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MAFS model Brad Skelly kicked off show after displaying ‘controlling’ behaviour towards Shona
MARRIED At First Sight model Brad Skelly was axed from the show after displaying “controlling and coercive” behaviour.
Producers of the E4 series grew concerned by his actions towards his wife, teacher Shona Manderson, 31.
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Distressing scenes last week caused domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid to speak out about his behaviour.
A show source told The Sun: “The relationship with Shona was getting toxic.
"Bosses stepped in before the situation got out of hand.”
In tearful scenes still to be seen, dating coach Paul Carrick Brunson tells Skelly, 27, and teacher Shona that they have to leave.
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Last year, the show cast financial advisor George Roberts.
He has since been arrested for alleged controlling and coercive behaviour.
A Channel 4 spokesman said: “If any relationships on MAFS UK develop in a way that is deemed unhealthy we take expert advice as to whether the couple should leave the process.
“This was the case with Brad and Shona. Support is available at all times.”
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Last week a "bullying" row erupted and viewers demanded producers step in and remove Brad from the show, claiming his behaviour towards his wife Shona was "controlling".
Fans of the E4 hit took to social media to voice their anger at the heavily inked reality star after he told Shona to "shut up" and got frustrated when she was upset that the other couples didn't think they were genuine.
Brad snapped at Shona during tonight's dinner party, telling her she needed "external validation", before telling her to stop talking.
"You need to let it go," he snapped, not allowing her to speak.
When Shona then attempted to add to the conversation, Brad barked: "Shut up! Shut up!"
His tone sparked a shocked reaction from the experts who were watching in a neighbouring room.
"Ooooh, wow," said a stunned Mel Schilling.
As the episode finished airing, however. both Brad and Shona took to social media.
Brad claimed the edit did not show the full story.
He shared a picture of himself in bed covering his face, with the caption: "That edit was difficult to watch."
The model also added: "Always remember you are only seeing snippets for drama. Try not to have an emotional resilience to a person you have never sat down and had a conversation with physically."
Shona, on the other hand, did not blame the edit, instead thanking fans for supporting her.
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Responding to one kind fan who sent their love, she said: "Thank you so much. Tonight was hard to watch. I'll get back to this in the morning. Love to you all."
She also commented that she was "feeling the love from you all" in another post directed to her fans, commenting on "all the support" she has received.
How you can get help
Women's Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
- Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
- If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – [email protected].
Women’s Aid provides a - available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
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