Since 2019, I have been completely addicted to Married at First Sight Australia. So much so that I eagerly await the new year for a new season to start. MAFS Australia is fun, beautiful, over the top, and super juicy. I’m genuinely jealous if you’re now thinking: huh, never seen it. Then you have so many amazing seasons to binge-watch. Starting from season 5, the format was adjusted to create the most delightful series (think altar, parties, families, living together, dinners, commitment ceremonies, and sexual advice). For everyone who, like me, was glued to the TV like an addict, here’s an update on all the couples who are still together today. MAFS Australia: The couples who made it Erin & Bryce (S2) The longest-lasting MAFS couple. Together since 2016. Low profile, high love. Erin & Bryce deliberately keep their relationship out of the spotlight, avoid a lot of social media, and say this helps their success. Jules & Cam (S6) This is the most celebrated MAFS couple ever. They are fun, sweet, kind, and humble. Everyone longs for a fairytale like Jules & Cam. In 2019, Jules & Cam got married for real — without cameras and fellow cast members. In 2020, their first child, son Oliver, was born. In 2024, their second son, Carter. Jules & Cam are proof that a MAFS match can work not only in a reality setting but also in real life. Love, growth, truly living with ups and downs. Their story is one of the most believable success stories in the MAFS universe. Due to their popularity, Jules & Cam have become real celebrities. They are often invited to red carpets and charity events. Jules launched her own shapewear line, Figur, focused on inclusive sizes and body positivity, became the face of several beauty brands, and collaborates with brands like Olay. Cam works with sports and family brands and regularly writes columns about fatherhood and wellbeing. Martha & Michael (S6) Still together, engaged, with a child. In the same season 6, we also saw Martha & Michael. Martha, as a makeup artist, was perhaps a bit too trendy for Michael, but you saw their love grow throughout the season (and in the years after). Michael, formerly a primary school teacher, is now a personal trainer. They remarried in 2021, and in February 2023, they became parents to son Lucius. Martha worked on her career through the beauty podcast Swipe Up, appeared on Celebrity Apprentice (2021), and has collaborations with brands like Priceline and Olay. Martha & Michael live in Bondi Beach, Sydney. Kerry & Johnny (S8) The second friendliest and nicest couple from MAFS Australia. Attractive, fun, and warm. Their love radiated from the screen. In July 2022, Johnny got down on one knee during a boat trip on Sydney Harbour, and on January 5, 2023, their wedding took place in Brisbane. On June 14, 2024, their daughter Chloe Rossi Balbuziente was born. They moved to Brisbane with their dog Enzo. Kerry is rightly praised for her authenticity; she is honest and doesn’t keep up appearances. Melissa & Bryce (S8) Married since 2023 and parents of twins. No one saw this coming. He was extremely awkward, unfriendly, and not tactful. Soon, he admitted Melissa wasn’t his type (during the question box). He lied about contact with his ex and gaslit her to the max. But Melissa stayed. In fact, he proposed, and they remarried without cameras. In October 2021, they became parents to twin boys Levi & Tate. Melissa also shares their family life openly on Instagram, about motherhood, body positivity, and balancing work & family. Honestly, I did not expect this. Evelyn & Duncan (S10) The most perfect couple swap ever. They weren’t matched to each other but apparently the love of each other’s lives. Evelyn, way too attractive, was matched with Rupert. Honestly, that really didn’t work. What a massive nutcracker, maybe the nutcracker of the century. Duncan was matched with Alyssa, a sweet girl, but not the perfect match either. But after the show, something blossomed between these two lovely people. Evelyn & Duncan. They started as friends, but after filming, the romance began — and in May 2023, they officially became a couple. In August 2023, they moved in together in Sydney, including Evelyn’s two dachshunds (Pickles & Mustard). On Instagram, I saw they went on vacation to Hong Kong & Vietnam. And this is maybe the sweetest part: about their age difference, Evelyn said, “it feels more like a blessing than an issue.” Luckily, we can still enjoy them together: they have their own successful podcast where they recap MAFS Dinner Parties, giving their wonderfully unfiltered opinions on all the MAFS drama. Jade & Ridge (S11) Jade & Ridge were one of the two surprise couples who joined later in the MAFS season. But not without success. The couple is still happy despite rumors during the show that Ridge cheated. In May 2024, Ridge moved from Sydney to the Gold Coast to live with Jade and her daughter Victoria (now 8 years old). For me, they were not the most sparkling couple. But in Australia, they are certainly popular, with 50k followers on TikTok watching their videos (vacations to Bali) and family outings, showing that their relationship is no longer an experiment — but true love. Jono & Ellie (S11) After the experiment, they became a couple, now living together and in love. Nobody saw this coming. During the reunion, they announced their relationship. I couldn’t believe it. But to this day, they’re still together. In fact, they live together on the Gold Coast, where they bought their first home. They share a lot of their life on Instagram, and I see many vacations passing by. Billy & Awhina (S12) First friends, now lovers. Officially together. Ahhhhh Billy & Awhina, how incredibly sweet. Not officially matched, but now together. Billy was matched with ice queen Shierhah, Awhina with Adrian. But without success. How nice that they found each other now. It started with friendship, but since June 2025, they are officially a couple. On Instagram, they wrote: “I’ll keep this one.” From friendship to love. What’s totally amazing is that Billy shows his bond with son Landon. Bye bye Adrian & Shierhah. Elliot & Jamie (S12) Whoop whoop: New romance alert! Elliot & Jamie have recently become a couple. At the bachelor party, I really thought, I can’t stand Jamie. What a loud, redneck type. But he turned out to be one of the nicest, most honest, and genuine participants of the year. Jamie, matched with Dave, seemed like a dream couple. But unfortunately, Dave flipped like a leaf in the wind. Elliot was matched with two lunatics. Although I initially thought it was his fault, later he proved to be a beautiful person inside and out. I really love that these two are together. Whether it’s official yet, I doubt, but for now, I’m just going to believe hard and hope they stay together forever. MAFS Australia: These couples have split Jack & Tori (S11) Separated since March 2025. An unusual couple. Jack is really a pain. Tori is sweet. Sometimes I thought her gaze resembled Diana’s when she looked up from below. Often I sat in front of the TV thinking: Run Tori. Run. But no, she stayed. In fact, she moved to the Gold Coast for Jack and still lives there. They say they have no fights or drama. They parted as friends and are still sports buddies. By Danielle Heerkens
I know, narcissism is really the buzzword of the moment. But believe me, I’ve witnessed up close a situation where we were not one hundred but a thousand percent sure we were dealing with a narcissist. One of my very best friends, a super-intelligent woman, also fell into the trap of a charismatic narcissist. While I can’t go into the exact details, I have dived into this personality disorder and can perhaps help you recognize all the traits to watch for if you also suspect you’re dealing with a narcissist. Because the signs aren’t always easy to spot. Especially in the beginning, they love-bomb you all over with their fake charisma.1. An extremely exaggerated sense of self-importance (aka, they play the lead in every story) Narcissists truly believe they are special. Not just exceptionally nice or smart, no – unique, brilliant, and elevated above the rest. You can tell a ten-minute story about your promotion; they have an even more spectacular story, complete with applause, a conga line, confetti, and a Nobel Prize nomination.2. They want constant admiration. Always. Everywhere. A narcissist without attention is like a cappuccino without foam. They need it like oxygen. Whether on social media or in real life, there must be clapping and cheering. No attention? Then they are immediately offended.3. Grandiosity 24/7 The world revolves around them – them and only them. They dream of endless power, fame, and success. Naturally, it should come to them effortlessly. And you? You’re a supporting character in their self-written bestseller.4. Traits of a narcissist: MANIPULATION in bold and capital letters. A narcissist knows exactly which buttons to push. Emotional blackmail? Check. Making you think you’re the crazy one? Check. They are so skilled at gaslighting that afterward, you feel like you should apologize. Um, no. Don’t Run: FLY!!5. Lack of empathy (and an empty emotional fridge) Are you crying? You get a pat on the shoulder that feels like it was given by a robot. Narcissists feel little to nothing if it doesn’t concern themselves. Emotional depth simply isn’t there. Or it’s very, very well acted. 6. Unreasonable expectations of others A narcissist expects you to always be ready for them immediately. Even if you just stepped onto a plane, your mother is going into surgery, or it’s Christmas.7. Another striking trait: they are intensely addicted to attention and control Narcissists want to hold the reins. In relationships, friendships, at work – control is key. And if they threaten to lose it? Cue the all-over drama. And the inevitable blame game, which always lands on you.8. Extremely jealous Striking, because you might think: “If someone is so full of themselves, why would they be jealous?” Simple. Because everything you have, they want too – and bigger and better. A job, a new car, a vacation? They genuinely believe they deserve it more than you do. 9. Power is everything they want Power, whether in the kitchen, store, or at work – they want you to do what they want. Always. Power can also be small: dominating the conversation. And if you resist? Expect a storm of criticism.10. Playfully charming and charismatic, but the mask always falls off At first, they are so enchanting. You think: “Wow, I’ve never met anyone like this.” True. Because the first part is top-tier acting. Love bombing deluxe. But, slowly you see that charm isn’t real, and there’s something very cold underneath. And honestly, you feel it in your gut. You don’t want to admit it because it was too good. Your soul mate. The partner of your life. Or friend of a lifetime. But deep down, you know, “Something isn’t right.”Quick recap? Here are the 5 typical habits of a narcissist Grandiosity – they feel more important than anyone else. Entitlement – they believe rules apply to others, not them. Attention-seeking – hungry, dramatic, insatiable. Manipulation – always your fault. Always. Lack of empathy – emotions? Only if it benefits them. If you’re now thinking: “Shit, this sounds like my ex, my boss, my partner…” then it’s time to be honest with yourself, or you’ll be stuck in this situation for years. No matter how difficult it is. Set your own boundaries. You can’t change a narcissist, but you can choose yourself.Source: Psychology Today | Image: Netflix (You) | Prime Video (American Psycho) | HBO (Game of Thrones)By Danielle Heerkens
