Married At First Sight UK star ‘instigates fight’ with best pal as physical altercation ends in hospital dash and massive fall out
Married at First Sight British best friends Whitney Hughes and April Banbury are no longer on speaking terms after a physical altercation, MailOnline can reveal.
The pair struck up a strong friendship during the 2022 E4 show and have been ‘like sisters’ ever since, enjoying holidays and events together.
But a source close to Whitney has revealed their friendship is over after April reportedly started ‘a fight’ with Whitney during a fun night at her house.
Friends were forced to intervene and separate them, and Whitney had to visit the emergency room after the incident.
The source revealed, “The girls had fun with TikToks in April and all was well between them. April hugged Whitney and as she walked away she called her a “f***ing b***h” under her breath.
Married at First Sight British best friends Whitney Hughes and April Banbury are no longer on speaking terms after a physical altercation, MailOnline can reveal
The pair built a strong friendship at the 2022 E4 show (pictured) and have been ‘like sisters’ ever since, enjoying holidays and events together
‘Whitney was stunned by the comment and asked her why she said it, and April started shouting that she “the damn king hates her” and charged at Whitney, grabbing her by the throat.
‘She was furious out of nowhere. Luckily two friends who were at the party stopped this.
‘Whitney was really devastated and shocked. The next morning she had to go to the emergency room because of her neck pain and bruising.’
Since the incident, the two have unfollowed each other on Instagram and deleted most of their photos together.
Whitney also took a break from social media, and without mentioning April by name, she explained to her followers: “Being attacked by someone I loved and trusted was a huge shock, and something I had to process.”
The source added, “She still doesn’t understand why April did it. They have been very close since they met on MAFS and always said they were like sisters. It’s crazy that April just blew up out of nowhere.”
MailOnline has contacted April and Whitney for comment.
Whitney married husband Duka Cavolli on the show, but later got together with Matt Murray, who she split from weeks after the series ended.
Meanwhile, former Miss Great Britain April married George Roberts in a non-legally binding ceremony after meeting for the first time at the altar on the hit E4 show.
A source close to Whitney has revealed that their friendship is over, after April allegedly attacked Whitney during a fun night of shooting at her home (Whitney photo just hours before the incident)
Friends were forced to intervene and separate them, and Whitney was left with ‘bruises’ and had to go to the emergency room
Since the incident, the two have unfollowed each other on Instagram and deleted most of their photos together
Whitney also took a break from social media, and without mentioning April by name, she explained to her followers: “Being attacked by someone I loved and trusted was a huge shock, and something I had to process.”
He was arrested in September of the same year on suspicion of controlling and coercive behavior, but no further action will be taken against him.
April, who is no longer with George, previously said she needed therapy after her time on the show.
The designer said the “traumas” she is now experiencing are “ruining her life” and claims the show needs to do more background checks on its contestants.
His appearance on the E4 show came despite three women who had previous relationships with Roberts reportedly raising concerns about him. Others are said to have come forward by now.
April told The Sun in October: ‘The trauma of playing Married At First Sight is ruining my life.
‘I had six sessions of therapy and was basically told to try to move on. People say Love Island is brutal, but MAFS is 100 percent worse.
“No one should apply to participate until more stringent background checks are in place.”
‘I’m just trying to get through every day. If I slide down that dark hole, I don’t think I’ll ever get out.”
A Channel 4 spokesperson said at the time: ‘It is categorically untrue to suggest that April was asked to take a stand against her wishes, nor would we seek to silence her.
‘All cast has access to appropriate support before, during and after filming and broadcast, including access to an independent psychologist.
Whitney was originally married to Duka on the social experiment programme, but fell for Matt, who himself tied the knot with Gemma (Matt and Whitney pictured together on the show)
April’s on-screen husband, George Roberts, was arrested in September on suspicion of controlling and coercive behavior (depicted in the show)
‘This support is offered proactively at every stage and, where requested, on an ongoing basis. April has been offered and continues to have access to such support.
“All contributors are subject to thorough background and psychological checks, including the most rigorous police checks a production can undergo.”
After the show, April was diagnosed with an incurable spinal condition after being admitted to hospital with constant pain.
Updating her Instagram followers, April revealed that she has now been diagnosed with spinal stenosis, which is incurable.
According to the NHS, spinal stenosis is a term used to describe a narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing can progress and cause entrapment (compression) of the spinal nerves, which can cause back pain and/or leg pain.
While discussing her treatment for the condition, the star explained that she is currently prescribed opioids and may receive a nerve root injection, as taking opioids is not a long-term solution.