Shona Manderson, a participant on Married At First Sight UK, has disclosed that she currently has no savings and is managing credit card debt, a year after her appearance on the E4 series.
Manderson, 34, revealed her financial situation on Instagram, stating that she has paid off her credit card debt within the past year and feels she is in a significantly better position than she was previously. However, she noted that she is still investing more in her present needs rather than saving for the future, acknowledging a need to find a better balance. Manderson, who now runs a yoga and Pilates business, expressed pride in her progress despite not being where she anticipated financially at her age.
Her revelations come after she publicly shared her experiences on the show, alleging that fellow contestant Bradley Skelly engaged in a non-consensual sexual act during filming. Skelly has denied this claim. Manderson had previously waived her anonymity to make these allegations, stating that welfare staff had raised concerns about Skelly's behavior on camera. She recounted that welfare staff expressed serious concern for her wellbeing, leading her to believe both she and Skelly would be removed from the program. According to Manderson, producers later informed them they could remain on the show, with Skelly reportedly being instructed to "be on his best behaviour." She described this as confusing and felt it minimized her concerns.
Manderson also spoke about her relationship with boyfriend Matt Pilmoor, whom she met on the show when he was married to another contestant. She described navigating the logistics of their relationship, including long-distance challenges and differing family circumstances, as difficult but emphasized their commitment to each other through ongoing conversations and mutual choice.
Manderson was one of three MAFS UK contestants to make allegations of sexual misconduct to Panorama. Two other women claimed rape, and a third alleged sexual assault. In relation to these allegations, a former cast member was arrested on suspicion of rape last month, though neither the individual arrested nor the alleged victim have been named. Bradley Skelly has categorically denied any allegations of sexual misconduct or controlling behavior.