Meet the 2025 MAFS stars, Eliot Donovan and Ashleigh Ackerman, from the Gold Coast

Two Gold Coasters have made this year’s season of Married At First Sight - one is already causing a stir. Meet Eliot and Ashleigh.

A Gold Coast man has emerged as an early contender for the villain role on the latest season of Married At First Sight (MAFS).

Two locals have been cast in MAFS 2025: a Worongary dance teacher and a controversial 35-year-old seeking a “nuclear family”.

Ashleigh Ackerman owns a local dance school which has been her dream “since [she] was eight years old”.

Ashleigh Ackerman, a Gold Coaster on this year's season of Married At First Sight. Picture via Instagram.

The 34-year-old has been a huge fan of MAFS for years. It’s been reported she recently became single after a messy split prior to filming.

Ms Ackerman has credited MAFS for helping her realise she was in a toxic relationship and is now turning to the experts to help her find a warm, kind guy who is looking to start a family.

Eliot Donovan is the Gold Coaster causing controversy on this year’s show, rumoured to be “unimpressed” by his match, Lauren.

Eliot Donovan, a Gold Coaster on this year's season of Married At First Sight. Picture via Instagram.

The 35-year-old’s list of non-negotiables for a partner riled up the show’s viewers, with many commenters speculating that the list was why he hadn’t found his happy ever after.

Mr Donovan’s list was extensive, and said he’d walk out of the show if any of his non-negotiables weren’t met.

“I wouldn’t even entertain a relationship with someone that I saw as low class, overly loud, super driven, career oriented.

“If she’s older, a figure of authority, that would be a deal-breaker,” he said in his introductory episode.

Mr Donovan has part ownership in a number of small businesses, some of which are in tourism overseas, and works in renovation while home on the Gold Coast.

Originally published as Meet the 2025 MAFS stars, Eliot Donovan and Ashleigh Ackerman, from the Gold Coast