Former Married At First Sight expert Dr Trisha Stratford has died at the age of 72.
The clinical neuropsychologist starred on the much-loved Aussie version of MAFS from its very beginning in 2015 up until her departure in 2020.
In that time, she offered a wide range of hopeful couples her advice for maintaining their relationships, while also contributing to matching individuals up at the start of the show.
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Announcing her departure in September 2020, Dr Stratford said: "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.
"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."
But last night, one of Dr Stratford's MAFS colleagues and original expert, John Aiken, took to Instagram to announce the tragic news.
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He wrote: "I’m heartbroken and devastated that my friend and dear colleague Trisha has passed away.
"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."
Dr Stratford's cause of death is unknown at this time.
Nine - the network behind MFS Australia - also said they were 'deeply saddened' to hear of Dr Stratford's passing.
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They said in a statement: "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."
Several former MAFS contestants have flocked to social media to pay their respects to Dr Stratford and express their grief at the news.
Elizabeth Sobinoff, who appeared on the show in both season six and seven, wrote: "She was so genuine and so kind to me. She was so bright and a safe space."
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Meanwhile, season five's Sarah Roza penned: "Ohhh my gosh, this is such awful and unexpected news! Rest in peace Trisha. You were ALWAYS just so lovely to me."
As per news.com.au, New Zealand-born Dr Stratford relocated to her home country after her time at MAFS came to an end.
While it appeared her exit from the show was amicable, the relationship expert later suggested she wasn't a fan of the direction the show was going in.
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Speaking to Woman's Day in 2021, the former MAFS star said: "I felt in my guts that this wasn’t what I’d want to be watching at home on TV.
"By the end, I couldn’t compromise my professional and personal standards because there were participants on the show who I felt shouldn’t have been there."
Topics: Married At First Sight Australia, TV And Film, Celebrity
Callum Jones