MAFS contestant Jake Edwards reveals he was ‘suicidal’ after reality show

Former Married At First Sight contestant Jake Edwards has revealed he was “suicidal” after his experience on the reality show.

Married At First Sight contestant Jake Edwards has revealed he was “suicidal” after the reality show.

The 33-year-old former AFL player was partnered with Beck Zemek on the Channel 9 dating show earlier this year, with their relationship crumbling before the reunion episode.

The pair experienced a tumultuous union from the get-go, with the finale episode ending with the revelation Zemek had cheated on Edwards when she returned home to Perth during filming to look after her sick dog.

After the show aired the explosive finale in April, Edwards, who had previously suffered mental health issues, said he went on a downward spiral and had “suicidal” thoughts as a result of his experience and the social media commentary.

Speaking on 90.9 Sea FM’s Unpopular Opinion podcast, Edwards said: “There was a time there where I really regretted going on the show. I’ll be honest, it got to a point where I was suicidal. It got to a really critical point.”

Jake and Beck had a rocky romance on MAFS.

He added, “In my example, it certainly contributed to my downfall.

“I thought the whole time it was my fault. I was like, ‘Why isn’t this working?’

“We shared some good times together but ultimately it was a trainwreck.”

Zemek declined to comment when approached by news.com.au.

A few days after Edwards suffered a relationship breakdown in May with his then-girlfriend, Sophie Guidolin - whom he got together with while the show was airing - Zemek took to Instagram with a cryptic post.

“I got an unexpected call last night from someone who needed to confide in me,” the reality star wrote. “She has never met me, but we shared a similar experience with someone who we hope we can get the help they need, because although this person hurt us, he deserves support to change his mindset.”

Jake and Beck went their separate ways soon after Married at First Sight finished. Picture: Channel Nine

Prior to signing up for MAFS late last year, Edwards said he was in a good place and felt optimistic about finding love.

“I was very stable mentally. I sat down with friends and family and they were all supportive of me going on the show,” Edwards said.

“I was just secure and happy and if I was ever going to do it, that was the time.

“But I was pretty naive. I wasn’t fully aware of the impact it was going to have mentally.”

After his break-up from Guidolin, Edwards sought help from monks at a wellness retreat in country Victoria.

Jake Edwards credited his experience at a wellness retreat for saving his life. Picture: Instagram

He credited this experience with saving his life, but also noted the impact MAFS had on making him realise he needed to seek help.

“That’s where I am right now. I’m grateful for that experience (MAFS). Going on that show highlighted a few things for me I had to go away and work on,” he said.

“I don’t drink anymore and I don’t party as much as I used to.

“I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life and MAFS has had a role in that.”

Edwards, who said he is single, has recently moved from Geelong to the Gold Coast and is running a mental health program, Outside the Locker Room.

Originally published as MAFS contestant Jake Edwards reveals he was ‘suicidal’ after reality show