18 September 2023 , 07:38
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Married At First Sight Australia relationship expert Dr Trisha Stratford has died aged 72.
Her former co-star, John Aiken, took to social media to announce the tragic news and revealed he was 'heartbroken' by her death as he paid tribute to her with a series of throwback photos. "I’m heartbroken and devastated that my friend and dear colleague Trisha has passed away," he said.
"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.." Fans also took to the comment section to send their condolences.
Her co-star John paid tribute to her (@johnaikenlive/Instagram)
She was the relationship expert on MAFS (@johnaikenlive/Instagram)"We are so sorry John, devastating," one user said to John while another added: "Sorry to hear this sad news, John." One follower commented: "Devastating… such a divine woman." Channel Nine also paid tribute to the clinical neuro-psychotherapist, writing: "We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dr Trisha Stratford.
"Our sincerest condolences and heartfelt sympathies go out to her family and those closest during this difficult time."
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Trisha, who was born in New Zealand, joined Married At First Sight Australia during its first season in 2015. She starred as one of the experts alongside relationship gurus John and Sabina Read. Sabina was later replaced by current star Mel Schilling.
She left the series in 2020 (Nine)Elizabeth Sobinoff, who appeared on the show in seasons 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 and Sabina Read. Sabina was later replaced by current expert Mel Schilling. Trisha used to do 'pheromones tests' and asked the show's contestants whether they were 'intimate' with each other.
She left the popular series in 2020. "After seven seasons of Married At First Sight I have decided to step back from the television series to focus on my writing, research and neuropsychotherapy," she announced at the time. I've been involved right from the beginning in the challenge of bringing this social experiment to television.
"The program provides a platform for an ongoing conversation on relationships and I wish the program continued success and hope future participants find everlasting love." After hearing the news of her death, several stars paid tribute to her. Season six and seven's Elizabeth Sobinoff wrote: "She was so genuine and so kind to me. She was so bright and a safe space."
Season five contestant Sarah Roza posted: "Ohhh my gosh, this is such awful and unexpected news! Rest in peace, Trisha. You were ALWAYS just so lovely to me."