“Everyone will be shocked at such a horrible comment and I join them in condemning it.”

Meanwhile, a source explained how the Blackpool show is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Strictly series – with celebs and pro dancers often saying how much they enjoy performing there.

The source added: “This will be considered a real blow and hugely embarrassing to the BBC and the show’s very warm relationship with the people of Blackpool and the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.”

LOVE Island star Kyle Ashman was sensationally axed from the show last night over a machete attack.

ITV chiefs scrapped the 23-year-old from the line up, plunging the show into chaos ahead of Monday’s launch.

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Eyebrows were raised after the cast member was removed from the show at the final hour.

Unlike most of Love Island’s line-ups, Kyle wasn’t going into the villa with a social media packed with model shots. 

He has just one snap online, showing off his rippling six-pack as he poses on a rooftop.

The mysterious 23-year-old water operative, from Stafford, previously described his flirting style as traditional and laid-back.

He said: “I just go with it, find something to compliment a girl on and go from there.”

The chopped contestant said he was looking for “someone that’s fun, confident and just themselves”.

Not much else is known about Kyle’s private life.

His flight back home from Majorca came after masked thugs stormed a wake in Stafford and hacked at a dad with a blade in February.

Ashman, 23, was one of two quizzed but released with no further action.

Sources said the channel was unaware of the incident and he was not flagged as part of contestant checks.

The victim, 38, nearly lost his arm. He was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment and kept in for around two weeks.

Another mourner was glassed, one struck with a metal pole, and two people run over by a car during 15 minutes of terror at a social club in Stafford.

Ashman, who lives in the town, was one of two men to be nicked on suspicion of affray and bailed.

Police confirmed yesterday that after the matter had been investigated the pair were released with no further action only last month.

A source said: “This was a horrific attack which could have been even worse.

“Ashman may have signed up to one of the biggest shows on TV with this hanging over his head.”

It is not suggested that Ashman, whose job involves laying and repairing water pipes, was involved in the attack.

Last night he insisted he was not a violent person.

Confirming his show exit, an ITV spokesman said: “For personal reasons, Kyle will not be entering the Love Island Villa as planned.”

The mass brawl broke out at The White Eagle Club on February 28.

Sources said three balaclava-clad thugs armed with machetes and metal poles stormed the venue and attacked the dad over an alleged £3,000 debt.

They attacked him with a blade and left him with a deep gash on his arm — with witnesses wrapping towels over it to stem the bleed.

Pals say he has suffered tendon damage and is unable to drive due to his injuries.

Witnesses said the mob made off in a white Vauxhall Astra waiting outside.

Around 70 mourners, some elderly and some children, had gathered to pay their respects to local Stanley Reid.

Our source continued: “This seemed to be a targeted attack — they knew who they were looking for and where he was.

“People wrapped a towel around the man’s injury while waiting for emergency services.

“Children were taken into a room and locked in there to keep them away from the violence.

“People were screaming and crying in fear. They had gathered to pay final farewells to a man who was really well-respected within the local community.

“They could have killed someone that night. They are nothing but scumbags. They ruined what was a lovely send-off for a good person.”

Staffordshire Police said yesterday: “We were called to a social club on Riverway, Stafford, at 7.40pm on Friday, February 28 following reports that someone had been glassed outside and a fight was taking place. Some of the men involved were wearing masks and were carrying weapons.

“Two men went to hospital after suffering injuries at the scene. Both have since been discharged.

“A man and a woman suffered minor injuries at the scene but did not want any medical treatment.

“Officers have reviewed CCTV footage and have been actively carrying out enquiries to find out more about what happened.

“A 22-year-old man, from Stafford, was arrested on suspicion of wounding and affray.

“Another man, also 22 and from Stafford, was arrested on suspicion of affray.

“Both were questioned in custody and bailed with conditions while our enquiries continue.”

A force spokeswoman later confirmed that both suspects had been released with no further action last month.

Ashman said last night: “I fully co-operated with this police investigation and made it very clear that I had no involvement in this incident.

“I am not a violent person and any suggestion otherwise is a mischaracterisation.”

A show source said: “ITV were entirely unaware of Kyle’s past and, as he was not charged, it was not flagged as part of Love Island’s stringent DBS checks.

“It’s only right he can now return home to the UK to share his side of the story and therefore bosses took the decision that it was best for him not to enter the villa.”

Love Island host Maya Jama will kick off the brand new series on Monday, June 9.

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