The twelfth season of Married At First Sight Australia (MAFS Australia) aired in early 2025, keeping audiences worldwide glued to their screens with its signature blend of romance, conflict, and unexpected twists. Relationship experts John Aiken and Mel Schilling, along with sexologist Alessandra Rampolla, returned to match a new batch of singles hoping to find love by marrying a complete stranger. This season delivered its fair share of captivating storylines, leaving viewers and online communities buzzing with opinions and updates long after the final episode.
The Premise: A Marriage Experiment
For those unfamiliar with the format, MAFS Australia brings together single individuals who have been matched by relationship experts based on compatibility assessments. The couples meet for the first time at their wedding ceremony. Following the wedding and honeymoon, they live together as a married couple for several weeks, participating in weekly commitment ceremonies where they decide whether to stay in the experiment or leave. The experts provide guidance and challenges throughout the process, culminating in final vows where each individual decides if they want to continue the marriage in the outside world.
Meet the Couples of MAFS Australia 2025
Season 12 featured a diverse group of individuals with varying backgrounds and expectations. Here’s a look at the original couples and how their journeys unfolded:
Carina (31, Digital Marketing Manager) and Paul (30, Wellness Advisor): This Perth-based couple started strong but faced significant challenges. Paul’s meeting with a “backup bride” arranged by the experts created a major rift. Despite attempts to reconcile, Carina ultimately ended the relationship at the final vows, feeling that Paul hadn’t learned from his mistakes. Reports later emerged that Paul was dating his backup bride, Hannah.
Lauren (37, Business Owner) and Eliot (35, Business Owner): This was arguably the shortest-lived marriage in MAFS Australia history, with Eliot leaving just three days into their honeymoon, citing Lauren’s age as one of his concerns. However, in a surprising twist, both Lauren and Eliot returned to the experiment as “intruder” participants, matched with new partners.
Katie (37, Restaurant CEO) and Tim (38, Primary School Teacher): This Queensland couple struggled to find a deep connection. Despite trying to make things work, they eventually both chose to leave the experiment at a commitment ceremony, with experts noting Tim’s tendency to “gaslight” Katie. It’s important to note that “Tim & Katie” is also the name of a Canadian YouTube channel featuring a couple from British Columbia, completely unrelated to the MAFS contestants.
Jamie (28, Account Manager) and Dave (36, Builder): Initially a fan-favorite couple, Jamie and Dave seemed well-matched from the start. They navigated their journey with strong communication and mutual respect, choosing to commit to each other at the final vows. However, their relationship sadly ended after the experiment, which they revealed at the reunion, stating they were better suited as friends.
Awhina (30, Aged Care Worker) and Adrian (30, Online Business Owner): This Perth and Sydney-based couple had a rollercoaster ride. They chose to stay together at the final vows, seemingly ready to make their relationship work outside the experiment. However, their journey took another turn at the reunion, where they confirmed their split. There were later rumours of a connection between Awhina and Billy (Sierah’s former partner) after they were seen together.
Sierah (31, Financial Associate Advisor) and Billy (31, Plasterer): This Victorian and Perth-based couple had a positive start, but their relationship deteriorated after Sierah had dinner with other male contestants without Billy. They mutually decided to leave the experiment at a commitment ceremony. Interestingly, there were subsequent claims of a romantic link between Sierah and Adrian.
Ashleigh (34, Dance Studio Owner) and Jake (30, Teacher): This Gold Coast and Perth-based couple faced challenges early on when Jake made insensitive comments during a photo-ranking task. Although Ashleigh initially wanted to stay, their relationship didn’t progress, and they left after the first commitment ceremony. Jake was one of the participants who chose not to attend the reunion.
Rhi (34, Account Manager) and Jeff (39, Electrician): This Melbourne-based couple had a unique history, having dated briefly a year before unexpectedly meeting again at the altar. Despite a somewhat slow start in rekindling their connection, Rhi and Jeff emerged as one of the strongest couples of the season. They declared their love for each other and committed to their relationship at the final vows and are still together.
Morena (57, Fitness Instructor) and Tony (53, Charter Boat Captain): This Melbourne and Wollongong-based couple had a dramatic start when Tony revealed he was still legally married. Despite navigating this hurdle and appearing to grow closer, they ultimately left the experiment during a commitment ceremony. Morena was another participant who chose not to attend the reunion, stating she was “done” with the show.
Jacqueline (29, Consultant) and Ryan (36, Project Manager): This Sydney-based couple’s journey was fraught with difficulties, including Ryan making disrespectful remarks about Jacqui to other contestants. Unsurprisingly, they both decided to end their relationship at the final vows. However, in a surprising turn of events, Jacqui found love with another groom from the experiment, Clint (who was originally paired with Lauren), and they are now engaged. Jacqui also filed a police report and obtained an interim restraining order against Ryan after the show.
Beth (28, Hair Salon Manager) and Teejay (28, Wedding Model/Actor): This Brisbane-based couple didn’t manage to build a lasting connection and left the experiment before the final vows. Teejay was another participant who did not attend the reunion.
Lauren (37, Business Owner – Intruder) and Clint (43, Pro Golfer/Business Owner – Intruder): Introduced later in the season, Lauren and Clint quickly formed a strong bond. They left the experiment before the final vows but continued their relationship outside the show, culminating in their engagement, which was revealed at the reunion.
Veronica (32, Actor/Fitness Instructor – Intruder) and Eliot (35, Business Owner – Intruder): As the second chance for Eliot, his relationship with Veronica started positively after their marriage. However, things soured after they moved into the couples’ apartments, with Veronica’s behavior towards Eliot changing dramatically. They ultimately left the experiment before the final vows. There were claims that Veronica had a “game plan” to become the “hero” of the series, siding with Eliot’s first wife, Lauren.
Key Storylines and Dramatic Moments
MAFS Australia 2025 was packed with unforgettable moments that kept viewers talking:
Eliot’s rapid departure and subsequent return: His initial exit after the honeymoon and his later re-entry as an intruder was a major shock. His second attempt at finding love with Veronica also ended prematurely.
The “cheating” allegations during Partner Swap week: The bond formed between Veronica and Dave during the partner swap week raised eyebrows and led to rumors of infidelity, which both denied.
Jacqui and Clint’s unexpected romance: Their connection after being paired with other people was a significant plot twist and a heartwarming development for many viewers. Their engagement at the reunion viewing party was a highlight.
The demise of fan favorites Jamie and Dave: Despite their strong start and commitment at final vows, their post-experiment split was disappointing for many who had rooted for them.
The various off-screen connections and friendships: The brides, in particular, seemed to form strong bonds, with several mini-reunions and supportive interactions documented on social media.
The drama surrounding commitment ceremonies and dinner parties: These weekly events were often the catalysts for conflict, revelations, and dramatic exits. Editing errors during dinner party scenes were even noticed by eagle-eyed viewers.
The age gaps between couples: The varying age differences between the participants became a talking point as the season progressed.
The Enduring Appeal of MAFS Australia
Despite the often chaotic and dramatic nature of the experiment, Married At First Sight Australia continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Its appeal lies in the raw and unfiltered look at relationships, the high stakes of marrying a stranger, and the unpredictable personalities of the participants. The experts’ attempts to create lasting matches, the emotional rollercoaster of the couples’ journeys, and the water cooler moments generated by the conflicts and connections all contribute to the show’s enduring success. As season 12 concludes, fans eagerly await news of future installments, wondering what new dramas and love stories will unfold in the next chapter of this unique social experiment.
FAQs
When did MAFS Australia 2025 premiere?
Season 12 premiered on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 7:30 PM on Channel 9 and is available for streaming on 9Now.
How many episodes are in Season 12?
The season comprises 40 episodes, featuring weddings, commitment ceremonies, dinner parties, and new twists like the “Final Test Week.”
Where can I watch MAFS Australia 2025?
Australia: Stream for free on 9Now.
UK: Airs on E4 and is available on All4.
International: Use a VPN to access 9Now, as there are no official streaming options in the U.S. or Canada.
Q: Who are the brides and grooms of MAFS 2025?
The season features 20 participants, including:
Brides: Sierah Swepstone, Rhi Disljenkovic, Lauren Hall, Morena Farina, Carina Mirabile, Ashleigh Ackerman, Jamie Marinos, Jacqui Burfoot, Awhina Rutene, Katie Johnson.
Grooms: Paul Antoine, Billy Belcher, Adrian Araouzou, Dave Hand, Eliot Donovan, Jeff Gobbels, Ryan Donnelly, Jake Luik, Tim Gromie, Tony Mojanovski.
Q: Were there any intruders this season?
Yes, six intruders joined mid-season:
Brides: Veronica Cloherty, Beth Kelly, Lauren Hall (returning).
Grooms: Clint Rice, Teejay Halkias, Eliot Donovan (returning).
The Australian Women’s Weekly
Q: Which couples are still together?
While the show has concluded, updates on lasting couples include:
Jade Pywell and Ridge Barredo from Season 11 remain together.
Jack Dunkley and Tori Adams from Season 10 have married and welcomed twins.
Q: What major dramas occurred this season?
Season 12 was filled with notable events:
Awhina Rutene revealed she has a child, leading to tensions with partner Adrian Araouzou.
Sam Carraro, a former MAFS participant, quit another reality show, “Love Triangle,” shortly after it began.
Several cast members had previous TV experience, sparking authenticity debates.
Q: Were there any production controversies?
Yes, revelations included:
Jacqui Burfoot’s portrayed home was an Airbnb; she actually lived elsewhere.
Dave Hand undertook personal development before the show, including abstaining from alcohol and completing the “75 Hard” challenge.
Q: Who are the relationship experts this season?
The returning experts are:
John Aiken – Relationship Expert.
Mel Schilling – Dating and Confidence Coach.
Alessandra Rampolla – Clinical Sexologist.
Q: What new twists were introduced?
Season 12 featured:
Final Test Week: An international first where couples faced challenges questioning their relationship choices.
Partner Swap: A controversial experiment testing the strength of existing relationships.
Q: How are participants compensated?
While exact figures aren’t disclosed, participants receive a stipend to cover living expenses during filming.
To conclude
Married At First Sight Australia 2025 delivered its most dynamic season yet, blending heartfelt connections with unprecedented drama. The introduction of new experiments like the “Final Test Week” and the return of familiar faces as intruders kept audiences engaged.
The season’s authenticity was both celebrated and scrutinized, especially with revelations about participants’ past TV experiences and behind-the-scenes production choices. Yet, the core of the show—exploring the complexities of arranged marriages in a modern context—remained compelling.
As the series continues to evolve, it reflects broader societal conversations about love, commitment, and the influence of reality television. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, MAFS 2025 offered a captivating glimpse into the highs and lows of seeking love in the public eye.
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