The turbulent journey of Sarah Gillanders and Dean Vary on Married at First Sight UK has ended, with the couple making the emotional decision to leave the experiment. Their departure during an intense commitment ceremony followed weeks of public scrutiny over their lack of romantic connection and fan criticism of Sarah’s comments about Dean’s appearance. Despite both initially writing “stay” on their final cards, a frank discussion with the relationship experts led them to mutually agree that leaving was the right choice.
A Relationship That Struggled from the Start
Sarah and Dean’s relationship faced challenges from the moment they met at the altar. Sarah immediately admitted she was not physically attracted to her new husband. This lack of initial spark created a tension that persisted throughout their time on the show.
During their honeymoon, the situation escalated when Sarah suggested that she might find Dean more attractive if he were to “lose some weight and get some tattoos.” This comment drew significant criticism from viewers, with many accusing Sarah of fat-shaming and showing disrespect toward Dean, who handled the remarks with notable grace.
The Final Commitment Ceremony
The decisive moment came during the season’s seventeenth commitment ceremony. Both Sarah and Dean had surprisingly written “stay” on their cards. Sarah explained to the experts that she wanted to give the relationship “one more go,” worried she might regret not trying harder.
The experts, however, saw through the hesitation. Mel Schilling told Sarah she was “clutching at straws” and that she already knew how she truly felt. Charlene Douglas noted a complete lack of desire in the relationship and questioned why they were making excuses. Paul Brunson simply stated, “We all see it,” highlighting that the lack of connection was obvious to everyone.
Confronted with this reality, Sarah and Dean reconsidered. Through tears, Sarah told Dean, “I don’t want to hurt you anymore. I just don’t think we’re right for each other romantically.” Dean, who had often expressed his deep desire to be loved, quietly thanked her for her honesty. They then became the second couple to voluntarily leave the experiment.
Fan Reactions to the Departure
Viewers of the show took to social media platform X to express their strong opinions on the couple’s exit. While many were relieved to see the pair end their struggling relationship, others were critical of how the situation was handled.
One fan declared, “I’M SO HAPPY SARAH AND DEAN ARE NO MORE!! That was torture!” Another simply stated, “Update: Sarah and Dean both made the wise choice to call it a day on the experiment.”
Several comments focused specifically on Sarah’s behavior. One viewer remarked, “Sarah crying because she can’t be mean to Dean anymore is cracking me up.” Another argued, “Sarah should have left the moment she decided Dean wasn’t for her… She stayed on the show and threw the happy idiot a few crumbs of false hope just to get a free holiday and some free clothes.”
Other fans questioned the matching process itself, with one posting, “I worry that the producers have too much of a say into the couples.” Another directly addressed Dean, writing, “Oh Dean please snap out the delusion.”
Life After the Experiment
Since their exit aired, both Sarah and Dean have posted reflections on their experience via Instagram. On October 15, Sarah shared a lengthy statement confirming that leaving the process was the “right decision.” She expressed gratitude toward Dean, writing:
“Firstly, thank you to Dean – you are an amazing person; you were my rock during the really difficult times and my biggest supporter. I am so thankful to have shared this experience with you, and I am forever grateful for the happy (and hilarious!) memories we shared during this process.”
She admitted she had “completely lost herself” during the experience and found watching it back harder than expected, but said she has since healed and learned about relationships, honesty, and her own strength.
Dean also posted a positive outlook, using the phrase, “Don’t cry because it’s over smile because it happened.” He described the show as “probably the best thing I could have ever done for myself” and said he learned a great deal from the experience. He also showed no hard feelings toward Sarah, stating, “Sarah was really a rock for me in there and helped me learn so much about myself.” He ended on a hopeful note, saying, “That happy ever after is still coming and I am so blooming excited!”
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