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But some duos make it through. These are the most unexpected couples in Australia, starting with Jamie Marinos and Eliot Donovan. After their respective splits in Season 12, Jamie and Eliot’s friendship has reportedly blossomed into a romantic relationship. They’ve recently become inseparable, frequently sharing moments together on social media, including TikTok videos that showcase their growing affection. Rumours indicate they’ve even moved in together. Picture: TikTok
1/23But some duos make it through. These are the most unexpected couples in Australia, starting with Jamie Marinos and Eliot Donovan. After their respective splits in Season 12, Jamie and Eliot’s friendship has reportedly blossomed into a romantic relationship. They’ve recently become inseparable, frequently sharing moments together on social media, including TikTok videos that showcase their growing affection. Rumours indicate they’ve even moved in together. Picture: TikTok
Jamie Marinos was originally matched with Dave McClelland, but their relationship quickly soured. Dave admitted he wasn’t attracted to Jamie, frequently criticising her appearance and personality, while Jamie’s flair for drama and fiery reactions only intensified their clashes. Picture: Supplied
2/23Jamie Marinos was originally matched with Dave McClelland, but their relationship quickly soured. Dave admitted he wasn’t attracted to Jamie, frequently criticising her appearance and personality, while Jamie’s flair for drama and fiery reactions only intensified their clashes. Picture: Supplied
Eliot Donovan was originally paired with Lauren Hall, but their relationship ended very early. He was then rematched with Veronica Cloherty, but their connection never fully took off. Third time’s a charm? Picture: Supplied
3/23Eliot Donovan was originally paired with Lauren Hall, but their relationship ended very early. He was then rematched with Veronica Cloherty, but their connection never fully took off. Third time’s a charm? Picture: Supplied
Duncan James and Evelyn Ellis became a fan-favourite couple, getting together after season 10 concluded, following Duncan’s split from Alyssa and Evelyn’s from Rupert. Duncan and Evelyn first connected during the 2023 Couple Swap challenge, where they were paired together for a photo-shoot. Their natural chemistry, emotional maturity, and shared sense of humour helped their relationship thrive outside the experiment. Picture: Instagram
4/23Duncan James and Evelyn Ellis became a fan-favourite couple, getting together after season 10 concluded, following Duncan’s split from Alyssa and Evelyn’s from Rupert. Duncan and Evelyn first connected during the 2023 Couple Swap challenge, where they were paired together for a photo-shoot. Their natural chemistry, emotional maturity, and shared sense of humour helped their relationship thrive outside the experiment. Picture: Instagram
Duncan James and Alyssa Barmonde’s time on MAFS was marked by intense drama, as Alyssa’s high expectations and Duncan’s growing dissatisfaction led to frequent arguments. Alyssa frequently mentioned her child as a reason for her emotional struggles. Picture: Supplied
5/23Duncan James and Alyssa Barmonde’s time on MAFS was marked by intense drama, as Alyssa’s high expectations and Duncan’s growing dissatisfaction led to frequent arguments. Alyssa frequently mentioned her child as a reason for her emotional struggles. Picture: Supplied
Evelyn Ellis and Rupert Bugden’s relationship was short-lived, with Rupert’s reserved nature clashing with Evelyn’s outgoing personality, leading to their decision to part ways before the final vows. Picture: Supplied
6/23Evelyn Ellis and Rupert Bugden’s relationship was short-lived, with Rupert’s reserved nature clashing with Evelyn’s outgoing personality, leading to their decision to part ways before the final vows. Picture: Supplied
Jacqui Burfoot was matched with Ryan Donnelly in Season 12, 2025, but their relationship ended in a bitter fallout. Ryan obtained an AVO against Jacqui for alleged online harassment, while Jacqui responded with a restraining order against him. Picture: Supplied
7/23Jacqui Burfoot was matched with Ryan Donnelly in Season 12, 2025, but their relationship ended in a bitter fallout. Ryan obtained an AVO against Jacqui for alleged online harassment, while Jacqui responded with a restraining order against him. Picture: Supplied
After splitting from Ryan, Jacqui began dating fellow MAFS participant and pro golfer Clint Rice. They went public at the reunion and are now engaged, living together in Clint’s luxury Tasmania mansion. Picture: Instagram
8/23After splitting from Ryan, Jacqui began dating fellow MAFS participant and pro golfer Clint Rice. They went public at the reunion and are now engaged, living together in Clint’s luxury Tasmania mansion. Picture: Instagram
After her short-lived match with Eliot Donovan, Lauren Hall was rematched with Clint Rice in a rare second chance by the experts. However the pair struggled to find a spark and chose to leave the experiment early after several conflicts.Clint revealed later that he tried to escape by helicopter. Picture: Supplied
9/23After her short-lived match with Eliot Donovan, Lauren Hall was rematched with Clint Rice in a rare second chance by the experts. However the pair struggled to find a spark and chose to leave the experiment early after several conflicts.Clint revealed later that he tried to escape by helicopter. Picture: Supplied
Ellie Dix and Jono McCullough shocked everyone when they walked into the MAFS Season 11 Reunion together. Despite being matched with other participants, Jono with Lauren Dunn and Ellie with Ben Walters, their connection deepened off-screen. They maintained communication throughout the experiment and, following its conclusion, met up, leading to a romantic relationship. They went public during the reunion dinner party, surprising their fellow cast members. Picture: Instagram
10/23Ellie Dix and Jono McCullough shocked everyone when they walked into the MAFS Season 11 Reunion together. Despite being matched with other participants, Jono with Lauren Dunn and Ellie with Ben Walters, their connection deepened off-screen. They maintained communication throughout the experiment and, following its conclusion, met up, leading to a romantic relationship. They went public during the reunion dinner party, surprising their fellow cast members. Picture: Instagram
Ben Walters faced backlash after presenting a list of grievances about his wife Ellie, including critiques of her emotional responses and appearance. Picture: Supplied
11/23Ben Walters faced backlash after presenting a list of grievances about his wife Ellie, including critiques of her emotional responses and appearance. Picture: Supplied
Known for her sharp wit and candid nature, Lauren quickly became a fan favourite. She was deeply hurt by her husband Jono's secretive texting with fellow bride Ellie Dix during their marriage, but in the end stated,
12/23Known for her sharp wit and candid nature, Lauren quickly became a fan favourite. She was deeply hurt by her husband Jono's secretive texting with fellow bride Ellie Dix during their marriage, but in the end stated, "I was steadfast in myself and held my head high and left the whole thing with dignity. I'm really proud of myself." Picture: Supplied
Jules Robinson and Cam Merchant, who met on Season 6 in 2019, have become one of the franchise’s biggest success stories. Their on-screen chemistry led to a real-life marriage in November 2019, making them the first couple in the show’s history to marry legally after the experiment. They welcomed their first child Oliver in 2020, and in 2024 expanded their family with the birth of their second son, Carter. Picture: Supplied
13/23Jules Robinson and Cam Merchant, who met on Season 6 in 2019, have become one of the franchise’s biggest success stories. Their on-screen chemistry led to a real-life marriage in November 2019, making them the first couple in the show’s history to marry legally after the experiment. They welcomed their first child Oliver in 2020, and in 2024 expanded their family with the birth of their second son, Carter. Picture: Supplied
Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli, who also met on Season 6 in 2019, have built a lasting relationship. They got engaged in December 2021 and welcomed their son, Lucius, in February 2023. Despite challenges, including Martha’s severe sickness during pregnancy, they remain committed and continue to share their journey with fans. Picture: Instagram
14/23Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli, who also met on Season 6 in 2019, have built a lasting relationship. They got engaged in December 2021 and welcomed their son, Lucius, in February 2023. Despite challenges, including Martha’s severe sickness during pregnancy, they remain committed and continue to share their journey with fans. Picture: Instagram
Erin Bateman and Bryce Mohr, were matched on Season 2 in 2016, and are the show’s longest-standing couple. After a brief split in 2017, they reconciled and have been together ever since. They bought a home in 2020 and celebrated their fifth anniversary in 2021, but have kept their relationship mostly private. Picture: Supplied
15/23Erin Bateman and Bryce Mohr, were matched on Season 2 in 2016, and are the show’s longest-standing couple. After a brief split in 2017, they reconciled and have been together ever since. They bought a home in 2020 and celebrated their fifth anniversary in 2021, but have kept their relationship mostly private. Picture: Supplied
Bryce Ruthven and Melissa Rawson’s relationship on Season 8 in 2021 was filled with controversy. Many viewers believed Bryce manipulated and gaslighted Melissa throughout the experiment. but despite the public backlash, Melissa stood by him. They welcomed twin boys in 2021 and got married for real in a private ceremony in 2023. Picture: Supplied
16/23Bryce Ruthven and Melissa Rawson’s relationship on Season 8 in 2021 was filled with controversy. Many viewers believed Bryce manipulated and gaslighted Melissa throughout the experiment. but despite the public backlash, Melissa stood by him. They welcomed twin boys in 2021 and got married for real in a private ceremony in 2023. Picture: Supplied
Despite Ridge Barredo's strange sense of humour, Jade Pywell quickly connected with him on Season 11. They faced challenges, including Ridge's demanding work schedule, but he has since moved in with Jade and her daughter, Victoria, after relocating from Sydney to the Gold Coast.Picture: Supplied
17/23Despite Ridge Barredo's strange sense of humour, Jade Pywell quickly connected with him on Season 11. They faced challenges, including Ridge's demanding work schedule, but he has since moved in with Jade and her daughter, Victoria, after relocating from Sydney to the Gold Coast.Picture: Supplied
A standout love story from Season 8 is Kerry Knight and Johnny Balbuziente. Although they joined the experiment midway through as intruders, they quickly grew close, with Johnny’s calm and supportive nature complementing Kerry’s open and genuine personality. They welcomed their beautiful daughter, Chloe, in June 2024. Picture: Instagram
18/23A standout love story from Season 8 is Kerry Knight and Johnny Balbuziente. Although they joined the experiment midway through as intruders, they quickly grew close, with Johnny’s calm and supportive nature complementing Kerry’s open and genuine personality. They welcomed their beautiful daughter, Chloe, in June 2024. Picture: Instagram
Rhiannon Disljenkovic and Jeff Gobbels, who had a brief romantic history before being matched on Season 12, faced public scepticism about their relationship’s authenticity. However, they proved the doubters wrong, becoming one of the more low-key couples of the season, and are now happily in love with plans for the future, as seen on social media. Picture: Instagram
19/23Rhiannon Disljenkovic and Jeff Gobbels, who had a brief romantic history before being matched on Season 12, faced public scepticism about their relationship’s authenticity. However, they proved the doubters wrong, becoming one of the more low-key couples of the season, and are now happily in love with plans for the future, as seen on social media. Picture: Instagram
Sierah Swepstone and Billy Belcher's marriage on Season 12 ended due to trust issues. Despite early chemistry, Sierah's secretive interactions with fellow participant Adrian Araouzou caused feelings of betrayal and ultimately led to their split. Picture: Nine
20/23Sierah Swepstone and Billy Belcher's marriage on Season 12 ended due to trust issues. Despite early chemistry, Sierah's secretive interactions with fellow participant Adrian Araouzou caused feelings of betrayal and ultimately led to their split. Picture: Nine
Awhina Rutene and Adrian Araouzou’s relationship on Season 12 faced early tension when Adrian voiced concerns about dating a mother and expressed uncertainty about loving her child as his own. Despite choosing to stay together after the final vows, the couple eventually split, with Awhina later revealing they were no longer on speaking terms. Picture: Supplied
21/23Awhina Rutene and Adrian Araouzou’s relationship on Season 12 faced early tension when Adrian voiced concerns about dating a mother and expressed uncertainty about loving her child as his own. Despite choosing to stay together after the final vows, the couple eventually split, with Awhina later revealing they were no longer on speaking terms. Picture: Supplied
Billy and Awhina have been spotted together at public events, sparking rumours of a possible romance between them after their respective breakups. Picture: Instagram
22/23Billy and Awhina have been spotted together at public events, sparking rumours of a possible romance between them after their respective breakups. Picture: Instagram
Jack Dunkley and Tori Adams from Season 11 announced their separation after nearly two years together in March 2025. In a joint statement, they expressed that they had “never been deeply in love.” Jack faced criticism during the show for his alpha male persona and controlling behaviour. Tori defended him during the reunion dinner. Picture: Instagram
23/23Jack Dunkley and Tori Adams from Season 11 announced their separation after nearly two years together in March 2025. In a joint statement, they expressed that they had “never been deeply in love.” Jack faced criticism during the show for his alpha male persona and controlling behaviour. Tori defended him during the reunion dinner. Picture: Instagram
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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/entertainment/television/reality/the-most-unexpected-couple-in-australia/image-gallery/2873179797a8536c777f5d0082ceeb78