Dr Trisha Stratford, a prominent relationship expert and familiar face on the reality TV show ‘Married At First Sight,’ has tragically passed away at the age of 72. The news of her sudden demise was shared by her former co-star John Aiken to an outpouring of grief on social media.
In heartfelt words on Instagram, Aiken expressed his profound shock and sorrow, recounting their shared journey through seven thrilling seasons on the hit series. “I’m heartbroken and devastated that my friend and dear colleague Trisha has passed away,” he expressed. Describing her as ‘Tish,’ Aiken acknowledged the void her death has left, and her indelible memory: “I’ll miss you Tish. Thank you for all the memories.”
Details regarding the circumstances of her death remained unmentioned in Aiken’s announcement. For seven illustrious years, Dr Stratford served as a relationship expert on the beloved reality show. In a 2020 statement, she had communicated her decision to step away from the program, aiming to refocus her energies on her writing, research, and neuropsychotherapy.
She offered further clarity to her exit from the show in a subsequent interview with Women’s Day NZ in 2021. The clinical neuropsychologist indicated rising dissatisfaction with the show’s participants as the catalyst: “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,” she explained, reflecting on the audacious participants of seasons six and seven as starkly contrasted from her initial expectations.
Prior to her tenure on MAFS, Dr Stratford showcased her skills on ’60 Minutes’ in New Zealand and Australia. Her repertoire also boasted an illustrious stint as a war correspondent in Somalia and Bosnia.
In the aftermath of the tragic news, a spokesperson for Nine Network expressed their bereavement: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dr Trisha Stratford.” Conveying their sincere condolences, they extended sympathies to her family and those closest during this difficult time.
