“I love Victoria with all my heart – it’s unconditional. I only want the very best and happiness for her, but I don’t believe that’s with James,” says Mary-Ann.
The Brisbane-native admits she’s clashed with James from day one and doesn’t know what attracts Tori to ‘these men’.
“My first impression of James was I didn’t like him. The bad boy image came across, the tats. I just thought Victoria could do better. My ideal son-in-law for Victoria would be a professional person.”
Mary-Ann says this the therapy sessions provided in Bride and Prejudice is her last-ditch attempt to help her daughter.
She doesn’t think James is a good fit for their family now or in the future and would rather see her daughter alone than with James.
“She looks down at me because I don’t meet her social standards. Tori’s side of the family grew up with money, they’re established,” argues James.
“She disrespects me. She thinks I’m a bit of dirt on a shoe. She’d rather just kick me off, she’d rather think I didn’t even exist.”
Tori is hopeful that her mother will see the real James and let go of the superficial standards.
“I want mum to be able to see what I see in James. I also want her to be kind and nice and caring and loving.”
Despite the animosity, James is willing to do all that he can to make things work with Mary-Ann for the sake of Tori’s happiness.
“I do think this is the last chance that Mary-Ann has at being in our life as a family. This is it. If she doesn’t come around, Tori’s not going to have her mother there on the biggest day of her life. That would be absolutely devastating.”
Can the couple gain Mary-Ann’s approval before their big day? Or, will their wedding day be sabotaged before they even walk down the aisle?
Find out Wednesday, October 2 at 7:30 pm on Channel Seven.
