Grab the popcorn and get ready for another thrilling season of “Married At First Sight“! This year, we’re following the romantic journeys of 24 brave Aussies as they say “I do” to a complete stranger.
And with two new couples joining the mix, there’s no telling what twists and turns are in store. Thanks to the matchmaking skills of relationship experts John Aiken and Mel Schilling, along with clinical sexologist Alessandra Rampolla, we’re in for a wild ride as these love-seekers put their hearts on the line in the name of finding true love.
Meet all the contestants appearing on Season 10 of MAFS 2023:
The Brides
Evelyn, 26, NSW, Marketing Manager and Model
Meet Evelyn, a stunning model who’s not afraid to speak her mind. But despite her no-BS policy and seemingly put-together life, Evelyn has a vulnerable side when it comes to love. Although only 26, she’s already been burnt in past relationships, which can make her hesitant to open up.
Evelyn’s ex caused her heartbreak when he applied for a dating show while they were still living together. Since then, she’s been cautious with her heart and has found solace in the company of her two adorable dachshunds, Pickles and Mustard. But she’s ready for a change and is open to taking a risk on love again.
Growing up Chinese-Australian and being a child of divorce has made it difficult for Evelyn to express affection and say “I love you” because it wasn’t modelled for her as a child. She’s also cautious about entering into relationships because when she commits, she’s all in. While she envisions herself getting married and having children, she’s determined to never be the stay-at-home type.
Tayla, 27, TAS, Nurse
Tayla is a Tassie nurse who’s ready to break her cycle of unhealthy relationships and find a man who’s truly faithful. After discovering her boyfriend of six years was cheating, She’s determined to turn over a new leaf and find a partner who ticks all the right boxes.
But this self-professed rule-breaker isn’t just looking for any old guy. The bride wants a man who will put her on a pedestal, but not be too nice. He must have good morals and be willing to stand by her side, whether she’s right or wrong. And with dreams of becoming a young mother, Tayla is eager to start a family with the right partner.
With her bold personality and competitive nature, it’s no surprise that the 27-year-old is always at the centre of attention. But will she be able to find the love she’s been searching for with the help of the experts? We can’t wait to find out!
Alyssa, 35, NSW, Executive Assistant
It’s not the first time Alyssa will be walking down the aisle. The 35-year-old has been single for 12 months since her seven-year marriage ended, from which she shares a two-year-old son.
The Utah-born bride was raised a Mormon and family is a huge part of her life. However, she’s found dating as a single mum extremely hard, especially on dating apps which she finds overwhelming.
Walking down the aisle again, Alyssa is a little more trepidatious but hopeful of finding love once more.
Bronte, 28, WA, Online Beauty Educator
Bronte describes herself as an outspoken, fiery, and confident “pocket rocket”. The 28-year-old has no trouble getting approached by men but is constantly finding herself in “situationships” with guys who end up breaking her heart.
After being burnt by men in the past, Bronte is entering the experiment with some trust issues but is putting her faith in the MAFS experts in hopes she can open her heart again.
Caitlin, 27, QLD, Makeup Artist
Caitlin is a hopeless romantic who admits to falling very hard, very fast, but always for the worst men.
With high standards and an unwillingness to settle for anything less than she deserves, Caitlin has struggled to find anyone remotely close to her forever person. But after two years of no intimacy, she’s looking to the experts for an “intervention”.
Claire, 31, VIC, Kindergarten Assistant
Claire was raised in a chaotic Greek household, so it’s no surprise the bride describes herself as apologetically loud, direct, vivacious, and energetic.
A self-professed tomboy and car fanatic, there’s a softer side to Claire, despite the tattoos and rock-star vibes. The 31-year-old is “all in” for finding for her soul mate to have kids and grow old with.
Janelle, 28, WA, Beauty Influencer
Janelle is a driven, self-assured woman who grew up in a strict Singaporean-Chinese family.
She describes her upbringing as tough at times, but Janelle is incredibly close to her two brothers and parents, who are still happily married. The 28-year-old is looking for a partner her family will love and approve of.
Lyndall, 27, WA, Accountant
Lyndall has been living with cystic fibrosis and never thought she’d make it to the age of 30, let alone marriage and children. She didn’t prioritise any long-term plans but, with new medicine extending her life expectancy and giving her the lung capacity of someone without CF, she has a renewed outlook on finding love.
She is now taking risks and grabbing life by the horns and is looking for someone who will live life the same way.
Melinda, 32, QLD, CEO, Fashion & Beauty
‘Alpha female’ Melinda is a confident, sassy businesswoman who finds herself the centre of attention in any room. But, while Melinda has no problems attracting men, the right kind of men always seem to elude her.
Beneath her tough exterior, she’s very emotional and can get in her head about the smallest things, leading to constant conflict in relationships. She hopes to find an ambitious man who is equally business-minded. But he can’t be clingy and must be patient with her, she asks.
Melissa, 41, NSW, Hairdresser
At the age of 41, Melissa is looking for what she thinks is her last shot at real love.
After a 10-year marriage and co-parenting her son, Melissa has no problem meeting men, she craves a long-term relationship and believes that the clock may be ticking on finding the right person.
She’s upbeat, charismatic, cheeky, flirtatious and very comfortable with her sexuality, and she expects her man to keep up with her.
Sandy, 36, VIC, Dental Hygienist
Despite being in her mid-thirties, Sandy has never been in a serious relationship and has had very little experience with men.
The 36-year-old grew up in a strict Indian household and her parents were huge on upholding the traditional values of Indian culture. That meant she was not allowed to mix with boys and had no male friends. She went to a girls’ school and studied dental nursing with women.
With her parents still happily together in an arranged marriage, Sandy believes the MAFS experiment could work for her.
Tahnee, 27, NSW, PR Manager
Fast-talking, passionate and bubbly, Tahnee is ready to take things to the next level and ditch her dating apps!
She is fed up with the shallow, swipe-right culture that results in ‘situationships’ being all about looks and no real connection.
Tahnee is hopeful that the experts can help her tick true love off her bucket list.
The Grooms
Hugo, 32, NSW, IT Account Executive
Hugo, a 32-year-old with a penchant for wearing his heart on his sleeve, is seeking assistance in finding a partner who can also be his best friend and teammate. Despite his naturally goofy disposition, the groom has extremely high expectations for potential partners, going as far as to prioritise dress size.
Having fallen in love four times before, Hugo is no stranger to the concept. However, he admits to being a hopeless romantic who tends to overlook red flags and falls hard and fast. While he exudes confidence when it comes to women, Hugo has the tendency to get turned off easily and can be somewhat self-centred in hook-ups.
Hugo recognises that his main challenge is putting in the necessary work for a relationship, a flaw he hopes to overcome with the help of the experts.
Rupert, 27, QLD, Electrician
Meet Rupert, the charismatic tradie who’s always up for a challenge. With a cheeky smile and a quick wit, this electrician claims he can “scull a beer faster than Bob Hawke”. He’s been single for only six months after his last relationship fizzled out, and he’s already turning heads.
When women first meet Rupert, they often mistake him for a “city boy”, which is code for a “f**k boy”. But he’s far from it. Rupert is a flirt and enjoys chatting up anyone who catches his eye. His friends even call him “the cattle dog” because he’s always on the move.
Although he’s not one to easily let down his guard, Rupert can come off as cold at times. He admits that if a woman does something to put him off, he’s quick to cut things off. It’s a trait that he’s trying to work on.
If Rupert doesn’t feel an initial spark with a girl, he won’t pursue it any further. However, if a woman is able to make it past his long checklist, Rupert is fiercely loyal and devoted. He only has eyes for his partner, and his charming demeanour will keep her on her toes.
Adam, 35, QLD, Business Owner
Cocky and confident, Adam is a modern-day entrepreneur who is always on the lookout for the next business opportunity.
He was in a long-term relationship in his twenties for almost 10 years. They became engaged before he realised he was too young to settle down. Now at 35, he’s done with dating apps and wants to find something more meaningful with someone who is ready to settle down.
Cam, 27, NT, Carpenter
Aussie larrikin Cameron grew up on a farm in Queensland before moving to Darwin to work as a carpenter in Indigenous communities in the remote Northern Territory.
He’s never had a girlfriend, so taking part in the MAFS experiment is way out of his comfort zone.
Dan, 42, QLD, Digital Marketing Business Owner
Dan has been married twice before and is a father of a teenage daughter but is still on the hunt for Mrs Right.
Career-driven, charming and successful, semi-retired businessman Dan is looking for someone who is healthy, fit and motivated like himself, and who can match his lifestyle, dreams, and ambitions.
Duncan, 36, NSW, Cyber Security Sales
Meet Prince Charming. Duncan is a chivalrous gentleman who has no trouble meeting women but often finds himself in relationships that aren’t compatible.
In a relationship Duncan is “the best friend and the lover” and he’s searching for a woman with class, emotional intelligence, and confidence.
Harrison, 32, NSW, Builder
With a bone-dry sense of humour that can catch people unaware, Harrison is serious about finding true love.
Despite being a single dad to his three-year-old, Harrison is open to having more children with the right woman. But he won’t just settle for anyone – he sets the bar “ridiculously high” to achieve greatness in love.
Inspired by his parents’ 33-year marriage, Harrison is ready to settle down with a beautiful woman who shares his zest for life, goals, values, and sense of humour.
Jesse, 30, WA, Marriage Celebrant
Formerly in a heavy metal band, Jesse is now a Perth marriage celebrant who officiates in a rock star style.
Having done over 500 weddings, Jesse finds himself surrounded by a constant level of love and commitment that leaves him wanting that for himself.
Jesse is extremely fussy when it comes to choosing partners and has a rather large number of turnoffs which gives him the “ick”.
Joshua, 40, NSW, Advertising Client Director
Josh is the self-proclaimed and self-deprecating ‘station wagon’ of relationships – stable, dependable, and solid.
Since his marriage ended, Josh has attempted to navigate a whole new dating game that has evolved dramatically since he was last single but struggles in the modern world of apps.
This loveable single father of two is simply looking for his plus-one.
Layton, 35, NSW, CEO, Biotech
Layton has been a self-starter from the young age of 19. The entrepreneur has started a number of successful businesses, including his latest project in medicinal cannabis for pets.
Being so career-driven, the 35-year-old doesn’t commit to making love a priority and often puts work first. Being the only single person in his close-knit group of friends he’s finally realised that something must change.
Ollie, 26, WA, Voice-Over Artist
Confident, charismatic, and mature beyond his years, Ollie definitely knows how to use his words to get what he wants.
He may be young, but he’s no fan of modern dating and has sworn off swiping to find love. He’s had one serious relationship and knows what it’s like to fall in love – he just hopes that next time it’s with ‘The One’.
Shannon, 30, VIC, Personal Trainer
At first glance, Shannon might seem like your average carefree bachelor but deep down he’s a sensitive soul in search of love.
With a three-year-old daughter he loves dearly, Shannon was in an on-again-off-again relationship with his ex-partner for many years. Although they share custody, he has ended things with his ex and is ready to move on with someone he can build a future with.
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