Married at First Sight's Luke Worley says he received death threats

Luke Worley said online abuse from so-called online trolls had taken its toll on his mental health

A man who appeared on reality TV show Married at First Sight UK has said he received death threats after his exit from the series.

Luke Worley, from Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, was removed from the show in October after an altercation with another contestant.

The Channel 4 programme is a social experiment where singles are matched to marry total strangers.

A spokeswoman said Mr Worley had been offered tailored mental health support.

The 31-year-old told BBC Essex he did not regret taking part in the hit series despite the impact it had on his mental health.

The former salesman admitted that if he watched himself on parts of the series, he would think "oh he's a nightmare, he's a horrible man" but condemned people taking online abuse too far.

Luke Worley quit his salesman job to feature on Married at First Sight UK

"It is not what people say [which hurts], it is when people don't understand me, they've got me wrong," Mr Worley said.

"No one should have to say 'I'm a nice guy, I'm caring'.

"I shouldn't have to say that, people should just be able to see it and when people can't see that side to you it is upsetting."

Mr Worley, who quit his job to be on the programme, added: "I've had people messaging me saying horrible things, it's not nice."

He also claimed the show was edited to portray him in a bad light and continued: "I understand why people were giving me hate online."

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The Channel 4 spokeswoman said Married at First Sight UK was unscripted and what viewers saw was an "accurate depiction of the cast's actions and opinions" at the time.

"We are in regular contact with Luke and continue to offer him tailored support including access to an independent psych team," she said.

The spokeswoman said "robust" contributor care protocols were in place and support was available to participants before, during and after broadcast.

"The wellbeing of cast and crew on Married at First Sight UK is our utmost priority at all times, throughout production and beyond," she added.

"Cast are thoroughly prepped for the experience of being on Married at First Sight UK, including the prospect of social media abuse and trolling and are supported on an ongoing basis in how to manage this."

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story you can contact Samaritans by calling 0330 094 5717 and help is also available via the BBC Action Line.

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