Married At First Sight UK star Nelly Patel has revealed she underwent a rhinoplasty procedure last month, attributing the decision to seeing herself on the reality dating show. The cosmetic dentist, 31, had been considering the surgery for nearly a decade following a teenage accident that resulted in a deviated septum. Patel visited Professor Raghavan at Pall Mall Medical for the procedure.
"Seeing myself on TV, I was like, 'no, like I'm not being silly', because obviously the people that love me always turned around and said 'you don't need it, you're perfect as you are,'" Patel told the Daily Mail. "It was confirmation for me seeing it on screen."
She emphasized that online commentary did not influence her choice, stating, "I've got a pretty thick skin, and respectfully, nothing that a troll will say will ever influence a decision of mine."
Patel was a participant in the 10th season of MAFS UK, where she was paired with Steven Springett. Her journey on the show garnered viewer sympathy when it became apparent that Springett had been untruthful about his feelings for her. While the marriages on the show are not legally binding, participants are expected to conduct themselves as if they are married, with support from commitment experts. Patel invested significant effort into her relationship, while Springett reportedly joined a dating app and developed a connection with another contestant, Julia-Ruth Smith.
Patel confirmed that she and Springett are no longer in contact and that she has blocked him on social media. Reflecting on their relationship, she described herself as a patient person but noted that her partner was not entirely genuine or kind. The public's supportive reception, particularly from women, was a significant source of comfort for her during that time.
Nelly and Steven chose to exit the experiment prior to the Final Vows. Patel stated that while she initially felt they had ended on civil terms, Springett's subsequent behavior on social media, which included negative comments about her, led her to sever contact. "I have a better relationship with Julia Ruth than I do with Stephen, so that's saying a lot!"
Despite the difficulties, Patel expressed no regrets about her participation in the show, citing unexpected personal growth and increased confidence. She acknowledged that the experience revealed she was not as healed or confident as she had believed. Watching the show back, she observed that Springett's lack of affection was obvious at times, but she had not seen his private interviews during filming, which presented a different narrative to her. "So I was being told a different thing and then I'd watch it on television and I looked like an idiot."
The show has recently faced scrutiny following BBC Panorama claims of alleged rapes and a non-consensual sex act during filming, which have been denied by the individuals accused. A current series, filmed earlier this year, is awaiting broadcast pending the conclusion of an external investigation. Patel stated she had no personal issues with welfare protocols during her filming but acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations.
Patel also reflected on the passing of MAFS expert Mel Schilling, who died in March at the age of 54 after a battle with bowel cancer. Patel recalled Schilling as an empathetic and kind woman who went out of her way to check on her during filming. "She was an incredible, incredible woman and I feel like she's left such an incredible legacy and it's so sad."
Currently single and open to dating, Patel is focused on her recovery from the rhinoplasty. She expressed satisfaction with the results, noting her quick return to work. She advocates for cosmetic surgery when it is a personal desire but advises thorough research into surgeons and comfort with the process, emphasizing that she paid for her procedure herself. As an Asian woman, she sought a surgeon skilled with ethnic noses to achieve natural-looking results.