Alessandra Rampolla is set to really spice things up on Married at First Sight this year, with her background and expertise set to coach the married couples on all things sex.
And yet despite being a published author with five books and a growing list of reality show appearances under her belt, the Puerto Rican star, 46, tells Woman’s Day it’s her personal life experiences that will allow her to connect with the contestants on a deeper level.
“I was married once many years ago and it didn’t work out,” she says.
“I think going through those ups and downs of a marriage will allow me to understand what some of these couple will go through.”
She adds, “But I don’t think you need to have that experience to able to offer up advice and I think my expertise and education gives me the tools to do that.”
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The 46-year-old Puerto Rican star is ready to spice things up on Married at First Sight.
(Image: Channel Nine)The certified clinical sexologist married businessman John Hernandez in 2007, however after just four years, they filed for divorce.
Shortly after their split in 2011, Alessandra told the media that they had simply gone down “different paths”.
“I did everything possible for us to be happy together, and I don’t regret anything I did,” she said.
The star admitted that she wanted to stay in Argentina to raise a family while John wanted to return to Puerto Rico to be closer to his relatives.
“There was no drama between us, we love each other and we are friends but at a certain point, life just took us on a different path,” she added.
Alessandra believes it’s this added level of experience that will allow her to communicate well with the couples as they navigate their way through their own marriages on the show.
“I think no one ever gets married with the expectation of divorce, it certainly wasn’t expected when I chose to be married years ago,” she tells Woman’s Day.
Alessandra believes it’s her own experience with marriage that will allow her to communicate well with the couples on the show.
(Image: Channel Nine)“And I think marriage isn’t for everyone, it’s more about connection and love – and that’s what I’ll be bringing with me on the show.”
While Alessandra is currently single and throwing herself into her work, she admits that it could be on the cards for her again one day, saying, “I haven’t been in a situation since where I’ll marry again, but that might change tomorrow.”
However, when it comes to children, she takes a more realistic approach.
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“I don’t have any children and I’m not planning on having any children,” she says.
“I think they’re beautiful and I think motherhood is wonderful, but they just haven’t been a part of my life, and that’s the way things have turned out for me.
“But I’m so grateful and thankful because I have such an extraordinary life and I wouldn’t change any of it.”
Alessandra: ‘My 60kg Weight-loss Surgery’
While her life saw a dramatic shift following her divorce, Alessandra tells Woman’s Day she also underwent a dramatic physical change after losing a staggering 60kg in 2008.
“I had a gastric bypass surgery,” she reveals.
“It was such a transformation both physically and mentally.”
The reality star says she made the decision to undergo the invasive surgery after trying to have children with her now ex-husband John.
“My decision to do it had nothing to do with aesthetics, I did it for my health, and at the time I was married and I was thinking about having kids and I had learned about the complications of trying for a baby with that extra weight, so I made a decision,” says Alessandra.
“The surgery isn’t for everyone but it ended up being the correct way for me,” she admits.
“I tried a lot of different things before it, but it really allowed me to get my weight under control.”
Married At First Sight premieres February 22nd on Channel Nine.
Alessandra lost 60kgs through a gastric bypass surgery in 2008.
(Credit: Getty/Channel Nine)