MAFS star Jake Edwards had a complete breakdown after reality show

Footballer turned MAFS star Jake Edwards claims he was emotionally abused and broken by the reality TV show and wishes he’d never signed up for it.

Former footballer Jake Edwards has spoken of his “complete breakdown” following Married At First Sight and revealed if he had known what was ahead he wouldn’t have signed up for the controversial reality show.

Melbourne-based Edwards recently spent a month with monks on a farm in Victoria.

He was healing after his ordeal on the show — where he was paired with Beck Zemek — as well as the sudden end of his romance with fitness model Sophie Guidolin and the flack he copped from haters while MAFS aired.

“I’ll never bag production and editing because they can only work with what they have got,” Edwards said.

Jake Edwards on his “wedding” day to Beck Zemek on Married at First Sight. Photo: Channel Nine

“My experience, yes, was very challenging because of the person I was matched up with, in fact it was emotionally abusive.

“I lost 9kg on the show between the stress and the anxiety. I regret it (MAFS) right now because of the pain I have had in the last three months, but I think long-term I will look back on it differently.”

Edwards said he was a “completely new person” after his mental health retreat.

“I had a complete breakdown,” he said.

“I did not handle the airing period (of MAFS) well at all.

“I went away (to a farm) for four weeks. I am a completely new person.

“The farm has affected my soul and my spirit significantly to the point where the Jake Edwards four months ago would not recognise who he is today.”

Rounding out the overhaul of his life, he will move to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in two months.

“I want to leave this old person behind and start again,” he said.