Married At First Sight UK’s April Banbury posts about ‘strength’ amid claims of ‘husband’ George Roberts’ arrest-Alicia Adejobi and Cydney Yeates-Entertainment – Metro

MAFS UK star George Roberts was reportedly arrested in Worcestershire last Thursday (Picture: E4)

Married At First Sight UK star April Banbury returned to social media hours after reports claimed her TV ‘husband’ George Roberts had been arrested. 

Banbury, 33, has been coupled with Roberts, 40, in the latest series of the E4 reality programme, which marries strangers who meet for the first time on their wedding day. 

The programme is nearing the end of its current series and features the couples visiting each other’s homes before deciding whether to stay committed to each other beyond the show. 

On Monday, reports emerged that Roberts had been arrested on suspicion of controlling and coercive behaviour just days after Channel 4 defended casting him after three of his exes reportedly raised concerns about him.

Regarding the arrest in Worcestershire last Thursday, it was said that Roberts denied any wrongdoing and was bailed by Scotland Yard with investigations still ongoing.  

Following the allegations, Banbury returned to Instagram on Tuesday night and shared a modelling shot of herself with the caption: ‘To whoever needs to hear this today… remember, you are stronger than you think.’ 

Roberts is married to April Banbury in the E4 experiment (Picture: E4)

She included the hashtags ‘femaleempowerment’ and ‘strength’. 

Banbury’s post came just two hours before the latest episode of MAFS aired and featured the next set of Homestays, with the former Miss Great Britain showing Roberts the sights of her home in Battersea. 

However, Roberts – who has four children and lives in Worcestershire – seemed less reluctant on swapping his countryside life for the hustle and bustle of London and told his ‘wife’: ‘I’d definitely come and visit… but [London is] a lot isn’t it.’ 

It’s understood that the E4 show will continue to air despite his arrest (Picture: E4)

The two were later seen meeting Banbury’s best friend Jose and discussing their future together, with the model stating: ‘I think George could be the one. 

‘I literally adore George, the feeling I have towards him is literally not a feeling I’ve had for anyone in the past.’ 

Viewers will find out during the final commitment ceremony in an upcoming episode whether Banbury and Roberts decided to stay together. 

Last week, it was reported that Roberts’ exes claimed the financial expert ‘love-bombed’ them, which is a term referring to someone showering a partner with affection in an effort to win them over.

E4 previously defended casting Roberts despite allegations of abuse, which he denies (Picture: E4)

After the women accused Channel 4 of ‘ignoring’ their concerns, a spokesperson insisted they do take allegations of such nature seriously. 

Speaking to Metro.co.uk, the spokesperson said: ‘We work incredibly closely with our production partners to ensure all Married at First Sight UK contributors are subject to rigorous background and psychological checks, including the most detailed police checks a production is able to undertake. 

‘Any allegations of this nature are taken extremely seriously by Channel 4.’ 

It’s understood the broadcaster was not aware of the allegations until filming for the series finished. 

Speaking to The Sun, one woman claiming to be an ex-girlfriend of Roberts expressed her shock at him ‘being given a platform on a TV show.’ 

She said she messaged the team at Married At First Sight and told them she had reported her former partner to the police. 

‘They asked for additional information which I gave and I never heard anything further,’ she said. 

Meanwhile, a second ex told the publication that she ‘sent everything I had’ and producers said they ‘would be looking into it’

Married At First Sight UK returns tomorrow night at 9pm on E4.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Entertainment – MetroRead More