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Meet the MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT cast for Season 12

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It’s happening again, and (somehow) it’s even crazier than before!

Australia’s No. 1 reality television show and most talked about social experiment, Married at First Sight, returns on Monday, January 27 at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now for its blockbuster 12th season.

The new season marks a decade since the reality juggernaut first began in 2015, captivating Australia with its bold and unique take on the eternal search for love.

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In 2025, Married at First Sight brings even more spellbinding outpourings of love, romance, passion and drama as a new set of 20 brides and grooms take the huge leap of faith and embark on their marital journey with someone they’ve only just met at the altar.

Season 12 of Married at First Sight will be the most explosive series yet, showcasing moments never seen before in the history of the show. The drama begins straight from the weddings, where bombshells are dropped at first sight, shaping relationships for the entire experiment. Instant sparks fly for some, and others hit the friendzone.

In a brand-new twist to the experiment, some of the strongest couples will be faced with their biggest challenge yet: Final Test Week, an international MAFS first, where the participants will be confronted with the age-old question, “is the grass greener on the other side?”.

This season is certain to get Australia talking and falling in love with these new couples. With the unpredictable Dinner Parties and emotionally charged Commitment Ceremonies, prepare for laughter, tears and a whole lot of drama, as this season surprises with shock twists and turns.

Our trio of experts are returning, certified sexologist Alessandra Rampolla and relationship experts John Aiken and Mel Schilling. They will match our singles before guiding the couples throughout their marriage journey and putting them to the ultimate test of building genuine, long-lasting relationships.

This season, the brides and grooms will fast-track their relationship, baring all in the most honest, raw, relatable and vulnerable display of emotions in this gripping quest for marital bliss. Ten years on, Married at First Sight continues to be the talk of the nation, capturing millions of viewers and hearts.

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Get ready for unprecedented drama matched with fairytale romances as television’s biggest reality show returns for its most highly anticipated season yet. Married at First Sight is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Entertainment Company) for the 9Network.


MEET THE BRIDES AND GROOMS

ASH, 34
Dance Studio Owner (QLD)

Fun, energetic and loveable, Ash teaches dancing at her Gold Coast studio. She is currently living with her sister and nephew in a house full of animals.

Describing herself as playful and caring, Ash is looking for someone honest, warm and kind. Always surrounded by kids, she would love to find someone to start a family with.

A declared MAFS fan, Ash says she learnt a lot about relationships from watching the show last year and it made her realise she was in a toxic relationship. Ash is here to find the one – someone who can give her everything that she deserves.

AWHINA, 30
Aged Care Worker (WA)

An outspoken life of the party, Awhina is one of this year’s most opinionated brides. Proud of her New Zealand heritage, she comes from a tight-knit family and calls her twin sister Cleo her best friend. Awhina jokes that her future husband will have to learn pretty quickly that her and Cleo come as a package deal.

Awhina has a six-year-old son from her partner of 15 years. They were high school sweethearts, and it’s a long time since Awhina has been in the dating world. Since being single, she hasn’t had a chance to date and is putting her trust in the MAFS experts to do the hard work for her.

Loud, bubbly and caring, Awhina considers herself a perfect catch, and lists cooking and cleaning as her way to de-stress and relax.

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CARINA, 31
Digital Marketing Manager (WA)

Hailing from a large traditional Italian family, Carina is one of five siblings and the only one not married. She feels the pressure to tie the knot, and her mother even has a checklist of qualities for the man she should marry.

Bubbly, bright and glamorous, Carina is not afraid to tell it how it is, doesn’t shy away from confrontation, and will stand up for what’s right.

Her ideal husband would be tall, handsome, European and educated. One thing he must be able to do is fit in with her loud family.

JACQUI, 29
Consultant (NSW)

Successful and determined, Jacqui is a high achiever who confidently describes herself as “having the beauty and the brains”. She has worn multiple hats. Jacqui is a certified yoga teacher, has a double degree in law and finance with first-class honours in law, and is a model, having won the title of Miss New Zealand in 2012.

When it comes to relationships, Jacqui admits to being very intense and needing to work on being less needy. After splitting from her partner of seven years, she moved to Australia from New Zealand a year ago and is now ready to settle down.

At the end of the aisle, Jacqui is hoping for a tall, blonde, open-minded and intelligent man – ideally, a male version of herself.

JAMIE, 28
Account Manager (VIC)

Jamie comes from a big Greek family, embodying the typical Greek character traits. Every week at church her dad prays for her to find a husband, “a good Greek boy” to settle down with.

Confident and loyal, Jamie is a pocket rocket with a big personality that exceeds her stature(157 cm, 5’2”).

Describing herself as feisty and passionate, she has a strong moral compass and will stand up for what is right.

She has no problem getting involved in other people’s business.

Jamie’s ideal husband is someone covered in tattoos who loves hard, but at the same time is also patient, kind and calming – someone she can call a best friend.

KATIE, 37
CEO (QLD)

Bright, bubbly Katie will light up any room she walks into.

Dominant and bold, Katie often feels like she scares off potential suitors. She is a highly successful CEO of a chain of restaurants that donates half its profits to charity, but Katie says her dating life is the opposite – she’s not so good at it. Katie is an easygoing individual who has no problems

interrogating a man on a first date, asking hard-hitting questions about sex and intimacy.

However, despite her open and friendly nature, she has largely been unlucky in love and is sick of being disappointed.

Katie is looking for a decent man who is kind, honest, wants a family and knows how to communicate.

LAUREN, 37
Business Owner (QLD)

Fiercely independent with extremely high standards, Lauren knows what she wants and won’t settle for anything but a real man – a man that is instinctively masculine, chivalrous, and takes the lead.

Lauren considers herself an old-school romantic and jokes that she was born in the wrong decade. She’s a homemaker at heart who wants to take care of her man – she is definitely “wife material”. But modern dating is not for her, and she admits that communicating isn’t her strong suit.

As a successful business owner, running her own corporate gift business, Lauren knows she can come across as standoff-ish and people are often quick to judge her.

So she is hoping the experts can help her to not only find the perfect match but teach her a few things along the way.

MORENA, 57
DJ / Fitness Instructor (VIC)

Growing up in a strict Italian family, vivacious, larger-than-life Morena is proof that age does not define you.

Becoming a DJ at 53 gave her a new lease on life – she gets paid to dress up, dance and meet different people on a weekly basis.

A single mum with two teenage children, it has been seven years since her 29-year marriage ended.

Now Morena has learnt not to lower her standards, and to put herself first.

A self-described firecracker with no filter, Morena is putting her trust in the experts to find someone who matches her energy – something that has eluded her. Morena wants to find a king who will treat her like a queen.

RHI, 34
Account Manager (VIC)

Sick of being single and tired of the modern dating scene, Rhi is craving her perfect match. Fresh from a seven-year relationship, and admitting she has never really been in love, Rhi now realises what qualities to look for in a partner. She wants to settle down and raise a family.

A fitness blogger, she wakes before sunrise to hit the gym, describing herself as a “routine person” who is strict with meal prep and loves a schedule.

Loyal, considerate and trustworthy, Rhi is looking for someone to do life with who is equally as driven and has a warm heart and kind eyes. She believes that laughter is the key to a healthy, happy relationship.

SIERAH, 31
Financial Associate Advisor (VIC)

Outspoken, brazen and resilient, Sierah has little experience of relationships, with four months being the longest time she has ever dated someone. But that has to change, as she wants to share her life with a man and plan a future, which is why she has entered the experiment.

A tough upbringing has made Sierah fiercely independent and self-sufficient – she doesn’t rely on anyone, therefore doesn’t put up with any nonsense. She has extremely high standards and is not interested in dating apps, making it hard for her to meet people.

The spark is very important to Sierah, but most importantly she is looking for a kind, caring, compassionate man, someone she can fall in love with for the first time.

ADRIAN, 30
E-Commerce Business Owner (NSW)

Adrian grew up in a large, vibrant Greek family, the eldest of five children including an identical twin brother and twin sisters.

He gives himself a perfect ten for looks and personality, so he doesn’t lack confidence. He is also driven and always looking for ways to improve himself.

Adrian runs his own E-commerce business, designing and selling sports bags, a time-consuming enterprise that makes him lonely at times. He’s ready to find a partner that understands him, someone who wants to live a simple yet balanced life together.

He is looking for a woman who is open, honest, comfortable in her own skin and can bring out his romantic side.

BILLY, 31
Plasterer (WA)

Billy is the quintessential English chap, having moved from England to Perth with his family 15 years ago. A self-proclaimed mummy’s boy, Billy calls his mother his best friend.

A loyal person who stands up for what’s right, Billy will go to extremes to protect his partner and those he loves.

Loud, confident and romantic, Billy moves fast in relationships, wearing his heart on his sleeve, and loves to spoil his partner.

Billy is looking for “miss perfect”, describing his ideal partner as positive, confident, and someone who enjoys Saturday nights at home with a glass of wine and a home-cooked meal.

DAVE, 36
Builder (VIC)

At a whopping 200cm tall(6’7”), Dave, a loveable friendly giant, is giving love another shot after an engagement that ended a year ago. Having lost himself in that relationship,

Dave has spent time working on himself and is ready to dive headfirst into the MAFS experiment.

With his stature and tattoos, people are often quick to judge Dave the wrong way – but deep down he is a big softie who gives all of himself in a relationship.

Dave says he is caring, thoughtful, respectful and a little bit goofy. He enjoys the small things in life and is hoping for a like-minded partner.

His ideal match would be someone with a natural smile who can be herself and, most importantly, make him laugh – funny girls help him relax.

ELIOT, 35
Business Owner (QLD)

Well-travelled, confident and blunt, straight-shooter Eliot knows exactly what he wants in a partner. Aspiring to have a nuclear family, Eliot is looking for a traditional relationship where he is the provider.

Having set up businesses in Australia and Sri Lanka, Eliot calls the Gold Coast home and lives a relaxed beach lifestyle.

With a lengthy list of attributes for his future partner, Eliot admits to very high standards and his number one deal-breaker is a lack of authenticity – if she’s not authentic Eliot will run.

He calls himself a lone wolf, but now he wants a partnership with a classy woman who will soften his hard edges.

JAKE, 30
Teacher (WA)

Self-confessed nerd Jake is a high school PE teacher from Perth. He loves to watch YouTube, anime, play computer games, and is a huge karaoke fan.

With his quirky style and love for a party shirt, Jake describes himself as a “golden retriever”, full of energy. However, he says people can find it a little annoying.

Having had two serious relationships, one lasting ten years and one lasting three, including a called-off engagement, Jake blames his inability to communicate as the problem.

He hasn’t found anyone on his wavelength since his last relationship and is looking for a good communicator to help him express his feelings properly.

JEFF, 39
Electrician (VIC)

Down-to-earth Jeff is seeking his forever partner. Jeff is putting his trust in the experts to hopefully find his happy ending.

Raised by a single mum who worked endlessly to provide for him and his brother, Jeff calls her his hero. Seeing how tough it was for her has made him realise he wants to meet the right woman to start a family with.

A self-proclaimed softie, Jeff regards himself as loving, caring and fun. Nearing 40, he is feeling the pressure to settle down and raise a family.

He wants a partner with similar values and interests, who has his back and supports him.

PAUL, 30
Wellness Advisor (WA)

Suave and charming Frenchman Paul moved to Australia 11 years ago with his family from Nice on the Côte d’ Azur. He says he’s a big softie with a good heart and has no problem approaching a woman he likes.

Paul’s parents have been married for 40 years and that is the type of relationship he is after. He’s a hopeless romantic who feels like he has exhausted all dating avenues, having tried the apps with no luck and gone through the small dating pool in Perth.

After two long-term relationships that ended badly and being single for three years, Paul is ready to let someone into his life. His ideal partner is a woman with European flair, a smile that lights up a room, and a great sense of humour.

RYAN, 36
Project Manager (NSW)

Adventurous, confident and instinctively protective, Ryan describes himself as a warrior who wants to get the most out of life.

Ryan has dated a lot of Sydney women and is sick of putting effort into dates that isn’t reciprocated. He prides himself on planning the perfect date, carefully selecting the venue and turning up full of confidence, curiosity and consideration.

Ryan likes to be in control, likes making his partners feel safe, and wants to support their ambitions and discover their hobbies. He proclaims that he knows how to treat a woman with love and respect.

He hopes to be matched with someone on his level who is equally intelligent and believes attraction can manifest in many forms, listing physical chemistry as very important.

TIM, 38
Primary School Teacher (VIC)

Unlucky in love, teacher Tim says that working with children brings him so much joy – so much that he hopes to have his own children one day.

Tim has had heartbreak. He was close to proposing to his girlfriend before she suddenly ended the relationship, after which he took a year to work on himself and recover. Now he is ready to meet his wife and start the marriage journey.

Chilled and laidback, Tim reckons he’s romantic, “a big, cuddly teddy bear” who gives everything in a relationship. He is looking for a caring partner, and it’s all about having a genuine connection.

TONY, 53
Charter Captain (NSW)

Loud and boisterous Tony hails from Wollongong and is living in the house he grew up in. He calls it the most beautiful place on Earth. Tony’s rich Macedonian roots mean he knows everyone in the community, and loves to bring people together and entertain.

He runs a fishing charter business and spends every day on the boat. Happiest on the water, the only thing missing from Tony’s life is having someone to share that happiness with.

Tony has been married twice and misses the joy and connection that comes with married life. He idolises his parents and the marriage they had, calling them “the most beautiful people in the world”.

Having gone through the highs and lows of love, he is hoping to fall in love again and move on with life. So Tony is looking for a genuine, supportive and truly committed partner who can match his energy.

MEET THE EXPERTS

ALESSANDRA RAMPOLLA
CERTIFIED SEXOLOGIST

Alessandra Rampolla, a certified clinical sexologist from San Juan in Puerto Rico with over 20 years’ experience, returns to Married at First Sight for its 12th season in 2025.

Alessandra began her career as a clinical sexologist counselling individuals and couples. She was educated in the United States, has a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, and holds a number of other degrees and certifications in the field of sexology.

Alessandra has brought her expertise in sexology to television since starting out on a news program in Puerto Rico. She has also starred in various programs around the world, such as the international Emmy Award-nominated School For Husbands seen throughout Latin America and Sex Hospital in the UK.

She has also been a regular guest on international shows like Dr Phil. Alessandra has hosted her own radio show, is the bestselling author of five books, and maintains a close relationship with her fans, amassing over two million followers on social media.

“I remain dedicated to helping our couples build open, non-judgemental, pleasure-positive sexual connections as a means to nourish and strengthen loving, committed, romantic relationships, ” she says.

JOHN AIKEN
RELATIONSHIP EXPERT

John Aiken has been working in the field of relationships for over 25 years. He has successfully run a private practice over this time, giving out practical advice to singles and couples.

He thrives in his role as relationship expert on Married at First Sight and says: “Over the seasons my role has become very clear, to give out hard-hitting advice to the couples and hold them accountable for their actions during the experiment. I need them to listen, then do better as they progress in the experiment and hopefully find love.”

As well as providing expert skills on Married at First Sight, John has hosted and provided expert commentary on a number of other TV shows, including ABC’s Making Couples Happy and Making Families Happy. He has appeared as the relationship expert on Channel 9’s TODAY, TODAY Extra and A Current Affair, and is the weekly dating and relationship expert for 9Honey. John is also a bestselling author, runs exclusive relationship retreats, and is a sought-after speaker.

“This experiment is a unique and ground-breaking experience for all the couples who take part. They enter the process with dreams of finding someone special and are then confronted with their own problem patterns that they need to address, ” he says.

“It’s our job as experts to hold a mirror up to them, give them direct feedback, and hope they break these toxic cycles and find love. It’s compelling, dramatic and heartbreaking, and has the possibility of a fairy tale at the end of the journey.”

MEL SCHILLING
DATING AND RELATIONSHIP EXPERT

Mel Schilling is a dating and relationship expert who is passionate about educating, motivating and inspiring people to be their best. She works with a variety of clients across all stages of life – from dating to relationships, parenthood, career and divorce. She believes the number one ingredient for happiness is having great relationships, whether that’s with intimate partners, family, friends or work colleagues.

Of Married at First Sight, she says: “One of the great challenges for our couples is to let go of old behaviour patterns. When they enter the experiment, they have often been single for a long time and there are always underlying reasons for this. Our couples need to unlearn old habits, trust the process and take risks in order to learn new ways to not only communicate but also flourish in relationships.”

Mel has more than 20 years’ experience in both the corporate and therapeutic arenas. She has worked as a business and personal coach to people at all business levels, from graduates to C-suite professionals, and has operated in Australasia and the Middle East. In 2021, Mel joined Married at First Sight UK which underwent a massive makeover, adopting the Australian format, recently airing its ninth season.

Mel has also penned a book and an online membership experience – The C Word, expertly aimed at helping high-achieving women to live confident, extraordinary lives without leaving their comfort zone. Mel says: “Courage emerges when what you want is bigger than what you fear.”


MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT season 12 – returns Monday January 27 at 7:30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

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Steve Molk
Steve Molkhttps://tvblackbox.com.au/author-steve-molk/
Steve Molk is sharply focused on the business of TV in Australia across all its formats - FTA broadcast, commercial, subscription, catch up & BVOD. Based on the Central Coast of NSW he's a passionate advocate for Australian-made programming, particularly drama and comedy. He loves podcasting, gaming & watching too much TV. For all media enquiries please call or text 0401-709-405
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