As the year draws to a close, British reality television fans have been treated to a flurry of relationship updates, dramatic exits, and fresh starts from two of the country’s biggest shows: The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE) and Married at First Sight UK (MAFS UK). In a festive season marked by both endings and new beginnings, the stars of these shows have shared their personal journeys with viewers—offering a candid look at the highs and lows of love in the spotlight.
On December 23, 2025, Matilda Draper, who first won over audiences on Love Island before joining TOWIE, announced a major milestone in her relationship with Roman Hackett. In a cheerful TikTok get ready with me (GRWM) video, Matilda revealed, “I’m really excited for Christmas this year, me and Ro are moving in together this month. We have just secured our first flat together. I’m so excited. I’m hosting Christmas at mine this year. It’s just going to be stunning. I’m excited to decorate for Christmas.” According to Closer Online, this marks a significant step for the couple, who have been together for a year.
Matilda’s excitement didn’t stop at simply moving in together. She shared her plans for a traditional holiday, stating, “I’m getting a real tree, Ro wanted to get a fake tree... My mum is against fake trees, we always had to have a real pine tree. Even just the smell of it makes me feel Christmassy so I can’t imagine not having a real tree now.” For Matilda, Christmas isn’t just about the decorations—it’s about creating memories and honoring family traditions in her new home.
But amid the joy, there’s also a sense of transition. Roman Hackett, who has been a familiar face on TOWIE for four years, announced his decision to leave the show. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he wrote, “I’ve chosen to step away from TOWIE to focus on myself and the next stage of my career. The journey’s been mad in the best way, and I appreciate every moment and everyone who’s been part of it and for everyone that’s supported me. Thank you again for the constant support. Big love always, onwards and upwards.” As reported by Closer Online, Roman’s departure isn’t an isolated event—his close friend Sammy Root will also not return for series 37, and Chloe Meadows is rumored to be taking a break as well.
While TOWIE fans process these changes, the world of MAFS UK has been equally eventful. According to Heart, the 2025 season of Married at First Sight UK has seen its fair share of love stories, heartbreaks, and new beginnings. The show, known for its thorough matchmaking process, often sparks hope that couples will find lasting love. Yet, as the latest updates show, reality can be more complicated.
Of all the couples from the 2025 season, Abi and John have emerged as a rare success story. After choosing to continue their relationship during the final vows, the pair attended the reunion hand in hand. As Abi shared on Instagram, “This is the start of our love story with many more chapters to write, leading into the most beautiful story of all a life with you.” John echoed the sentiment, writing, “Was there ever any doubt that we would say YES at final vows?” Fans rooting for the couple have reason to celebrate, as their romance appears to be going strong away from the cameras.
But for most of the other couples, the journey has been less smooth. April and Leo, who had an instant connection on their wedding day, struggled with communication issues and eventually decided to part ways after a difficult homestay. Reiss and Leisha, despite efforts to make their marriage work post-show, also confirmed their split at the reunion. Leisha expressed her heartbreak, stating, “I am devastated that my marriage with Reiss hasn’t worked out. I still love Reiss, I think about him everyday.” Reiss added, “Since leaving the experiment, Leisha came down to see me and then I went up to Scotland. We had some cracking times and she is a beautiful girl inside and out. But sadly we couldn’t make our marriage work and I haven’t seen Leisha since it ended.”
Several couples ended their relationships before even reaching the final commitment ceremony. Anita and Paul, the first to leave the experiment in 2025, cited a lack of emotional connection as the main reason for their split. Anita explained, “I find Paul very frustrating. I really don’t know what he wants. I don’t know if there’s hope for the marriage. Truthfully I don’t think there is.” Similarly, Leigh and Leah chose to end things at their Final Vows, with Leigh reflecting, “A true loving relationship shouldn’t take this much effort and force.” Leah, on her part, has since found happiness with Everton footballer Maz Pacheco, revealing in an interview that they had known each other for 13 years before reconnecting after the show.
Other notable splits include Rebecca and Bailey, who struggled with the distance between their hometowns. Despite appearing close at the reunion, Rebecca later announced their breakup on Instagram, writing, “To answer all the questions…. Yes, he fumbled.” She has since gone public with her new girlfriend, Lily Woodham, while Bailey admitted the news was a “total shock.” Meanwhile, Julia-Ruth and Divarni’s tumultuous journey ended after an explosive dinner party, with Divarni declaring, “The marriage is done. Finished.”
Some breakups were marked by particularly dramatic circumstances. Nelly and Steven ended things after Nelly’s flatmate exposed Steven’s active dating profile during homestay, prompting Nelly to remove her ring and declare the marriage over. Joe and Maeve’s relationship ended during the couples retreat after Joe left the experiment for over a week, leaving Maeve confused and hurt. Maeve has since moved on and introduced a new partner to fans.
Keye and Davide, who initially seemed solid, also split after the reunion. Davide revealed that the breakup was triggered by Keye being caught using the dating app Grindr while Davide was away for work. Speaking on a podcast, Davide shared, “It was very difficult coming out of the experiment as there was a lot of pressure of the outside world for the new couple.” Davide has since found happiness with a new boyfriend, sharing sweet videos of their time together.
Even couples like Grace and Ashley, who managed to turn an awkward wedding day into a promising honeymoon, eventually realized they were “too different” to make it work. Their absence from the final commitment ceremony was noted by expert Mel Schilling, who explained, “Obviously you’ll all notice that Grace and Ashley are not with us today, they’ve had a rocky couple of weeks and as a result, felt they needed more time to reflect and they won’t be joining us today.”
For fans of both TOWIE and MAFS UK, these updates serve as a reminder that reality TV relationships are as unpredictable as any other. While some stars are embracing new chapters—like Matilda and Roman moving in together, or Abi and John building a life beyond the cameras—others are learning from heartbreak, focusing on personal growth, or finding love anew. As the festive season unfolds, viewers are left with a patchwork of stories: some still being written, others closing with grace, and all reflecting the very real emotions behind the reality TV facade.
