A wholesome update on Paul and Anita after their marriage combusted on MAFS UK

Unlike certain couples on the show – we’re looking at you, Julia-Ruth and Divarni – Paul and Anita had the self-awareness to leave MAFS UK when it became clear their relationship was not going to work. As it turns out, there is some truth to the idiom, “With age comes wisdom.”

Post-MAFS, we’ve already seen Dean and Sarah hanging out, if only for press trips. Though Anita and Paul have not kicked back together since filming the show, that doesn’t mean they haven’t been having fun in their single lives – so here’s what they’ve been up to.

Paul shared a message about Anita after leaving MAFS

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Though you could argue that Paul and Anita threw the towel in at the first sign of trouble, most people on Twitter seem to agree that it was the right decision.

Reflecting on the show after leaving, Paul wrote on Instagram: “Many thanks to all the participants, and crew , especially Anita, for a great experience. It was an honour to be chosen, and proves age is only a number. Remember what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

Anita addressed the trolls whilst sharing a personal story

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A post shared by Anita Barker (@anitabarker12)

In a lengthy Instagram post, Anita revealed that she had recieved vile comments about her body. Though not particularly nice in any context, she was particularly hurt because her daughter suffers from anxiety and body dysmorphia.

“Now she is concerned about the disgusting comments I’m getting about my looks, and to be honest, although I class myself as a strong person, I’m starting to see how those dark insecurities can surface,” she wrote.

“I’ve previously had tweaks because of my insecurities and chose to stop having Botox many years ago, partly to show an example that it’s normal and ok to have a few wrinkles and not look ‘perfect’. I also have an 11-year-old granddaughter who is growing up in a world of social media where looks and lifestyles can be false, which is sad and worrying.”

Paul has been playing lots of golf

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A typical dad through and through, Paul has dedicated quite a bit of time to playing golf. Though he has played on his home turf, Paul also putted a few during a trip to Cape Verde in Africa.

Adrenaline junkie Anita is still at it

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A post shared by Anita Barker (@anitabarker12)

During MAFS, we learned that Anita was a fan of anything that got her heart racing and blood pumping, somewhat flexing her daredevil personality during kayaking with Paul on their honeymoon. She’s continued with that outside the show, enjoying a picnic with her granddaughter while suspended from a bridge.

Paul has spent a lot of time with his family

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A post shared by Paul Richardson (@paul.richo_)

A big portion of Paul’s personality was his love for his family. He seemed to go to Africa with his daughter, visiting a few local hotspots and a place called Bikini Beach.

“Me n kids fav. Cocktails n Curry,” he captioned one post.

Anita has also dedicated time to the fam

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A post shared by Anita Barker (@anitabarker12)

As I’m writing this, I’m realising that Paul and Anita actually had a lot more in common than they initially thought. Anita has non-stop posted about her family, enjoying movie night on one occasion with the grandbabies.

She said: “Movie nights hit different at grandma’s sleepovers. Making memories and recreating movie scenes. Moments that matter.”

Paul grew a moustache, AND he’s done some charity work

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A post shared by Paul Richardson (@paul.richo_)

Paul looked incredibly dashing with his new moustache, and just in time for Movember! Speaking of men’s charities, the MAFS groom also auctioned off his wedding day suit, with the proceeds going to Andysmanclub.

MAFS’ Anita is living her best life, without Paul

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A post shared by Anita Barker (@anitabarker12)

Anita simply never stops! She attended a Nina Conti comedy show, swam with sharks in Africa, and, most recently, did horseback riding on the beach. Though they both went to the same location, it doesn’t look like Paul and Anita were in Cape Verde together, unfortunately.

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Featured image credit: Paul and Anita/Instagram and Channel 4