'Someone has to be the villain' - Lacey embraces Married At First Sight NZ label

A Married At First Sight NZ contestant has embraced her role as the villain during her short time on the show.

Scientifically-matched couple Lacey and Luke called it quits after just one dramatic week together, which left many viewers feeling Luke was the victim in the relationship.

Lacey Swanepoel told The AM Show on Tuesday morning she is "elated" to be leaving and is coming to terms with her portrayal on screen.

"I feel like from day one I've been the villain on this show and I think I've owned that quite well, but it's definitely been hard. It's definitely been something that's been a struggle off the screen.

"I think at first [my family] did find that hard but I think I've learned as the show goes on that this isn't me, this is a show and someone has to be the villain."

Ms Swanepoel says she doesn't accept the blame for her failed relationship - but doesn't blame Luke either.

"I do hold the experts a little bit accountable because there are four people in this relationship. There was Luke and I, but Luke and I didn't pick each other, the experts did."

She cited irreconcilable differences between her and her husband - but admits they didn't get off to a flying start.

"Unfortunately it wasn't love at first sight. One of the things I was very clear on with the experts was that a beard is just a no for me. I know that's picky and I know that's fussy but that's kind of me.

"So for me I was really looking someone who was really on the same wavelength as me, someone who was really career-driven, someone who was probably more of an extrovert than an introvert, someone who wanted to go ahead and do things in life, but at a pace."

Ms Swanepoel says she has "no regrets".

"It's definitely something that's been a fun experience. But I'd love to do it again knowing what I know now.

"I probably won't rush out to date again although there are some fake Tinder and Bumble accounts with my name out there - watch out for those."

Newshub.