By Jo-Anne Rowney

Published: Monday, 04 October 2021 at 12:00 am


Another series of  Married at First Sight Australia is about to kick off on E4.

Series eight, which aired Down Under earlier this year, is being revived from Monday 4th October, which means you can expect lots of love stories, some fails, and lots more drama.

The social experiment will welcome 12 new couples, who will say “I do” when they meet at the altar for the first time.

They’ll be matched by a group of experts, including relationship psychologist John Aiken, neuropsychotherapist Trisha Stratford, and psychiatrist Mel Schilling, who is currently appearing on Married at First Sight UK.

The couples will take part in a commitment ceremony, before testing out their relationship in the real world.

Seeing as the series was filmed towards the end of 2020, lots has already happened after the cameras stopped rolling.

So if like us, you’re eager and can’t wait to find out if any of the couples actually made it, scroll down to the series eight contestants to see what happened next.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Married at First Sight Australia season 4 couples

Sean Holland and Susan Rowlings

"Sean
Sean and Susan
Channel 4

Sean, 35, a farmer, was paired with Susan Rowlings, 37, a mining truck driver.

While Susan’s reaction was positive when Sean rode in on a horse with his cowboy style hat, after spending time together they decided not to get married officially and they have separated.

They remained friends and both have completely moved on.

On March 24th, 2018, Susan gave birth to her first son, Ashton. Although she was not with the father, who she had met online, the two are co-parenting Ashton.

Sean has also found his happily ever after, as he proposed to girlfriend Roslyn Buerckner in November 2018. The pair are now married.

Jonathan Troughton and Cheryl Maitland

Entrepreneur Jonathan, 30, married Cheryl, 25, a hair salon assistant. The couple decided to break up before the final decision had to be made – and they haven’t reconciled.

"Jonathan
Jonathan Troughton and Cheryl Maitland
Channel 4

Cheryl said she felt “betrayed” after fellow contestant Scarlett Cooper revealed she’d been receiving texts from Jonathan.

Cheryl got a second chance with Andrew, however, they weren’t a match. The pair experienced issues from the start with Andrew complaining he never knew if Cheryl was interested and Cheryl saying he never had her back.

After a few dramatic dinners with the whole group it came to an end.

Since leaving the show, she’s managed to find love with plumber Dean Gibbs, who saw her on the series.

Michael Tomic and Scarlett Cooper

"Married
Channel 4

Stripper Michael married aspiring author Scarlett – both 30. Things didn’t start well with Michael keeping his second job from Scarlett who told him she loved honesty.

The couple decided to break up before making a final decision – they are still separated.

There was a bit of drama afterwards when Scarlett said she had received texts from Jonathan Troughton in a Married at First Sight text scandal.

It doesn’t look like the pair have reunited since their split. Scarlett now works as an actress while Michael has reportedly refused to talk about the show since leaving.

Nadia Stamp and Anthony Manton

"Nadia
Nadia and Anthony
Channel 4

Flight attendant Nadia, 36, married racing broadcaster Anthony, 33. They found love! Well, someone had to right?

They decided to get properly married at the end of the show – but sad news, they then broke up.

It was all a bit awkward, Nadia revealed that Anthony dumped her as soon as the cameras cut. Speaking to hit.com.au she said: “He dropped me like a hotcake.”

Simon McQuillan and Alene Khatcherian

"Alene
Alene and Simon
Channel 4

Business owner Simon was paired with registered nurse Alene.

Despite their differences, fans grew to love them, and the pair decided to stay together until the end of the experiment.

However, they soon realised it wasn’t for them and separated.

Rumours began swirling that they’d rekindled their romance after the show, but sadly that’s not true, and it looks like Alene might have her eye on another MAFS star instead…sort of. Find out more in our Alene and Simon guide.

Andrew Hills and Vanessa Belvedere

"Married
E4

Andy, 30, was paired up with student Vanessa, 31. The couple decided to get married, but they changed their minds and ended up separating.

Vanessa made the decision to dump Andy in an emotional break up, and then moved on, sharing photos of a new man on her social media.

Based on his Instagram feed, it doesn’t look like there’s a new lady in his life, but it looks like he’s enjoying the high life, regularly travelling and flying in hot air balloons.

We’ve broken down what caused Andrew and Vanessa’s emotional split.

Lauren Bran and Andrew Jones

"Andrew
Andrew and Lauren
Channel 4

Lauren, 33, was coupled with firefighter Andrew, 38.  The pair decided to break up before the final decision. They are still separated.

Lauren was famously the “runaway bride”. She ditched Andrew in a dramatic TV moment. Don’t worry he got a take two though with Cheryl, although that didn’t turn out much better.

On the show, we learnt more about why Lauren dumped Andrew on Married at First Sight.

Cheryl Maitland and Andrew Jones

Hair salon assistant Cheryl, 25, was then paired with firefighter Andrew, 38. They also broke up before the final decision, and remain separated.

Sadly, Andrew has said he suffers from PTSD following the experience. He said there were trust issues and he would never appear on a show like this again.

“There’s still a bit of bitterness and PTSD almost – like you see the ad and you hear the voiceovers and you still get that rush of a feeling, like you know what’s going on,” he told the Mail Online.

Fans criticised Andrew for the comments he made on Cheryl Maitland’s intelligence and physical appearance at the boy’s night.

He pretended to grope her breasts during a night in with his fellow male contestants and when asked a week later if he’d done anything wrong he denied it. “I don’t know what to say to you, it was just a light-hearted boys night,” he said.

Cheryl, of course, was also paired up with another contestant Jonathan before she was paired up with Andrew – both didn’t work out. She’s now with Dean Gibbs.

John Robertson and Deborah Brosnan

"Deborah
Deborah and John
Channel 4

Business owner John, 53, was paired with ex-model Deborah, 53. The oldest couple in the experiment they soon found themselves under the spotlight.

They also broke up before a final decision was made earlier in the experiment – they are still separated. Deborah rejected John.

Michelle Marsh and Jesse Konstantinoff

"Sharon
Sharon Marsh and Nick, Michelle Marsh and Jesse
Channel 4

Commercial cleaner Michelle was paired with retailer Jesse, both 31. They decided not to get married.

They remain separated, but they have remained friends, and have posted selfies on Instagram.

Michelle began dating Adam Medwick, a firefighter and a dad-of-one. However, she doesn’t seem to be dating anyone at the moment.

This relationship comes after she dated season two’s Jono Pitman.

And if you’re wondering why there are two Marshs in the list… this series had twins take part.

Sharon Marsh and Nick Furphy

"Married
Channel 4

Business owner Sharon was paired with carpenter Nick.

While Michelle and Jesse’s relationship never really started, Sharon and Nick seemed to make a genuine connection during the series.

They went ahead with the marriage at the end of the experiment, however, decided to separate afterwards.

“I love Nick, but after moving to Melbourne eight weeks ago to be with him, I soon realised that I’m not in love with him,” Sharon told New Idea at the time. Sharon has now moved on and met another man, Julian.

Speaking about her relationship, she told the West Australian in 2018: “He is everything I could ever want in a partner. Not to be a pessimist but I was waiting for the ‘but’ or baggage. But there wasn’t any. He’s perfect for me.”

Married at First Sight Australia season 5 couples

Tracey Jewel and Dean Wells

"Married
Tracey and Dean
E4

There was a spark from the moment they met each other with the pair flirting at the altar. He wanted a brunette and the experts certainly delivered with marketing consultant Tracey, 36, who admitted she’d undergone a full makeover following her last relationship.

However, it wasn’t meant to be and their relationship ended.

However, Tracey did have a brief romance with fellow MAFS star Sean Thomson during a break from filming and this continued after the show.

Sarah Roza and Telv Williams

"Married
Sarah and Telv
E4

They seemed like the perfect match – her a 40-year-old beauty specialist, who wanted to start a family with a “real man”, and him a 35-year-old construction worker with kids of his own.

The pair went all the way and said “yes” at the final decision, but things quickly turned sour.

After their split in March 2019,  they both appeared in court after each taking out an Apprehended Violence Order, which prevented them from speaking publicly about one another.

Mathew Lockett and Alycia Galbraith

"Married
Mathew and Alycia
E4

Season 5 favourites Mathew and Alycia shocked fans when they tapped out of the MAFS experience. The two had moved into an apartment together, but Mat began sleeping on the couch and then decided to get his own apartment before the pair called it quits for good.

Following the show, plumber Mat, 34, said their relationship was doomed from the start.

“She’s got this innocence and I’m a brat,” he said. “I felt uncomfortable around her.”

Jo McPharlin and Sean Donnelly

"Married
Jo and Sean
E4

They ended their relationship very early on in the experiment, however,  single mother Jo, 41, and pub manager Sean, 41, thrilled fans when they met up for a night out, sparking rumours they were back on.

Sadly, they didn’t get back together, however, fans have since called for bubbly bride Jo to return to the show and get another chance at finding love.

Davina Rankin and Ryan Gallagher

"Married
Davina and Ryan
E4

It just wasn’t meant to be for personal trainer Davina, 28, and tradesman Ryan, 31.

The pair broke up before the final decision. During their marriage, Davina revealed she’d shared a kiss with co-star Dean Wells – ouch!

Charlene Perera and Patrick Miller

"Married
Charlene and Patrick
E4

Brand manager Charlene, 35, and operations manager Patrick, 36, went all the way on the show and decided to stay together.

However, things didn’t last with the duo releasing statements on social media.

“Charle, my heartfelt wishes for you on your journey for love as we embark on our lives post MAFS… also the journey for love will always continue in mine,” he said.

Melissa Walsh and John Robertson

"Married
Melissa and John

Journalist Melissa, 53, and Business owner John, 54, made the decision to stay together at the final decision. However, the couple decided to separate after the show.

The distance between them made it hard for their relationship to work on the outside.

The pair announced they had parted ways in a joint statement, saying: “It has been very difficult and it make us both very sad to say we have decided to no longer continue as a couple.”

Troy Delmege and Ashley Irvin

"Married
Troy and Ashley
E4

The couple seemed to get on very well, however, when it came to the final stage of the experiment, they mutually ended their marriage.

And just like their split, they’ve remained amicable, even meeting up for drinks last year.

Gabrielle Bartlett and Nasser Sultan

"Married
Nasser and Gabrielle
E4

Marketing coordinator/plus-size model Gabrielle, 46, and fitness instructor Nasser, 52, broke up before the final stage of the experiment.

However, Gabby did go on to find love with fellow MAFS star Sean Donnelly after the show.

Justin Fischer and Carly Bowyer

"Married
Carly and Justin
E4

Sadly it wasn’t love at first sight for entrepreneur Justin, 43, and marketing manager Carly, 34.

The pair broke up before the final decision, however, the show did work for Carly in some way, as she later found love with co-star Troy Delmege. They broke up nine months later, though.

Sean Thomsen and Blair Rachael

"Married
Blair and Sean
E4

Railway technician Sean, 34, and executive assistant Blair, 31, didn’t make it on the show.

Despite Blair begging him for a second chance, she was rejected by  Sean on the show, and he went on to date Tracey Jewel.

Married at First Sight Australia season 6 couples

Jules Robinson and Cameron Merchant

"Married
Married at First Sight Australia’s Jules and Cameron
Channel 4

It was a match made in heaven for business owner Jules, 36, and former pro cricketer Cameron, 34. Both had been busy working on their careers prior to filming and were excited at the idea of starting a family with someone.

Jules and Cameron ended up saying yes at the final decision, and happen to be married to this day.

We guess you can get Married at First Sight then!

Nic Jovanović and Cyrell Paule

"Married
Married at First Sight Australia’s Cyrell and Nic
Channel 4

Sparks didn’t fly for electrician Nic, 26, and healthcare consultant Cyrell, 29. In fact, Nic and Cyrell decided to call it off before the final decision agreeing they were better off as friends.

Nic found love with new girlfriend Bridgette Lee, who he went Instagram official with at the end of 2019.

And Cyrell welcomed a baby boy with Love Island Australia star Eden Dally last year.

Jessika Power and Mick Gould

"Married
Married at First Sight Australia’s Mick and Jessika
Channel 4

Administration officer Jessika, 27, and plasterer Mick, 31, broke it off before making the final decision.

Jessika got a second chance at finding love on the show with car broker Dann Webb, but sadly that wasn’t meant to be either.

Mick ended up dating someone from another show – Kayla Gray from Nick Cummins’ season of The Bachelor – and Jessika went public with her new beau last year. While it wasn’t meant to be for Jessika and Mick, they both found love anyway.

Melissa Lucarelli and Dino Hira

"Married
Married at First Sight Australia’s Melissa and Dino
Channel 4

Like many of their fellow contestants, talent agent Melissa, 38, and meditation facilitator Dino, 34, didn’t last.

Melissa and Dino decided to go their separate ways at the end of filming, but that wasn’t before they locked horns over a secret recording bombshell, which saw Dino secretly record Melissa on the phone to her sister.

Last year, Melissa opened up about dating in the pandemic, saying in her column for The Latch: “‘And how the heck am I going to break the drought when we must keep a social distance of 1.5 metres?”

Dino relocated to Hong Kong after the show and enjoyed a relationship with a lady named Renae Cukrov.

Mike Gunner and Heidi Latcham

"Married
Married at First Sight Australia’s Mike and Heidi
Channel 4

Mike and Heidi pair managed to go all the way on the show, deciding to stay married at the final decision.

However, sadly things eventually fizzled for them and they eventually separated.

Electrician Mike, 45, claimed he “couldn’t make Heidi happy” when the radio announcer, 39, moved in with him at his Gold Coast home.

Ning Surasiang and Mark Scrivens

"Married
Married at First Sight Australia’s Ning and Mark
Channel 4

Ning and Mark chose not to stay together at the end of the show.

Following the show, Mark revealed that he no longer speaks to his ex-wife, although had attracted a lot of attention from women since.

Ning on the other hand revealed she was dating a new man last year as she shared a cute photo on Instagram.

Sam Ball and Elizabeth Sobinoff

"Married
Married at First Sight Australia’s Sam and Elizabeth
Channel 4

Unfortunately for tradesman Sam and Elizabeth, it just wasn’t meant to be.

Liz had tried to put a little spark into their relationship, but Sam only seemed to have eyes for 29-year-old Ines Bašić. He ended up spending a night with Ines, however, he was a no-show at the reunion so never really got a telling off for it.

Last year, Liz moved in with her boyfriend Seb Guilhaus and Sam revealed he’d joined the army.

Since then, however, Elizabeth has split from Seb.

Lauren Huntriss and Matthew Bennett

"Married
Married at First Sight Australia’s Lauren and Matthew
Channel 4

Things took a turn for the worse  for make-up artist Lauren and Matthew. The pair seemed to get on well at first, with Matt declaring Lauren to be “the one”.

However, the pair decided to call it off before the final decision, and following filming there were a lot of heated words.

Last year, Matt revealed he was in a relationship with new girlfriend Annabelle. Lauren is said to have got into a relationship with Ria Gan following the series.

Ines Bašić and Bronson Norrish

"Married
Married at First Sight Australia’s Ines and Bronson
Channel 4

Legal assistant Ines, 28, and entrepreneur Bronson, 34, didn’t make it to the end of the show with the pair deciding to part ways before the final decision.

Although the Ines and Bronson were pretty much doomed, Bronson tried to make it work but it all came crashing down when Ines’ night with Sam was revealed.

Bronson went on to find love with his high school girlfriend.

Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli

"Martha
Martha and Michael Married at First Sight Australia
Channel 4

Love was in the air for make-up artist Martha, 31, and teacher Michael, 29.

Martha and Michael decided to stay together at the end of the show, and they’re still very much loved up – result!

Susie Bradley and Billy Vincent

Aged care nurse Susie and Billy broke it off before the final decision.

Following the show, Susie confirmed her engagement to her on/off former NRL player Todd Carney. Meanwhile, Billy found love with a 20-year-old insta model.

Dan Webb and Tamara Joy

"Dan
Married at First Sight Australia’s Dan and Tamara
Channel 4

Things didn’t go so well with car broker Dan and Tamara.

The duo decided to break up before the final decision. Dan got a second chance with Jessika, which lasted a bit longer, however, they split after the show.

Following the show, Tamara went on to date Love Island UK star Ashley Ienco.

Jessika Power and Dan Webb

The start of their relationship was far from smooth. After a failed marriage with Mick, Jessika made a play for Dan despite him being wed to Tamara.

Nevertheless, they made it all the way to the end of the show and looked to be seriously loved up, that is until, they broke up on live TV during an episode of live TV during an episode of Talking Married.

Married at First Sight Australia season 7 couples

Elizabeth Sobinoff and Sebastian Guilhaus

Fans of the show will be excited to hear that Elizabeth returned to MAFS in season seven for a second chance at finding love.

She was matched with Sebastian, a 31-year-old personal trainer from Adelaide, South Australia, and it was definitely second time lucky for her.

The pair decided to stay together at the end of the experiment, however, after 14 months of dating decided to call it quits, with Seb revealing he was “heartbroken”.

Poppy Jennings and Luke Eglin

For photographer Poppy, 38, and maintenance supervisor Luke, 38, things weren’t plain sailing.

During the show, Poppy revealed that one of the most important things in a relationship to her was loyalty, as she already experienced her ex-husband cheating on her. However, she then came to find out that Luke had cheated in his past relationships.

The pair broke up after the final decision, and never reconciled.

Josh Pihlak and Cathy Evans

Despite having a very strong start to their relationship on the show, truck driver Josh, 28, and logistics investigator Cathy, 26, decided to go their separate ways before the end of the experiment.

They haven’t reconnected since filming stopped, although there is no bad blood between them.

Amanda Micallef and Tash Herz

Sadly it wasn’t a match made in heaven for strength coach Amanda, 34, and bartender Tash, 31.

The duo joined the show as Married at First Sight Australia’s first ever same-sex pairing since gay marriage was legalised in Australia, following Craig Roach and Andy John who appeared on the show in 2016, before the marriage laws had changed.

However, Amanda and Tash decided to call it quits before the end of the experiment.

Amanda didn’t like being on the show, and following the show she got into a relationship with a man.

Natasha Spencer and Mikey Pembroke

Financial analyst Natasha, 26, and operations manager Mikey, 28, had a very bitter split on the show, deciding to end things before the final decision.

However, Natasha has revealed the pair have since “made up” and she’s even on good terms with his new girlfriend Kelly Burker.

Hayley Vernon and David Canon

Finance broker Hayley, 32, and truck driver David, 31, were forced to leave the competition by the show’s expert John Aiken.

It comes after Hayley decided to stay in their relationship out of spite as David cleaned the toilet with her toothbrush (yes, you read correctly).

It’s safe to say these two are no longer together.

Vanessa Romito and Chris Nicholls

This couple’s Married at First Sight experience was cut short after pharmacy manager Vanessa, 31, decided to leave her husband, correctional youth worker Chris, 37, in the middle of the season.

Following the experiment, Vanessa revealed how she knew the father-of-two wasn’t the one for her the moment she met him on their wedding day.

Connie Crayden and Jonethen Musuli

Connie – a 27-year-old student from Broome, Western Australia – and construction worker Jonethen, 27, decided that they were better off as friends, choosing to go their separate ways at their final vows.

Ivan Sarakula and Aleksandra Marković

They left the show before the final decision, however, fans will be happy to hear that the pair went on to date outside the show.

In March 2020, Ivan posted a photo of the two of them, writing: “The pressures and expectations of the experiment got the better of us. Aleks and I stayed together the evening of our exit and I even saw her off at the airport to be with her family again.”

Mishel Meshes and Steve Burley

Things didn’t go down too well for teacher Mishel and barber shop owner Steve.

Despite seeming to get along well, Mish, 48, who had been cheated on seven times out of her previous eight relationships, struggled to get over the fact Steve, 52, had cheated before.

And after Steve, 52, admitted he wasn’t attracted to his TV wife, things declined further.

They made it to the end of the experiment, but at their final vows, Mishel didn’t hold back saying that she felt like Steve had been stringing her along the entire time.

Stacey Hampton and Michael Goonan

Law graduate Stacey, 25, and company director Michael, 28, looked to be one of the strongest couples of 2020, however, their union wasn’t strong enough to withstand the rumours of an alleged one-night stand between Stacey and Mikey Pembroke.

Following the show, Michael went on to date KC Osbourne, however, the pair later split.

KC Osborne and Drew Brauer

Professional dancer KC, 31, and musician Drew, 31, joined the experiment as an intruder couple, however, they were unlucky in love.

The pair split in July after their relationship was put to the test while living together in Melbourne during lockdown.

Married at First Sight Australia season 8 couples

Melissa Rawson and Bryce Ruthven

Workplace trainer Melissa, 31, and radio announcer Bryce Ruthven were matched on the series which aired in Australia earlier this year, and it was definitely a match made in heaven with the pair decided to stay together at the end of the experiment. They’re now engaged and are expecting twins together. Congrats, guys!

"Married
Melisa and Bryce
Instagram/ @lissrawson

Rebecca Zemek and Jake Edwards

Although they left the experiment as as a couple, business manager Rebecca, 27, and charity CEO Jake, 32, have since gone their separate ways. In May 2021, Rebecca went public with her new boyfriend Ben, as she shared a loved up photo on snap.

Samantha Harvey and Cameron Dunne

Their marriage on the show was far from smooth. In one explosive episode, Samantha broke down as she found out about her “husband’s” affair with fellow bride Coco Stedman. It’s safe to say that was the end of their union. The pair haven’t rekindled their relationship.

Booka Nile and Brett Helling

Like Samantha and Cameron, Booka, 31, and Brett, also 31, broke up before the final decision. In an interview earlier this year, Brett revealed the real reason the pair split, saying: “Booka and I were hanging out one day and we were just having a chat about life and all kinds of things. I think we both just came to the realisation that it wasn’t something we wanted to pursue outside of the experiment.”

Coco Stedman and Sam Carraro

Coco Stedman, 30, and Sam Carraro, 32, called it quits before the end of the experiment. There was trouble from the get go with the pair arguing from the very first commitment ceremony. Coco then tried her luck with Cameron, putting an end to both hers and Sam’s, and Cameron and Samantha’s marriages.

Alana Lister and Jason Engler

Things were looking good for teacher Alana, 30, and construction estimator Jason, 35, as they both admitted there was a physical attraction from the get go. They decided to stay together at the end of the experiment, but unfortunately, they’ve since split.

Alana now has a new boyfriend called Ben Michell and they made theirr relationship official on social media over summer. As for Jason, he went on to date MaFS season six star KC Osborne, but the pair recently split.

Joanne Todd and James Susler

It wasn’t love ay first sight for these two. On their wedding day Jo admitted they were from “totally different worlds” and  James jokingly confessed that he was in love with expert Alessandra – awkward!

They soon decided they weren’t meant for one another and left the experiment.

Jo is now dating Joe Donaghy and James Susler recently went public with his new girlfriend, actress Verity East.

Belinda Vickers and Patrick Dwyer

They were a fan favourite from series eight, with Patrick saying Belinda was the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen when she walked down the aisle. But, sadly, these two are no longer together.

Belinda, 29, and Patrick, 27, decided to stay together at the end of the experiment, but by July 2021, they decided to split.

“As you move forward into the future, it’s pretty important to be heading in the same direction towards the shared future that you both want,” Belinda said after their break up.

Beth Moore and Russell Duance

Beth and Russell realised they were completely different from early on, and left at the second commitment ceremony, so it will come as no shock that they’re no longer a thing.

The news was leaked before that though, as Russell reportedly spilled the beans at a bar three months before the show aired and he was also spotted on dating app Hinge.

Georgia Fairweather and Liam Cooper

When Liam opened up about his bisexuality to wife Georgia, she replied: “As long as you’re the one for me.”

Despite a positive start to their relationship, however, Georgia and Liam are no longer together, after clashing at the final dinner party.

It looks like they’re still on good terms though, with Liam writing a sweet message to Georgia after the final aired.

Liam wrote his ex a sweet message on Instagram after the final aired.

“I really wish things had worked out differently for us G. I wish we didn’t let people get inside our heads and I wish we were better at communicating,” he said.

Kerry Knight and Johnny Balbuziente

They may have started the experiment late, but it was a match made in heaven for Kerry and John. The pair decided to stay together at the end of the series, and they’re still together today. Congrats, guys!

Jaimie Gardner and Chris Jensen

There was trouble from the moment these two met. On their honeymoon, Jaimie called her husband a “dirty grot” on their honeymoon and it only got progressively worse from there.

Chris decided to walk away from the experiment after claiming that Jaimie had said she wanted to stay to the last Commitment Ceremony for the cameras.

Chris is now with cosmetic tattooist Tayla Made, while Jaimie was spotted on Bumble.

Married at First Sight Australia season eight starts on E4 at 7:30pm. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide. Visit our hub for more Entertainment news.