‘Cocky’ and ‘sexist’ reality TV star returns in pursuit of love

Mike Gunner is back for another round of reality TV romance six years after being labelled the villain in Married At First Sight.

Mike Gunner is back for another round of reality TV romance six years after being labelled the villain of his season of Married At First Sight.

The 50-year-old, who became infamous during the fiery 2019 season of MAFS, where he was branded as “cocky and sexist” by viewers, is once again stepping into the spotlight in pursuit of love.

Gunner has joined season three of Love Triangle which encourages singles to abandon their superficial perceptions of the “perfect” partner and focus on forming deeper connections.

While Gunner insists he gave it his all, he told Confidential there was a “short list” of enjoyable moments shooting the show that is hosted by Chrishel Stause on Stan and premieres April 6.

Mike Gunner is on the new season of Love Triangle. He was formerly a contestant on Married at First Sight season 6 in 2019. Picture: Supplied.

“It’s a little bit of trepidation,” Gunner said.

“I guess reality TV is a bit of a lottery isn’t it? I did my best and hopefully that’s reflected in the story.”

Gunner copped severe backlash during his season of MAFS.

One of his most controversial moments came when Gunner told on-screen ‘wife’ Heidi Latchman, “I’m not your therapist”.

Separately, he has said: “I think groups of women under pressure don’t cope as well as groups of men under pressure.”

Gunner was labelled “cocky” and “sexist” by viewers. Picture: Heidi Latcham/Instagram

He is optimistic this second stint on reality TV will be less controversial.

“I figured it couldn’t possibly go as badly as it did the first time,” he said.

“There is probably gonna be some backlash but I’ve thickened my skin and I should be okay.”

The Gold Coast-based videographer said viewers might see him differently this time.

“I’m a little bit older and wiser but fundamentally I probably am the same person but with a little more patience,” he said.

“I certainly learnt lessons in the last couple years about myself and relationships so I gotta think that I’m an improved version of the guy that I was, how much improvement remains to be seen.”

Gunner hopes his second stint on reality TV will be less controversial. Picture: Mike Gunner/Instagram

Going into the show with no expectations, the reality star had no idea he would be double the age of the other participants, an experience he says was “not easy.”.

“I’m always open to keeping my mind open and trying to become a better version. It was challenging, very challenging.

“I didn’t enjoy it so much but there were lessons in there for sure.”

The first two episodes of Love Triangle Season 3 will premiere on April 6 with a new episode to air each Sunday.