REALITY TV ROMANCE - 'MY EX FOUND ME A WIFE!'

Putting his fate in the hands of his former spouse was the best thing Christchurch realtor Brad ever did

- Hayley Barnett

As far as love stories go, Brad Beukes and Katrina Pinnington’s is a somewhat strange one. Not only did the newly engaged couple fall in love on a reality show, but they both have Brad’s ex-wife to thank for it.

Last year, despite a messy break-up 10 years ago, Jess Fuller got in touch with former hubby Brad to ask if he’d be interested in starring in a new TV series, The Ex Best Thing, based on divorcées setting each other up on dates.

“I wasn’t holding out much hope,” laughs Brad. “So many things could have gone wrong. But Jess obviously did well with my match!”

Each episode followed one ex-couples journey, from meeting up and airing any grievances, to being set up on dates with potential love interests their former partner had chosen for them.

“I had my doubts, but I went with it,” says real estate agent Brad, 41. “The whole process ended up being really good for me. It forced me to reflect on my past and where I wanted to go. It helped me to realise what I actually wanted.” And most importantly, it introduced him to his future wife.

Katrina, 31, a Westpac customer service rep, was matched with Brad by Jess and is as stunned as anyone by the outcome. At the time of filming, Katrina had been single for two years when her sisters started setting her up on dates.