The first series of Love Is Blind UK has brought drama, tears and laughs as six couples prepare to get married and become husband and wife, ten days after meeting. While money issues have been a source of contention among a few couples, one bride and groom-to-be are taking it further to protect their assets.
Freddie Powell’s insistence on getting a prenuptial agreement from fiancée Catherine Richards – who he described ‘high maintenance’ – has sparked debate and mixed opinions.
What have Cat and Freddie said about the prenup?
The 29-year-old dental nurse revealed that Freddie, 32, made the unwanted proposal to her friends Tally and Dot in episode nine of the series, when they met at a bar, adding that she has not signed the prenuptial agreement forms.
‘We’re talking about when we get married, if we get married, and he’s decided he wants a prenup. Should I be worried?’ she said. ‘He’s said that his house will go to his sister.’
Her friends Tally and Dot expressed their concerns about this. ‘Well, it is a bit controlling. I don’t like this,’ Tally told Cat. ‘Say, in 20 years’ time, you’re happily married, love the guy, you’ve got two kids…’ Cat replied, ‘I’m screwed. Can you change a prenup?’
Tally continued, ‘That worries me, you never know what life brings at you,’ to which Cat added, ‘I’m always going to be on edge now.’ Dot then questioned if Freddie wanting a prenup means he’s already ‘thinking about potentially separating’, which Tally said gives him ‘the easier option’ as they wouldn’t have to worry about their assets.
What is a prenup?
A prenuptial agreement is a written contract which sets out how finances and assets will be divided if the couple divorce or the marriage ends. While prenups aren’t legally binding at the moment, these agreements are becoming more recognised and upheld in the courts.
Why does Freddie want a prenup?
While we haven’t heard Freddie’s thoughts about the prenuptial agreement, he has a house, his and assets that he wants to protect. His big brother Jack has Down’s syndrome, so he understandably wants to make sure that his sister and Jack are looked after.
Is Freddie asking for a prenup a red flag?
No, according to psychologist Mark Travers. ‘Prenup agreements can facilitate crucial financial conversations and promote open communication. They can reduce worry about the future,’ he said. ‘Considering a prenup with your partner is a valuable resource for building healthier and more resilient marriages.’
Viewers weighed in, agreeing that Freddie was right to ask for a prenup, given the circumstances of the show. One watcher said, ‘Cat’s reaction to Freddie wanting a prenup is crazy. She’s known the guy a few weeks and she’s already expecting half of what he owns… madness.’ A third remarked, ‘Freddie was well within his rights to ask for a prenup for someone he has known for two weeks who has shown all the signs of being materialistic.’
Will Cat and Freddie get married?
Funeral director Freddie – who's become a firm favourite amongst viewers – has admitted that he has doubts about his fiancée, ahead of their big day.
‘I’ve formed this connection with Cat and I do love her and ultimately, I do want to marry the girl. Doubts are, we are different in some aspects, I think,’ Freddie said. ‘I do think she’s a little bit [high-maintenance]. I do worry that our lifestyles are a little bit different. I’ve never dated a girl like that.’ He later said, ‘Since the pods, we’ve had ups and downs. We have had lots of disagreements.’
Cat furiously denied that she is ‘materialistic’, telling him, ‘I don’t live this life and it’s starting to piss me off.’
Despite their issues, the couple still have strong feelings for each other.
‘Despite that little blip, he is… I’ve never met a guy like him. Like, genuinely, he is brilliant,’ Cat said before their big day. ‘But are we planning a wedding together or are we not? I don’t want him to have these doubts coming so close to the wedding.’
Freddie said, ‘I want it to be 100 percent sure for Cat, that I’m ready to say, ‘Yeah, I do’. There are a few things I need to work on and clarify in my mind. I just want it to be right. I want to be 100 percent. I don’t want to get divorced. I want it to be perfect. I want it to be right. My feelings for Cat are real. I do care a lot about her. She means a lot to me. The emotions I’ve developed with her are true.’