IT’S THE hit show from down under, where singletons embark on the ultimate journey to find true love – by marrying a complete stranger.
While this year has delivered its fair share of fairytale moments, it’s safe to say there has also been some jaw-dropping drama that has left us shocked on our sofas.
The quest for happily ever after is never easy. Now we have all the episodes available to stream on Channel 4, we look back at the standout moments that made this year’s series so unforgettable.
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Old flames can still spark
In a Married at First Sight Australia first, one of this year’s brides had not only met her groom before – she had dated him.
Carina Mirabile, a 31-year-old digital marketing manager from Perth, had been on several dates with 30-year-old wellness adviser Paul Antoine before she met him again at the altar.
Shocked by the coincidence but still dedicated to their quest for true love, the couple put their trust in the experiment – no matter what the outcome…
If you thought it was shocking that it happened once, have we got news for you – it happened again. Rhi Disljenkovic, a 34-year-old account manager from Victoria, also expected to see a total stranger waiting for her at the end of the aisle.
Instead, she was surprised to see her former flame, 39-year-old electrician Jeff Gobbels, staring back at her.
The pair had dated briefly before, but, like Carina and Paul, they were happy to carry on with the experiment.
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First dance or dip?
Let’s face it: making your first dance truly unique is no easy feat – especially when most couples opt for an Ed Sheeran song.
But groom Ryan Donnelly, a 36-year-old project manager from New South Wales, clearly wanted to make his mark. He certainly did – though not quite as planned.
As he romantically twirled new bride Jacqui Burfoot, a 29-year-old consultant, around the dancefloor, Ryan attempted a ballroom-worthy dip.
Unfortunately, his enthusiasm got the better of him and he ended up dropping Jacqui on her head. Ever the trooper, she laughed it off on the day like a true queen.
However, it seems the moment wasn’t forgotten, as she’s since brought up the failed dip during an argument or two.
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A moment for the girls
It’s safe to say that a good group of girls can bring the vibe to any function – and when times are tough, you know they have your back.
This was definitely the case for MAFS Aus contestant Katie Johnston, a 37-year-old CEO from Queensland.
After being matched with Tim, a 38-year-old primary school teacher from Victoria, the couple’s relationship began rather turbulently as the groom admitted he felt “no spark” with Katie and that she wasn’t his “type”.
Following a very awkward honeymoon, the couple chose to arrive separately at the first dinner party with the rest of the contestants.
Instead of admitting his part in the demise of their relationship, Tim proceeded to blame Katie and downplay his own behaviour to the rest of the group.
Ultimate girls’ girl and fellow contestant Jamie Marinos, 28, read the room and called Tim out for his “gaslighting” behaviour after seeing how upset he had made Katie.
The rest of her fellow female contestants followed suit, providing the comfort and hype Katie needed.
While she may have not found love on the show, Katie found her besties in the girls instead.
Photo challenge chaos
It has to be one of our favourite challenges every year – and somehow, it just gets better.
If your partner was ever asked to rank the most attractive person in a photo line-up, you’d definitely hope they’d put you first.
Bride Jacqui thought so too. However, groom Ryan wasn’t on the same wavelength and ranked fellow contestants Sierah Swepstone and Rhi Disljenkovic above her.
Baffled by Jacqui’s upset reaction, Ryan tried to make his excuses by telling her that he was just being honest – because of course that makes it all better.
Meanwhile, a fellow contestant, 56-year-old DJ Morena Farina, took the challenge as an opportunity to judge the contestants not on their appearance but how they interacted with her personally.
After all, it’s not all about looks.
Intimacy 101
It’s clear that expert judge – and clinical sexologist – Alessandra Rampolla ramped up her flirty challenges during this year’s intimacy week.
From lingerie shopping to the girls having a fantasy night – where Morena treated herself to a Titanic-inspired painting session with groom Tony Mojanovski – everyone embraced their inner flirty natures.
But it wasn’t all about the sexy moments – this year’s intimacy week also showcased the all-important vulnerability needed for a healthy, loving relationship.
This included contestant Billy Belcher’s heartfelt letter to his bride, Sierah, where he candidly reflected on his childhood and how his relationship with his father has affected him in past relationships.
This year’s contestants were definitely taught the importance of the layers of intimacy – and if they didn’t quite understand, it was discussed on the commitment ceremony couch with the experts.
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So whether your favourite moment this year has been the first-dance fails or the sisterhood bond, it’s safe to say that all of these moments could only happen on MAFS Australia. For more unforgettable scenes and blossoming romances, stream the final dinner party and commitment ceremony on Channel 4 now.
