Key Takeaways
- Maria’s father was a central figure in her life, shaping her into the person she is today.
- She described him as an exceptional man who embodied what it meant to be a father.
- Maria has mentioned that, although dating within her culture is often frowned upon, her immediate family—her mother (possibly)—has been supportive of her choices.
Maria Benkh, a participant in the debut season of “Love Is Blind UK”, captured the audience’s attention with her candid discussions about her personal life, particularly her relationship with her parents.
While her journey on the show revolves around exploring new romantic connections, Maria’s reflections on her late father offer a poignant insight into the profound influence her parents had on her life.
Maria’s father was a central figure in her life, shaping her into the person she is today.
Born to Moroccan parents, Maria grew up in a household that upheld strong cultural values, where family ties were paramount.
Her father, in particular, was her pillar of strength and a constant source of love and support.
Maria often spoke of her father’s love and the deep bond they shared.
She described him as an exceptional man who embodied what it meant to be a father.
His dedication to his family was evident in the way he cared for and protected Maria, making her feel secure and cherished throughout her life.
Maria’s social media posts, in which she frequently pays tribute to her father, poignantly express the depth of their connection.
On April 5, 2024, marking the fourth anniversary of his passing, Maria wrote a heartfelt post expressing how his absence continues to affect her.
She shared,
“I think the grief we experience from losing a loved one is all the love we still had left to give them… I’ll grieve until my last day because I’ll never stop loving you, Papa.”
Via Instagram
The loss of Maria’s father to cancer during the COVID-19 lockdown was a devastating blow.
As Maria revealed in episode 2 of “Love Is Blind UK,” her father, who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, traveled to Morocco to bid farewell to his homeland and family.
Unfortunately, the pandemic restrictions prevented him from returning to the UK, and he passed away without Maria being able to see him one last time.
This loss was particularly painful for Maria, not only because of the circumstances but also because of the profound impact her father had on her life.
In her own words, she expressed the unfairness of his early departure, stating how deeply it affected her to never have had the chance to say goodbye.
Despite the cultural norms that often discourage open expressions of vulnerability, Maria has been forthright about her grief, sharing that she will never fully recover from losing her father.
While much of the focus has been on Maria’s relationship with her father, her mother also plays a significant role in her life.
Maria has mentioned that, although dating within her culture is often frowned upon, her immediate family—her mother (possibly)—has been supportive of her choices.
This support has been crucial for Maria, allowing her to tackle the complexities of balancing cultural expectations with her own desires.
Her father’s legacy lives on in the strength, resilience, and love that Maria carries with her.
Through her participation in “Love Is Blind UK”, Maria continues to honor her father’s memory, embodying the values he instilled in her while also embracing new opportunities for growth and love.
Her journey through grief, while deeply personal, resonates with many, making her story one of both heartbreak and hope. As she moves forward, the lessons and love imparted by her parents will undoubtedly continue to guide her, shaping her future in profound ways.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- She owns her own makeup business and has a website named Maria Makiage.
- Maria Benkh was born in August 1994 in the UK.
- Love is Blind UK, 2024, is broadcast on 7th August on Netflix.
