MAFS' Natalie Parham reveals she's single and 'ready to mingle' after a post-Reunion bond eventuated into a 'beautiful friendship'
EXCLUSIVE: Married At First Sight star Natalie Parham has confirmed she's "single and ready to mingle" as she opened up about her dating life post-experiment.
In an interview with 9Entertainment this week, the bride – who had a short-lived marriage to Collins Christian in Season 11 – explained that while she did grow close to someone in recent months, things eventuated into a strong friendship instead of a romantic connection.
Stream every episode of Married At First Sight for free on 9Now.
"After the Reunion I rekindled my friendship with someone very special in my life who I was attracted to and interested in, and getting to know her again opened my heart back into the dating world," Natalie explained.
"It really opened my eyes that I see people for who they are on the inside. That's what attracts me – it's not gender or their identity, I'm attracted to who someone is.
Natalie has spoken about her life now in an exclusive interview. Nine
"I love people for who they are, and that's who I'm attracted to. I'm getting out there and mingling. I haven't been on any dates yet, but it certainly has opened up my heart again to seeing who is out there and I'm ready to find love.
"Whether that's a man, a woman or non-binary, that doesn't matter. As long as they're a really good person and they love me for who I am."
Natalie said straight after the Reunion that she didn't know if the bond would eventuate into anything romantic or just a friendship – and the latter is exactly what she found.
Natalie is still very close with her friend (left), who she sees regularly. Supplied
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"We're very close friends," she beamed. "I did have these feelings but when I went and saw her and we spent a bit of time together, it really was more of that friendship.
"Just a real deep friendship and understanding. I just couldn't see us taking that next step. But it really opened my heart that yep, I can have feelings for someone who is female. But we didn't end up dating, it was just reconnecting in life.
"She's a fantastic person in my life, and is really helping support me get back out into the dating world." Supplied
"She's a fantastic person in my life, and is really helping support me get back out into the dating world."
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Nat added that she's still on the lookout for her forever person, but dispelled any rumours that she'd sparked up a romance with any fellow MAFS stars.
"I'm not dating any of the other cast members," she laughed, before saying about one such rumour. "Ash [Galati] is a lovely guy and has a beautiful girlfriend and I wish them all the best! There's no plans to date any cast members, thank you very much!"
Natalie is pictured with her MAFS bestie Michael. Supplied
While her marriage to Collins didn't work out, Natalie is happy to be back on the dating scene and we look forward to seeing how she fares in future.
Stream every episode of Married At First Sight for free on 9Now.
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