Gay Doncaster groom with HIV ‘devastated’ after MAFS TV series axed

A gay Doncaster man living with HIV has said he is ‘devastated’ that he will not be able to share his story with TV viewers after the series of dating show Married At First Sight he was due to appear on was cancelled.

Last week, Channel 4 said the hit realityTV show would not return following a BBC Panorama investigation which revealed rape allegations from women who had appeared on the show.

Doncaster man Tom Byatt had already filmed the new series which will now not be aired and he has said he is ‘absolutely devastated’ he will not be able shed light on his story of living with HIV.

Speaking to PinkNews, he also said he could understand the reasons for the show’s cancellation and said: “I want to acknowledge those who have come forward with allegations.

“I believe everyone deserves to be listened to with compassion and respect, and I recognise that people’s experiences can be very different.”

As for his time on the show, he says it was “phenomenal” and told PinkNews: “I can genuinely say it was one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life, and I wouldn’t change the opportunity for the world.

“I went into it with absolutely everything I had. I was completely myself throughout… loud, confident, emotional at times, and probably a little bit dramatic! But that’s me!”

He is living with HIV, and had hoped to show viewers a greater understanding of how he’s still able to live “an incredible life”. “I’ve been living with HIV for nearly two years now, and whilst receiving my diagnosis was initially incredibly difficult, it’s actually become a turning point in my life,” he said

“I’m now happier, healthier and more confident than I’ve ever been. But that doesn’t mean the journey has always been easy, particularly when it comes to dating, relationships and intimacy.”

He hoped to show viewers “you can still date, fall in love, have meaningful relationships and live an incredible life”, adding: “I’ve always said I’m ‘being positive about being positive’, and I wanted to take that message to a national audience.”

He tells us: “Knowing that part of my story won’t now be seen is genuinely heartbreaking, because I really hoped it might help somebody out there feel less alone.”

While he can’t go into what happened on his MAFS UK journey, he says: “I came away from the experiment feeling stronger, more confident and incredibly grateful.

He added: “I’ve learned that I deserve someone who accepts every part of me… the big personality, the daft sense of humour, the emotional side and, of course, my HIV status.

“I’m not looking for someone to complete me. I’m already happy with who I am. I just want someone to share that happiness with.

“And yes, despite marrying a stranger, I’m still very much single and looking for love!”

He adds: “I’m disappointed that the world won’t get to see my journey, but I’m determined that my message about HIV awareness, acceptance and living life to the fullest won’t end here.

Added Tom: “As someone born and raised in Doncaster, I'm incredibly proud of where I come from.

“One of my biggest motivations for sharing my experience is to challenge the stigma surrounding HIV, particularly here in Yorkshire, where I believe these conversations are still very much needed.

“Although I'm disappointed that viewers won't get to see my journey on television, I'm determined to continue spreading my message of "being positive about being positive" and hopefully help others who may be struggling with their own diagnosis, confidence or relationships.”