Love Is Blind: UK stars Nicole Stevens and Benaiah Grunewald-Brydie have separated after three years of marriage. Nicole confirmed the news in an Instagram Story on October 12, 2026, expressing sadness over the end of their relationship and asking for privacy as she moves forward. E! News
The couple became fan favorites during the first season of Netflix’s British dating experiment. Their relationship stood out because it survived an early romantic setback before leading to a wedding in September 2023.
However, their latest announcement marks a difficult change for a couple whose love story once offered viewers a hopeful ending.
Nicole Stevens Confirms Separation From Benaiah
Nicole shared the news directly with her social media followers. In her statement, she reflected on their wedding vows and explained that she had never expected to announce their separation.
She described herself as devastated by the situation and said her immediate priority was moving forward. She also thanked supporters for the kindness and encouragement they had shown the couple over the years.
Nicole’s message made clear that the decision was emotionally difficult. Nevertheless, she asked people to respect their privacy while she navigates the next stage of her life.
As of October 13, 2026, the public announcement confirms that the couple have separated. However, Nicole has not publicly explained what led to the decision or when they began living apart. The announcement also does not establish whether they have formally filed for divorce. E! News
Benaiah has not publicly addressed the separation in the reports available at the time of writing. Therefore, the reasons behind the breakup remain unknown.
How Nicole and Benaiah Fell in Love on Love Is Blind UK
Nicole and Benaiah first met during Season 1 of Love Is Blind: UK, where contestants form romantic connections without seeing one another.
Although Nicole and Benaiah developed a connection in the pods, their journey did not immediately lead to an engagement.
Nicole ultimately accepted a proposal from fellow contestant Sam Klein. However, their relationship struggled once they met in person, and the engagement ended shortly afterward.
Following that experience, Nicole reconnected with Benaiah. Their relationship progressed, and Benaiah proposed to her in person.
The second proposal gave the pair another opportunity to explore the connection they had developed during the experiment. Their story eventually reached the altar, where both chose to get married.
Their wedding, filmed in September 2023, became one of the memorable milestones of the show’s first season. Netflix’s official Tudum coverage later documented the couple’s journey and their life after the experiment. Netflix Tudum
Nicole and Benaiah Celebrated Their Marriage in 2025
Following their appearance on the show, Nicole and Benaiah continued sharing moments from their relationship with fans.
In September 2025, Benaiah marked their second wedding anniversary with a social media tribute. He reflected on the memories they had made together and celebrated the decision they had taken to build a life as a married couple.
The anniversary post offered a glimpse into their relationship more than two years after their televised wedding.
Now, approximately one year later, Nicole’s separation announcement signals a significant change in their circumstances.
Although fans may have questions about what happened behind the scenes, neither the anniversary post nor the recent announcement provides a confirmed explanation for the relationship’s breakdown.
What the Separation Means for Their Love Is a Blind UK Story
Nicole and Benaiah’s breakup adds another chapter to the wider conversation about relationships formed on reality dating shows.
The central idea behind Love Is Blind is that people can develop emotional connections before meeting face-to-face. After the initial dating stage, couples must then navigate everyday life, personal expectations, and the responsibilities that come with marriage.
Nicole and Benaiah’s journey illustrated both sides of that experiment. They overcame an early romantic complication, chose each other, and exchanged vows in front of the show’s cameras.
Their separation now shows that a successful on-screen love story does not necessarily guarantee a lasting marriage.
Still, the couple’s private circumstances should not be reduced to speculation about the show’s format. Without further statements from Nicole or Benaiah, the specific reasons for their separation remain unconfirmed.
For now, Nicole has asked for space as she moves forward, while fans wait to see whether either former partner chooses to share more information.