MAFS Australia bride’s secret romance with contestant who WASN’T her groom revealed as series kicks off in UK
MARRIED At First Sight Australia star Lauren Hall has previously dated a very controversial groom from last series.
The new E4 series kicked off on Monday in the UK after having aired Down Under earlier this year.
Lauren, 37, walked down the aisle to meet Eliot Donovan, 35 – who had said in his VT that he was very “traditional” and wanted a wife younger than him.
But before the show, Lauren previously dated Jono McCullough, who ended up in an explosive couple swap on series 11.
Lauren and Jono reportedly dated for three months before breaking things off in January 2023.
An insider revealed producers were aware of Lauren’s connection to Jono before casting her, hoping to “quietly sweep it under the rug.”
It is understood that the pair ended amicably at the time.
Jono was partnered with fiery Lauren Dunn but they clashed time and time again.
Lauren discovered that Jono had been texting co-star Ellie Dix behind her back but denied anything was going on.
He and Ellie later dropped a huge bombshell at the reunion show when they arrived arm-in-arm and confirmed they were a couple.
Ellie and Jono are still going strong a year after going public with their relationship.
Last night, viewers were shocked as a preview clip showed Eliot packing his bags and quitting the process after just three days.
Eliot told the cameras he had a list of “non negotiable” reasons why he was walking out on his 37-year-old new wife.
The 35-year-old draftsman said: “There are definitely things on my non negotiable list that don’t line up.
“I’m not into luxury luggage. It’s just things I know I’m not willing to compromise on.”
Eliot and Lauren were shown tying the knot in Monday’s launch show for Married At First Sight Australia 2025.
However, Eliot managed to get both MAFS fans and grooms’ backs up within minutes of the episode getting underway at the Bucks’ Party.
The businessman ruffled feathers as he admitted he had the “longest list of non-negotiables” and said he would not entertain the thought of a marriage with a “trashy, obnoxious” woman.
He then appeared to have a clash with 38-year-old primary school teacher, Tim.
Eliot told Tim that his idea of “over-caring” for his partner would give him “the ick”, while Tim admitted off camera: “That to me is a bit of a red flag.”
His wedding day with Lauren was also marred by her wayward sister Tamara, who irritated both them and fans at home.
But despite Tamara causing trouble, the couple did manage to make it through their Big Day and jetted off on honeymoon together.
Married At First Sight Australia Couples 2025
Lauren, 37, Business Owner, and Clint, 43, Pro Golfer
Eliot, 35, Business Owner, and Veronica, 32, Personal Trainer/Actor
Beth, 28, Salon Manager, and Teejay, 28, Business Development Manager
Jacqui, 29, Consultant, and Ryan, 36, Project Manager
Morena, 57, DJ/Fitness Instructor, and Tony, 53, Charter Captain
Rhi, 34, Account Manager, and Jeff, 39, Electrician
Ashleigh, 34, Dance Studio Owner, and Jake, 30, Teacher
Awhina, 30, Aged Care Worker, and Adrian, 30, E-Commerce Business Owner
Sierah, 31, Financial Associate Advisor, and Billy, 31, Plasterer
Jamie, 28, Account Manager, and Dave, 36, Builder
Katie, 37, CEO and Tim, 38, Primary School Teacher
Carina, 31, Digital Marketing Manager and Paul, 30, Wellness Advisor
The Sun previously told how Eliot also takes a major issue with Lauren’s age – 37, which is two years younger than himself, before he walks out.
Eliot, who described himself as a “catch”, complains to a producer: “There was definitely things on my non-negotiables, right?’
“I wanted someone that was younger than me, preferably someone under 30.”
In a brutal blow, he tells his new wife: “There’s just some things that I know I’m not willing to compromise on.”
The 12th season of Married At First Sight Australia kicked off this week and fans are in for a wild ride.