Two former stars are set to return to the Married at First Sight Australia experiment this week, but fans are not happy about it
Married at First Sight Australia fans were left feeling less than impressed after the show revealed two former stars are set for a comeback, but Katie wasn't among them.
Season 12 of the hit reality TV programme is well underway on E4, showcasing a fresh batch of hopefuls venturing into married life, which hasn't been without its share of turbulence.
The upcoming episodes promise to dial up the excitement as new brides and grooms join the fray, but there's a catch - not all are first-time participants in this matrimonial venture.
On Sunday (March 23), E4's official Instagram account teased fans with snaps of the latest entrants, Beth, Clint, Teejay and Veronica, as well as past contestants Lauren and Eliot.
"Introducing (and reintroducing) the rest of this year's #MAFSAU brides and grooms!" the post's caption read.
Viewers may remember 37-year-old entrepreneur Lauren and 35-year-old business manager Eliot, who the experts initially paired up at the start of the series
Eliot stirred controversy immediately with his demands for what he wouldn't accept in a wife, declaring a firm no to any "trashy, obnoxious woman" and confessing he'd pull out of the wedding if his bride didn't appeal to him visually.
Lauren appeared to resonate with Eliot's views on traditional gender roles, with both finding common ground at their first meeting. Nonetheless, their relationship took a nosedive during their honeymoon.
After several heated disagreements, Eliot made a swift exit from the Married At First Sight experiment after just two days, as he felt that Lauren didn't match his strict criteria.
Lauren expressed her frustration, remarking, "He's just closed off because he didn't get exactly what he wanted. He's so annoying, I can't stand him," and later confided to the cameras that she felt Eliot had stripped her of the experience.
Eliot went on to justify his abrupt departure in a meeting with expert John Aiken, saying, "I've been pretty consistent with what I've been looking for. The person I was matched with was nothing like that. I was expecting to meet a cute librarian-like girl that was younger than me, and I ended up with what felt like a Kardashian sister."
The announcement that Lauren and Eliot will return to MAFS with new partners has led to a flurry of reactions online. "It's a joke now," one person said, with another adding: "It's not right."
A third said: "Eliot should not be allowed back on the show, that's ridiculous."
Simultaneously, some viewers feel let down that Katie, a past bride who also encountered challenges, wasn't offered a second chance instead.
At the outset of the series, 37-year-old business manager Katie was coupled with primary school teacher Tim, aged 38. On paper, they seemed to be a good match. Nevertheless, Tim swiftly informed the producers he felt no "spark" after his initial meeting with Katie at the altar.
Despite being aware of Tim's lack of attraction, Katie endeavoured to foster their relationship during their honeymoon. However, her partner remained indifferent and unexpectedly returned to Melbourne instead of moving into their shared residence.
Compounding the situation, Tim later claimed to fellow cast members that he had been "making the most effort" in the marriage, causing Katie to reassess their interactions. Ultimately, it wasn't shocking when they chose to "leave" during the show's first commitment ceremony.
In response to the new cast members, one fan wrote: "Katie should of been given another chance with someone decent," while another chimed in: "Eliot what?! Where is Katie?!"
A third supporter suggested: "Katie should have been given a second chance," and others echoed the sentiment, questioning: "Why can't Katie come back as well?"
Married at First Sight Australia airs Monday to Thursday on E4 at 7.30pm
