Married At First Sight divorcee: ‘We never fancied each other – science can’t decide that!’

Emma Rathbone wed James Ord-Hume on last year's show but discovered a major stumbling block.

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by Poppy Danby |
Published on

When Married At First Sight first hit our TV screens last year, viewers were shocked by the controversial experiment which saw couples meeting for the first time at the altar.

The newlyweds were matched according to the results of psychological tests. Of the two couples who married on the show, Emma Rathbone and James Ord-Hume stayed together for the longest - eight and a half months - but sadly they're now divorced.

Hotel manager Emma, from London, says: "In a sense it worked as James and I will be friends for life, but unfortunately there was no sexual attraction.

"I don't regret taking part as it's taught me a lot about myself and I now feel better equipped to find my Mr Right."

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Emma, 34, decided to apply for the show in 2014 after becoming disillusioned with dating. Her longest previous relationship had lasted 18 months and she'd been single for a couple of years.

She says: "My friend received an email about the programme which asked, 'Are you looking for love?' and she sent it to me. I was like, 'What have I got to lose?'

"I work long hours, so meeting people is hard and online dating wasn't working for me."

The process took around six months and Emma was subject to a number of assessments, including interviews and detailed forms, which covered everything from religion to former relationships.

The experts, including psychologists, anthropologists and a vicar, decided that Emma and James were almost 100% compatible and a date was set for their wedding.

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Emma reveals: "It was exciting, scary and nerve-wracking meeting James for the first time on our wedding day, because I was expecting to meet a lifelong partner. The day was great and my family were very supportive."

Although they consummated the marriage, cracks in the relationship began to show just four months later. And in December last year, Emma and James agreed to divorce.

Emma says: "There wasn't a big showdown, we just wanted different things. For example, I really love travelling but he doesn't.

"And although I loved the house we lived in together [rented by the TV production company], it was stressful moving in with someone I'd just met.

"I think the experts could have been more supportive after we got married because we didn't really understand why we had been matched."

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Even though things didn't work out with James, Emma believes that the process may help her find love in the future. She says: "I'm more confident now about what I like and I unerstand my personality better."

Since divorcing James, citing irreconcilable differences, Emma has started dating again but is still single. She says: "I want to get married and start a family one day.

"I've had a few Tinder dates, which have been fun. Sometimes men recognise me from the show, which can be a bit awkward because they think I must be a nut job for doing something so extreme."

Although she wishes the future participants of Married At First Sight the best of luck, Emma is undecided as to whether science can help you find true love.

"There's no formula for physical attraction!" she laughs. "But I've found a friend for life in James, so the experts must have done something right."

Want more?

Married At First Sight: Everything you need to know

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