"I think Ryan is worth fighting for, yeah."
The cast of Married at First Sight Australia have been left stunned by bride Jacqui Burfoot's shocking decision to stay in the experiment.
Tonight's episode (28 April) saw our six remaining couples sit down to face the relationship experts for the final commitment ceremony of the 2025 series.
Ahead of the commitment ceremony, Jacqui's husband Ryan Donnelly told cameras: "I'm writing leave. Emotionally, I'm just tired. I have to be realistic."
Sitting down, Ryan told the experts: "At times, I've felt I haven't had a partner, I've had a critic."
In a standout moment, which left the group aghast, Jacqui burst out laughing when expert John Aiken said to Ryan: "You said you don't really feel she ever accepted you as a man."
Asked why she was laughing about "a very personal question", John tackled Jacqui on her inappropriate response before going back to Ryan.
Saying she had compromised throughout the relationship, Jacqui said she lets Ryan leave dishes in the sink and watch TV in bed, leaving the cast in fits of laughter
John pointed out that the situations were very "niche", and Jacqui began sobbing. After remarking that he doesn't feel like he could meet Jacqui's approval, Ryan said he felt drained.
The frustrated group joined in, telling Jacqui that she wasn't listening to Ryan. "I complain about things that are normal," she told the group, adding: "I don't want to be scolded at."
After calling Jacqui's behaviour "critical and judgemental", John took the couple to their decisions. "I'm struggling and I don't want to be struggling, so unfortunately I wrote leave," Ryan said.
Jacqui wrote 'stay', leaving Ryan and the group in a state of shock and confusion. When asked about her decision, Jacqui said: "I think Ryan is worth fighting for, yeah."
Disagreeing with her, bride Awhina said: "No you don't." As one half of the couple decided to stay, the couple have to stay for one more week, meaning they will make it to the final vows.
Elsewhere in the episode, Beth and Teejay found themselves in the same predicament, with Beth writing 'stay' and Teejay writing 'leave'.
Married at First Sight UK airs on E4 in the UK. Married at First Sight Australia airs on Nine Network in Australia and E4 in the UK.
