Surprises are becoming the norm on Married at First Sight Australia, but few could have predicted the royal touch at the reality show’s latest season. The cast of the 12th season found themselves flabbergasted when Queen Camilla made an unexpected visit to their filming set, leaving both grooms and brides buzzing with excitement.
Filming for MAFS currently takes place amid the stunning backdrop of Sydney. Amid their wedding prep and potential romantic entanglements, the cast witnessed the surprise appearance of the Queen, who was busy touring the country with King Charles. While enjoying the show, viewers could catch shirtless grooms leaning over their hotel balconies, hoping for glimpses of the royal spectacle below.
The Queen, dressed elegantly in blue, waved to the ephemeral crowd which gathered for her public appearance, but also erupted waves of enthusiasm from the cast members. Tattooed groom Dave Hand and his bride Jamie Marinos were seen filming this excitement, with Jamie even joyfully pointing at the Queen, wearing her blonde locks stylishly tucked under a headband. Their moment of joy was reminiscent of fairytale interactions, only channeled through the lens of reality TV.
While the producers captured the incident, they revealed to the Daily Mail Australia the footage might be left out of the final edit. This announcement raised eyebrows, considering the immense interest surrounding the Queen's cameo, hinting at either strategic editing choices or the intriguing nature of reality shows where surprises often await at every corner.
Speaking of surprises, MAFS has had its fair share this season. Rumors circulated about the couple Jeff Gobbels and Rhi Disljenkovic, who were revealed to have dated before their onscreen union. It’s these twists and turns about the cast’s pasts and relationships which keep audiences glued to their screens.
Meanwhile, the surprises aren’t limited to unexpected visits or relationship revelations. Eden Harper, known from Season 11 of MAFS, announced her new business venture, The Cub Shop, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit. Setting her goals high, the 28-year-old took to social media to tease her line of luxe pet items, igniting joy among her followers.
Eden, who rose to fame during Season 11 alongside Jayden Eynaud, shocked fans when they confirmed their split earlier this April, reflecting the reality of relationships under the public eye. Looking back, Eden expressed her initial commitment during MAFS, stating she had long-term intentions but soon faced heartache as her relationship with Jayden faltered post-show airing. "The 'reality' is, the person I chose didn't choose me," she shared heartbreakingly, encapsulating how unpredictable love can be.
Despite the twists and upheavals of reality TV romances, Eden’s followers were delighted to hear of her new business. Support for her endeavors flowed through the comments section of her announcement. Fans expressed their eagerness to champion her latest efforts, with one declaring, "Love this so much! Can’t wait for Yuki's new bed hehe ❤️ congrats too honey!" The enthusiasm from the audience is clearly infectious.
Meanwhile, the MAFS connections continue to evolve. While three couples from Season 11 maintain relationships—Jade and Ridge, Jono and Ellie, and Jack and Tori—the dynamics between couples often bring intrigue to the headlines. Jade and Ridge, who found love following their placements, along with Jono and Ellie, are perfect examples of how sometimes, unexpected encounters on reality shows lead to unexpected commitments.
But it’s not just the current cast feeling the heat of reality TV life; former contestants are also finding themselves exceptionally busy. Erica Roberts, cast member of the UK series of MAFS, joined forces with Meryl Williams, winner of The Traitors. Together, the duo is set to reveal their ups and downs of reality, reflected through their new podcast You & Me, which promises to dish out everything from hilarious dating stories to discussions about the real experiences behind the scenes of reality television.
Erica, having faced her own ups and downs after her reality show debut and subsequent break-up with co-star Jordan Gayle, notes the frustration about dating today, claiming it feels like “being in the trenches.” Her candid discussions are set to resonate with many and raise questions about what it truly means to find genuine connections amid social games.
The newly launched podcast also serves to shed light on friendships and backstories which viewers often miss out on. “We wanted to give the audience more than just what they see on TV,” Erica mentioned, highlighting the need for authenticity and connection within the fast-paced environment of reality shows.
So, whether it’s Queen Camilla accidentally gracing their set, Eden's launch of premium pet products, or Erica and Meryl’s endeavors to redefine dating narratives, the world of Married at First Sight Australia is brimming with anticipation and excitement. Tune back to see what's next on the horizon for both the connections made and broken, and the stories yet to be told!
