MAFS star Matthew's journey from virgin 'introvert' to TV star

Married At First Sight’s Matthew Bennett has been like no other contestant on the show so far.

From the get go, the videographer from Queensland was touted as the ’29-year-old virgin’, and he’s the first to admit the social experiment would be the biggest challenge of his life yet.

Last night Matt made a big call on his relationship with Lauren, when he admitted he’s “not attracted” to her sexually, a statement made after being with a woman for the first time, both emotionally and physically.

It’s been quite a journey for the reality star who up until the filming of the show, was living with his parents at their family home on the Sunshine Coast.

Calling himself an “introvert”, Matt says bullying during his school days drove him to socialise less, and could explain why he’d never been in a relationship till now.

“I tend to be very solitary. I don’t do a lot of social stuff, I don’t hang out with a lot of people,” Matt said in a MAFS piece-to-camera in his first episode on the show before his TV wedding aired.

“I’ve always been someone who’s not comfortable in big social gatherings or social situations.

“I think that’s to do with bullying in high school. I think I was a sensitive kid. I was pretty in touch with my emotions growing up, and that was something they picked on,” he explained.

“I was small, physically I didn’t have the build to defend myself. Intellectually I don’t think I had the insight or the awareness to be able to verbalise what was going on either, so I withdrew, became an introvert, didn’t really socialise. I didn’t get out and meet girls, so my relationship history is pretty minimal.”

As for what he did do in his recreational time, he said, “I read every day… I like cooking, going to the gym, hiking”.

Just before filming for MAFS, Matthew had taken another step to boost his confidence and embrace his creative passion.

“I’ve just started singing lessons,” he revealed.

He took a great leap of faith at his TV wedding reception, choosing to overcome his nerves and serenade wife Lauren with a very impressive vocal performance.

Perhaps the biggest fear of Matt’s was that surrounding his sexual experience, or lack thereof.

“It’s just a personal choice,” he explained of being a virgin, admitting “it’s terrifying” having to tell his new wife he hadn’t had sex yet.

Was he ready to take the plunge in between the sheets?

“Provided it’s the right person, yeah,” he told MAFS expert John Aiken.

“I liken it to putting all my worse fears in one experience and then throwing myself at it.”

During their honeymoon, Matt’s anxiety took a toll on his health, and he was rushed to hospital with what appeared to be a panic attack.

A very nurturing wife, Lauren helped Matt overcome his anxiety surrounding sex, and later in the honeymoon the pair consummated their relationship.

‘Yes week’ on the show was a great opportunity for Matt to develop his confidence as the couple moved into the same apartment, though it appears Lauren’s revelations about her sexual history shook him to some degree, and could’ve led to him reassessing his feelings.

“I have no urge to just rip her clothes off and throw her on the bed,” Matt told some of the other male contestants at the dinner table during last night’s episode.

“I’m not actually attracted to Loz… there’s just nothing there.”

Not sitting too far away, Lauren was able to hear this conversation and decided to confront Matt about the shocking comments.

“I just want to clear something up. Did I hear that correctly, that you’re not attracted to me?” she asked him in private.

“I think that’s what the problem is,” Matt responded, not denying the comments whatsoever.

“You want someone who’s got their hands over you all the time, wants to tear your clothes off and throw you on the bed. You deserve that and I just don’t get the urge for it,” he explained.

“I’m not feeling the physical pull… I can’t even put it into words.”

After Matt explained he’s feeling out of his depth, Lauren responded, “I just feel a bit used Matt, to be honest.

“Did you just use me to lose your virginity?”

“No, not at all,” responded Matt, which only left Lauren more confused.

“So you obviously had to have some sort of attraction to want to have sex with me? That’s why I kept saying to you, I’m maybe too much,” she said.

“I don’t think I’m able to be what you want me to be. I don’t think I’m enough. The things you want from me…” he trailed off.

Explaining she wasn’t asking him to change who he is, Lauren said she just wanted her partner to be more affectionate, which should come “easily” if he wants to be with her.

“I so, so badly wanted to feel that,” he said. “Like, what if I’m not even able or capable of it?”

“Don’t say that. It’s not going to make this any easier,” Lauren replied, before walking back into the dinner party.

Being completely new to the experience of just dating, let alone being married on national TV, Matt felt extremely overwhelmed and told producers he’s upset he’s disappointed someone he cares about.

Next up will be the commitment ceremony, and after experiencing many firsts through this social experiment, Matt will have to make another big decision about his life.

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