“Married At First Sight bride Veronica Cloherty has broken her silence on claims she’s an actress planted in the experiment. ”, — write: www.dailymail.co.uk
In an interview with Daily Mail Australia, the former Miss Universe contestant, 32, turned reality star hit back at speculation that her appearance on the show was anything but genuine.
‘I actually found being in the experiment so much easier and so much less pressure than performing as an actor because I didn’t have to hit any lines or marks,’ she explained.
‘It was very confusing for me at first. I remember asking where I should stand, and they told me, ‘Wherever you want to be.’ I was like, ‘What do you mean?!’
The glamorous bride also reflected on watching her wedding to business owner Eliot Donovan unfold on screen, admitting it was a surreal experience but one she was grateful to share with her close friends.
However, their first encounter took an unexpected turn when Eliot seemed to expect Veronica to recognise him on their wedding day.
‘I could see his disappointment when I said no,’ she recalled.
‘I was thinking, “Who is this guy?” I was genuinely trying to figure out if I’d seen him in something, like a movie.’
While Eliot may not have been her usual pick, Veronica was pleasantly surprised when she walked down the aisle.
‘I remember thinking I was really grateful that he had a full head of hair and beautiful big blue eyes,’ she laughed. ‘I wasn’t necessarily hoping for my usual type – I wanted something different.’
Despite her undeniable beauty, Veronica admitted that her dating history had been challenging, leading her to take time for self-reflection before reentering the dating world.
‘I took time off to figure out what I was doing that put me in relationships that weren’t healthy for me,’ she revealed.
‘And when I came back to dating, I realised—it’s slim pickings out there! I needed as much help as I could get.’
Her bridesmaids, protective as ever, had doubts about Eliot, but Veronica remained unshaken on her wedding day.
‘They were looking out for me. That’s just the nature of my friendship group,’ she said.
‘I had my rose-coloured glasses on and was just happy to have met him and that we were getting along.’
As an intruder bride, Veronica didn’t have the luxury of knowing much about the other contestants before joining the experiment.
She also chose not to dig into spoilers about Eliot’s previous MAFS match, who he had left early in the season.
‘I appreciated that he had the conviction to follow through with what he said he would do,’ she explained.
‘I wasn’t fazed—I trusted him and gave him the benefit of the doubt, just as I would with anyone I meet for the first time.’
When asked if she did any research before entering, Veronica admitted she preferred going in blind.
‘There were rumours, but I told my housemates, ‘Don’t tell me! I don’t want to know.’ I wanted to have an authentic experience.’
And as for whether she’ll be taking a stand at the dinner parties, Veronica teased: ‘I definitely hold my own, but it’s a challenge in an environment where everyone is so outspoken. It makes for fantastic television!’
Veronica made it clear that one thing is a deal-breaker for her.
‘I absolutely won’t tolerate disrespect. Full stop. Period,’ she declared.
While physical attraction is important, she values deeper connections.
‘For me, it’s about someone who takes care of themselves, inside and out. That’s what really matters.’
Veronica also revealed why she decided turn to MAFS to find love.
‘I’ve struggled in my dating life, so I thought, ‘Why not hand it over to the experts?’ she admitted. ‘I needed some intervention—some people with more experience to help a girl out!’