After 17 years of marriage to his childhood sweetheart, John Robertson from Altona Meadows never thought he’d be single at his age.
The 53-year-old has embarked on the radical social experiment of appearing on Channel 9’s Married at First Sight, premiering on January 30.
Mr Robertson, a retail business owner with two adult daughters, was born and bred in Altona, and played football with local club The Vikings for about 20 years.
“I was about 36 when I broke up, and you just think, especially when you meet somebody so young in life, you think that’s it.
“Sadly, I tried online dating – I wasn’t a big fan of it. I went to speed dating. It was just a fun night out.
“I’ve had girlfriends, but I’ve never moved in with anybody since I broke up.”
So Mr Robertson opted to get married to someone he would meet for the first time at the altar after being matched by professionals.
“It is pretty radical isn’t it – it’s crazy,” he said. “I do like the idea that they can match you; it’s a good idea because I’ve gone out with people and I’ve worked out 12 months, 18 months down the track, we’re actually not right for each other.”
While Mr Robertson knows whether his onscreen marriage works out, he is sworn to secrecy until the end of the TV series.
But he can say what he told the producers he was looking for at the start of filming.
“I like somebody who gets my sense of humour, which is a bit quirky or dry.
“I would like to share my life completely with somebody and that takes time.”
Mr Robertson’s wedding airs on February 5.
