The Australian television industry was rocked on Monday by news of Dr. Trisha Stratford’s passing at the age of 72.
And now comments the former TV relationship expert made slamming Married At First Sight, the show that made her famous, have resurfaced.
Joining the show in 2015, she chose to leave just five years later, heavily criticising the franchise after she quit.
She blasted the show’s direction and said she ‘felt sick’ about what was happening at some of the wild dinner parties that were a part of the show.
In an interview with Woman’s Day at the time, Trisha claimed the show was not what she originally agreed to be a part of.
Dr. Trisha Stratford (pictured), known for giving relationship advice on Married At First Sight Australia , has sadly passed away at the age of 72. Joining the show in 2015, she chose to leave just five years later, slamming the show after she quit
‘By the end, I couldn’t compromise my professional and personal standards because there were participants on the show who I felt shouldn’t have been there,’ she said.
‘At a couple of dinner parties I felt sick. I felt in my guts that this wasn’t what I’d want to be watching at home on TV. The participants we got in season six and seven were so outrageous and outside the norm that it wasn’t what I signed up for.’
The psychotherapist later elaborated on her views on New Zealand’s Newstalk ZB.
‘It became really clear to me over the last two seasons, but particularly the last season, that the type of people applying for the show were just becoming more and more outrageous,’ she said.
‘And it became very difficult to match people who were on the show for the wrong reasons. I’m in my integrity and it’s just not working for me anymore. I don’t feel I have enough involvement in the matching, cause it kind of moved from matching to casting.’
In an interview with Woman’s Day at the time, Trisha claimed the show was not what she originally agreed to be a part of. ‘By the end, I couldn’t compromise my professional and personal standards because there were participants on the show who I felt shouldn’t have been there,’ she said
The clinical neuro-psychotherapist was aged 72 when she died.
John Aiken, who currently stars as a relationship coach on MAFS, took to social media to break the news, posting ‘I’m heartbroken and devastated that my friend and dear colleague Trisha has passed away.’
‘We shared an amazing seven seasons of MAFS together. She loved everything New Zealand, relationships, the All Blacks, the Black Caps, French wine and travelling the world. I’ll miss you Tish.
‘Thank you for all the memories.’
Nine also said in a statement: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dr Trisha Stratford.’
The clinical neuro-psychotherapist was aged 72 when she died. John Aiken , who currently stars as a relationship coach on MAFS, took to social media to break the news, posting ‘I’m heartbroken and devastated that my friend and dear colleague Trisha has passed away’
‘Our sincerest condolences and heartfelt sympathies go out to her family and those closest during this difficult time.’
Several former MAFS participants have since taken to Instagram to express grief at the loss of their former confidante.
Elizabeth Sobinoff, who appeared on the show in season six and seven, commented: ‘She was so genuine and so kind to me. She was so bright and a safe space.’
Season five star Sarah Roza also commented: ‘Ohhh my gosh, this is such awful and unexpected news! Rest in peace Trisha. You were ALWAYS just so lovely to me.’
Trisha, who hailed from New Zealand, joined the Nine show in its first season in 2015, starring alongside relationship gurus John Aiken (pictured right) and Sabina Read. Sabina was later replaced by current expert Mel Schilling (pictured left)
Trisha, who hailed from New Zealand, joined the Nine show in its first season in 2015, starring alongside relationship gurus John Aiken and Sabina Read. Sabina was later replaced by current expert Mel Schilling.
Stratford was replaced on the show by clinical sex therapist Alessandra Rampolla, who has been shaking up the current season of the show with racy challenges and exercises.
Before joining MAFS, Trisha worked as a journalist for 60 Minutes in New Zealand and Australia.
She was also a war correspondent in Somalia and Bosnia and produced and directed over 20 prime-time TV documentaries about social justice issues.
Before joining MAFS, Trisha worked as a journalist for 60 Minutes in New Zealand and Australia
