In a whirlwind of revelations and emotional confessions, Jacqui Burfoot and Clint Rice from the reality show Married At First Sight (MAFS) have confirmed their romantic relationship, much to the surprise of their co-stars and viewers alike. The couple's relationship was publicly acknowledged during a recent episode, which aired on March 31, 2025, and has since sparked a mix of intrigue and controversy among fans and fellow participants.
During the reunion dinner party, set to air on April 6, 2025, Jacqui and Clint shocked their fellow cast members by announcing that they are officially dating. This revelation comes just weeks after Jacqui ended her previous relationship with Ryan Donnelly during the show's Final Vows. In a radio interview the following day, Jacqui opened up about the age gap between herself, 29, and Clint, 43, and how it has not affected their bond. "[Clint] reached out to me and wanted to get to know me, and after Final Vows, he did invite me down to Tassie to spend some time with him," she shared on The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick show.
Jacqui expressed her initial concerns about their 14-year age difference but quickly dismissed them after spending time with Clint. "After meeting him, the age gap didn’t matter. It just didn’t really affect us at all," she added. She believes Clint was drawn to her because of her authenticity, stating, "If you speak to Clint, he will explain that out of the group, I was the most normal girl who had a life and was down to earth and doesn’t take herself too seriously and loves having a laugh." Clint, a successful businessman, is also excited about their future together, as they plan to go into business together.
Despite the seemingly happy news, the couple's relationship has not been without its challenges. Ryan Donnelly, Jacqui's ex-husband on the show, has publicly accused her of forming a connection with Clint while they were still married. He claimed that Jacqui admitted to calling Clint at 3 a.m. one night when she was upset during filming. "She admitted to me one night, she's like, 'After one night when I was really upset, I actually called Clint at 3 a.m.'" Ryan recounted. This confession has led to speculation about the timeline of Jacqui and Clint's relationship, with Ryan feeling blindsided by the news.
A production insider clarified that while Clint and Jacqui grew close towards the end of filming, they did not begin dating until after the season wrapped. This information has been a source of contention, as Ryan maintains that Jacqui's actions during their marriage were deceitful. "I could've taken the whole bitter, jaded side and been like, 'Oh, you were messaging him while we were still together.' Which is true," Ryan stated in an interview.
In response to the criticism, Clint has defended Jacqui against what he termed a controversial edit on the show, which he believes misrepresented her character. "She's a really smart, career-driven girl, and to have her on there, they're making her look like she's all over the place and fake crying and all this sort of stuff where that's not her," Clint said. He expressed concern over how the editing could damage Jacqui's reputation, calling it "awful to see someone's character get taken and put on TV like that."
As the couple's relationship continues to unfold, Jacqui has taken steps to solidify her commitment to Clint. She has quit her job in Sydney and moved to Tasmania to be with him, a decision that indicates her serious intentions. According to a source, the couple has been openly flaunting their relationship on social media, and the entire cast is aware of their romance.
Interestingly, Jacqui's relationship with Clint has also raised questions about her past with Ryan. During their time on the show, Ryan suggested that Jacqui was more interested in becoming the show's standout character than in finding true love. He described her as someone who was "flip-flopping" between playing the victim and the heroine, claiming that her motivations were more about drama than genuine connection.
Ryan's feelings for Jacqui were complicated; he admitted to developing real feelings for her during filming, particularly after a moment they shared together. "There was one moment after a really long day of filming. We're both exhausted and we're in the bedroom. We just collapsed on the bed together, just a simple cuddle," Ryan recalled. However, he felt that this moment was fleeting, overshadowed by Jacqui's critical nature and her apparent focus on her image.
Despite the tumultuous dynamics, Jacqui has publicly stated that there is no animosity between her and Ryan's ex-wife, Lauren Hall. She has confirmed that she still speaks with Lauren, indicating that they have much in common.
As viewers eagerly anticipate the reunion episode, the unfolding drama surrounding Jacqui and Clint's relationship promises to keep audiences engaged. The couple's journey from co-stars to partners has captivated fans, with many curious about how their relationship will evolve, especially in light of the controversies that have emerged.
With the reunion set to air soon, fans will finally get to hear Jacqui and Clint's side of the story, including how they navigated the complexities of their relationships with Ryan and Lauren. As the reality show continues to reveal the intricacies of love, loyalty, and betrayal, one thing is clear: Jacqui and Clint are ready to embrace their new chapter together.
