Where each couple is at heading into the next MAFS’ dinner party

If you’re not up-to-date with the latest drama, here’s a cheat sheet for you to catch up- you're welcome!

After a rollercoaster week, tensions rise as the couples navigate the aftermath of the Commitment Ceremony. 

From disappearing spouses to unsavoury comments and surprise tattoos, the drama is escalating, and each couple is facing its own set of challenges.

If you haven’t had time to keep up this week, there’s a cheat sheet to help you catch up.

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Ellie and Ben

After last night's Commitment Ceremony, Ellie is left stressed as she discovers Ben has gone missing. 

Despite issuing a leave warning, Ellie struggled to locate him, and the fate of their relationship hung in the balance, with Ben, seemingly trying to avoid the confrontation, left Skye Suites and his bride behind.

However, upon his return, Ellie questioned his intentions, but against her doubts, she decided to give him one more chance. 

Eager to make amends, Ben expressed his feelings through a “heartfelt” song, only to follow up the performance with an encore lecture on his laundry list of dislikes of Ellie. 

The question remains: Will Ben turn things around within the seven-day warning period?

My prediction: They won’t last.

Lauren and Jonathan

Lauren and Jonathan grappled with the fallout from the totally gross comments made by Jack towards Lauren at the last dinner party. 

Jonathan's apology at the Commitment Ceremony, directed at Tori and Jack instead of Lauren, left her feeling unsupported. 

The couple struggles to find common ground, and the road to recovery seems uncertain.

My prediction: Lauren looks totally bored with Jonno and this couple won’t survive.

Lucinda and Timothy

Following a tense session on the couch, Lucinda and Timothy woke up in separate apartments. 

The experts' criticism of their slow-burn approach ignited a dispute with Timothy, blindsided by Lucinda's agreement with the experts, saw him head into a gathering with family and friends on shaky ground. 

After an unorthodox conversation with Lucinda's father, Michael, Timothy became more optimistic about the trajectory of his Time in the experiment. 

Post-family and friends visit, Timothy took a small but significant step forward by moving back in with Lucinda, albeit in the self-described 'man-cave'.

My prediction: If Timothy ever lets down his walls, I think this match could make it past the experiment.

I wonder if these two would be comfier on separate couches? Source: Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Company) for the 9Network.

Tori and Jack

Tori and Jack decided to solidify their relationship with matching tattoos, but their commitment faced scrutiny from Tori's best friend, Lea, during Friends and Family Week. 

Lea discovered Jack's unsavoury comments towards Lauren and the absence of intimacy in their relationship and said a few orange flags were raised.

My prediction: I really hope Tori comes to her senses and dumps Jack ASAP, but I’m worried she’s totally smitten.

Tristan and Cassandra

Tristan and Cassandra worked to get their relationship back on track after Tristan wrote ‘leave’ at the last Commitment Ceremony. 

A visit with their families prompted a discussion about intimacy, and with encouragement from Cassandra's dad Moddy, the couple is reminded that good things take Time. 

Tristan revealed his desire to move out of the friend zone and make the first move.

My prediction: Until Tristian learns to love himself first, he’ll never be enough for Cass.

In the famous words of Justin Bieber, "Oh, baby, you should go and love yourself" Source: Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Company) for the 9Network.

Sara and Tim

Sara and Tim found their spark after a rollercoaster start, despite Tim's best friend Ben attempting to derail their relationship. 

Tim defended Sara against Ben's digs, solidifying their connection. 

With intimacy back on the table, Sara and Tim are firmly on track.

My prediction: Despite their shaky past, they seem to have found their groove and could make it last.

Andrea and Richard

For once-loved-up couple Andrea and Richard, there's been a considerable vibe shift. 

Richard interpreted Andrea talking to friends back home as a sign she doesn't want to spend time together. 

As their family and friends arrived, Richard and Andrea had their first fight, but with support from loved ones, the couple is set back on course.

My prediction: Did these two fall too hard too fast? Something tells me this couple can return from the drama but won’t survive the experiment.

Jayden and Eden

On the Gold Coast, Eden and Jayden are more smitten than ever as they share their progress with family and friends, revealing they are on the path to falling in love.

My prediction: Even if you’re suspicious of the motives behind why this duo applied for the show, I can’t help but feel all warm and fuzzy watching these two and hope they last.

Could they be any move loved up? Source: Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Company) for the 9Network.

Michael and Stephen and Jade And Ridge

The two new intruder couples, Michael and Stephen and Jade and Ridge were in the midst of a crash course week to fast-track their relationships. 

The 'confessions letter' task saw an emotional breakthrough for Stephen, bringing him closer to Micahel, and Jade's letter gave Ridge an insight into her lonely past.

My prediction: It’s too soon to tell, but all will be revealed in time!

As the couples head into the next dinner party, the stage is set for what I’m sure is a whole lot of drama and more unexpected twists in this thrilling season.

Can someone pass the popcorn because I’m ready and Can. Not. Wait!

Originally published as Where each couple is at heading into the next MAFS’ dinner party