Married at First Sight UK's Joe Wood has shared a damning statement about his time on the show, and also spoken out about the holiday he went on with fellow MAFS UK cast member Julia-Ruth following his exit from the show.
Joe quit the experiment around halfway through, ending his marriage with bride Maeve Mathieson. It was then revealed during an episode that aired earlier this week that he had gone on holiday with bride Julia-Ruth to Lanzarote, just two days after leaving the experiment and the pair had been intimate.
While the rest of the cast had spoken openly about what happened, Joe had remained silent on the issue until now.
Opening up in a statement shared on his Instagram last night (11 November) Joe denied being disloyal and called out MAFS UK for being a reality show rather than a "genuine" experiment.
He said: "MAFS sign out 📝 I went into the experience with genuine intentions, but soon realised the true nature of the ‘experiment’. It’s a reality show, created to entertain the viewers and divide opinion.
"I removed myself from the ‘experiment’ and I know that I stayed true to myself. I was never disloyal. I didn’t stay for air time. I didn’t act up to the camera, which can’t be said for some people."
He then went onto seemingly comment on the revelation he had gone on holiday with Julia-Ruth two days after leaving the show, saying: "Although as a single man I reserve the right to do as I please, I understand that some people may see my actions as insensitive. My intention was never to hurt anyone, and if I did trigger or upset anybody through my actions, I’m genuinely sorry.
"Hindsight is a wonderful thing and I am only human. I have made mistakes and maybe should have navigated some things differently, but ultimately I know that I didn’t act with any malice."
Joe ended his statement by calling out the cast of the show, going on to say: "The fact is, no one knows the truth of what actually happens in MAFS. I have learnt that some people will lie, deceive and tread on others to get where they want to be.. But that shit ain’t for me. Over and out ✌🏼."
During his time in the show Joe was married to Maeve. Their relationship started on rocky ground with the pair not quite finding their feet with each other, however as the experiment went on they both appeared to let down their walls and just seemed really cute and loved up.
However, after Joe received some upsetting family news he temporarily left the show in order to visit his family. When he came back the couple ended up breaking up at one of the dinner parties.
Maeve had heard about Joe's comments to fellow groom Ashley, where Joe had confessed to doubting his feelings for Maeve. Maeve confronted Joe about his words and it led to the couple's split.
In the episode which aired on Sunday night (9 November) the women in the group reunited and during this, Julia-Ruth confessed she and Joe had gone on a holiday together shortly after he left the show.
During this trip away the pair were intimate, however, Julia-Ruth revealed that upon returning to the UK Joe had ghosted her and they were no longer in contact.
Julia-Ruth has since apologised to Maeve for what happened and the pair seem to OK-ish now.
MAFS UK continues on E4
