Australian Idol 2024 delivered possibly the most shocking verdict of the reboot thus far when Ripley Alexander was sent home during the first Live Elimination show on February 27.
After 1.3 million votes were cast, Ripley, alongside Ivana, Imogen and TJ was placed in the bottom four with his following departure leaving all four judges, the viewers at home and Ripley “shocked”.
“I’m still a bit shocked if I’m completely honest with you,” the 19-year-old said in an interview with Chattrthe morning after his elimination; adding that he had actually felt like he was going hom.
“Yeah, I just woke up [on the morning of the Live Show] and I was like, it doesn’t feel right today,” he revealed. “But believe me, I wanted to stay.”
Ripley Alexander, Australian Idol. Seven
Ripley Alexander on writing songs and his autism diagnosis
While his incredible vocal range and all-round persona have captured the Nation, there’s no doubt that this is not the last we’ll see of the singer who has vowed “to get a record deal and release some of my own music”.
When questioned whether they were songs he wrote, he was quick to tell us that he had penned over 300, likening writing lyrics to writing in a journal — prompting him to reveal that he has autism.
“It’s cathartic,” he said of writing. “It’s one of those things that I can’t explain. I don’t show a lot of emotions — autism kind of does that to people — and I find writing songs is my outlet for just life and I can be whoever I want to be. I choose to be myself when I’m writing.”
While something that he has had to learn to live with, for Ripley, having the diagnosis is “not an excuse”.
“I can’t speak for everyone but I’m sick and tired of people without autism trying to use autism as an excuse,” he said. “It’s just a different brain. It’s not something that hurts. It’s not something that changes. It changes your everyday perspective, and I am who I am.”
Ripley Alexander, Australian Idol. Seven
Ripley on his Harry Styles comparison
When Ripley catapulted to stardom with his take on Mamma Mia during the audition round (which has now garnered him 122.2k followers on TikTok), people likened him to Harry Styles.
And while previously he’d jump to say he was different to the global pop star, he now says he doesn’t “give him enough credit”.
“I don’t think I’d be as comfortable being myself if it wasn’t for him,” he said.
Australian Idol continues at 7.00pm on Sundays and Mondays and Tuesdays at 7.30 pm on Channel 7 and 7plus.
It’s a tale (almost) as old as time, a MAFS participant breaks up with their significant other to go on the show and bag themselves a bunch of Instagram followers.
While we’ve already heard it go down with Jack Dunkley, there’s apparently a bride who broke up with their partner in pursuit of a place on the hit reality show.
According to So Dramatic,Ellie Dix dumped her boyfriend of four months for MAFS, and she apparently openly admitted it during filming.
“Ellie was dating a guy for about four months before MAFS and broke up with him to go on the show,” a source told the publication.
“She openly admitted this to Ben [Walters]on their honeymoon during the Confessions Box challenge. She said it on camera, but they never showed it.”
MAFS. Nine.
Multiple former MAFS contestants backed the insider’s claims.
“It’s funny that Ben copped so much s**t from Ellie’s cousin for being fame-hungry when that’s exactly why she went on the show,” one anonymous cast member told the title.
“Ellie openly said before going on the show that she was going on because she wanted fame,” a second said. “She wants to go out and do her own cosmetics business.”
MAFS. Nine.
Ellie’s new relationship
**WARNING: This article contains potential spoilers for MAFS 2024.**
In one of the most shocking leaks so far, photos were published of Ellie and Jonothan McCullough, who’s partnered with Lauren Dunn, looking very cosy.
The first set of leaked pics showed Jonathan at Ellie’s Christmas work party, which would have taken place a few months after the season officially finished filming.
A second set of photos was also published by Daily Mail Australia that show Ellie and Jonathan full-on macking on in the ocean at Sydney’s Tamarama Beach.
Watch Married at First Sight Sundays at 7.00pm and Monday – Thursday at 7.30pm on Nine and 9Now.
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here is returning for its tenth season, and we know when the air date is.
Robert Irwin will be making his debut as a host, alongside Julia Morris on the show on Sunday, 24 March on 10 and 10 Play.
If you can’t wait until then, we’ve got a little sneak peek of the youngest Irwin (bar Bindi’s daughter, OFC) in his new role. Plus, Robert even performs a lil’ song for good measure.
What happened to Dr Chris Brown?
Dr Chris Brown hosted I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Australia alongside Julia Morris since the show’s inception in 2015.
In February 2023. the celebrity vet announced that he was leaving Network 10. He has signed a two-year deal with Network 7 to work on two different projects.
Who will be on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here Australia 2024?
None of the cast has been confirmed yet, however, it’s only a matter of time until those mysterious clues start dropping for the upcoming season.
Plus, word on the street is that Robert will be recruiting some of his high-profile pals to compete on season ten.
“The Irwins have more than a fair share of A-list celebrities in their circle including the Hemsworths and Melissa Joan Hart, who is the most rumoured contestant this year,” a production insider told Yahoo Lifestyle.
“There are some celebs we ask every year and maybe this year stars like Melissa or Jean-Claude Van Damme will finally say yes. It’s our year to catch a few of those white whales.”
I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Australia season ten premieres on Sunday, 24 March on 10 and 10 Play.
Taylor Swift’sEras Tour has many traditions — including friendship bracelets, “Sydney!”, “1,2,3, Let’s go, b**ch” and more recently adding Aussie-isms into her show. But none are more famous than the coveted ‘22 Hat’ giveaway.
Each night, while performing the hit song 22, Taylor walks up the mammoth stage, gifting her signed black hat to a fan, swapping a homemade bracelet, before hugging them and continuing on performing the banger.
While we’re not 100% sure what goes into creating the magical moment, we do know that the recipient is sought out by TayTay’s team of security — or sometimes Mama or Papa Swift — to bring the lucky person to the forefront.
So, who has received the number one prize during the Australian Leg of The Eras Tour?
Sydney, Night 4: Monday, February 26 – Ines, 10
10-year-old Ines from Sydney, a long-time fan of Taylor, attended the concert with her mum, Pauline, and was randomly selected during the show! After Tay hugged Ines, she also blew Pauline a kiss. Ines was very emotional and it was divine!
5-year-old Lily was the lucky recipient of the hat after a school speech in 2023 went viral. Speaking about why she loved the pop star, she not only won her a school award but the hearts of Australia AND Taylor, herself.
9-year-old Archie, a dancer from Sydney was the lucky recipient for the Saturday Sydney show after Taylor (or Taylor’s team) spotted him shaking it off in the crowd.
Speaking to the Daily Telegraph after the moment he said: “It was amazing, she came and knelt down and gave the hat to me and I just gave her a huge hug. It just felt amazing to be with her.”
During the first Sydney Live Show, 9-year-old Scarlett received the Black Hat from Taylor. A bitter-sweet moment, Scarlett is currently battling a brain tumour.
Scarlett’s step-mum Natalie had started a campaign before the beginning of the tour, in hopes her child might be the one to receive it.
“Scarlett is a 9-year-old from Perth, and she was diagnosed in October last year with a high-grade glioma — this is a very aggressive brain cancer with no cure,” she penned on a fan page for Swift.
“The prognosis given to us was 12-18 months from diagnosis. She has been an absolute warrior through surgeries, radiation and other treatments (all done to try and prolong her life). I just want [Scarlett] to experience everything in life and if anyone deserves a little happiness it’s her. She deserves the world.”
Melbourne, Night 1: Friday, 16 February– Milana Bruno
During Taylor’s very first Aussie concert in Melbourne, 9-year-old Milana Bruno became the first to receive a 22 Hat, a concert-goer who was also enjoying her first concert…ever!
After singing her little heart out and dancing on her chair, two of Taylor’s team members approached her and her family; however, Milana thought she was going to get into trouble for singing too loudly! LOL!
“I was crying – it was my very first concert and it was a lucky one,” Milana told The Sunday Age after the insane moment.
“She was really nice and hugged me. She said, ‘Thank you for coming’, and I said, ‘Thank you for giving me this opportunity, kneeling on the stage and meeting you.’
“And she said, ‘Oh, you deserve it’ and gave me the hat.”
Trent Richardson may have grown up on a Camel farm in QLD but he sure looks at home on the Australian Idol stage.
While he presents as a confident 22-year-old, when he first stepped into the spotlight, he was nursing a broken heart and some uncertainty about fame.
“I’ve always sung, but I’ve had a lot of self-doubts and been told I’m no good,” he said in an interview with Channel 7. “So to do it for myself and my dad is awesome.”
Trent Richards, Australian Idol. Seven
Trent’s dad, John says his son was a “good kid” and “a true blue Aussie”.
“He always had a bit of a kick, he’d be jumping around, he’d be singing. I think that’s what got him into his singing career,” John said during the same interview.
Hailing from Emu Park, Trent joined his family business at a young age and at age 11, he was working alongside John doing camel rides for tourists.
Australian Survivor castaways Jaden and Winna were as thick as thieves up until the competitive eater’s elimination on Monday night’s episode.
A preview for an upcoming episode shows Jaden vowing to get vengeance on behalf of his friend. However, in a post-elimination interview with Chattr, Winna said he doesn’t want Jaden to focus on retaliation.
Winna and Jaden hugging at Tribal. Survivor. Ten.
“From day one, Jaden has been my ride-or-die,” he said. ” I hope that he doesn’t prioritize the revenge though for me, I would rather him prioritize putting himself first, getting to the end.”
“Because at the end of the day, the prize is 500k, that’s what we’re here for or four or therefore. So I hope he doesn’t get too lost with the revenge stuff. And I just want him to do well. “
Winna said that their strong friendship that was built in Samoa has translated into the real world.
“We’re best mates and brothers for life.”
Jaden at Winna’s elimination. Survivor. Ten.
Winna thinks Jaden looks “weak” as a player
Jaden is undoubtedly one of the biggest guys to ever compete on Australian Survivor. But, despite his strong stature, Winna says that he thinks Jaden has presented himself as “weak”.
“I think he is one of the most clever, most intelligent people, but he doesn’t stress about appearing that way,” he said.
“I think the combination of things like him being sick of losing challenges, him being hungry, has led to him not really prioritizing strategic gameplay.
“But if he wanted to switch on, he can absolutely bring the heat. And if anything, I think he’s in a great position because of how weak he looks as a player. Because he’s not weak at all.”
Survivor. Ten.
Winna believes Jaden needs to make some changes if he wants to win
Winna said he’d absolutely love Jaden to be the winner of Australian Survivor 2024, but thinks he has to change his game up if he wants that to happen
“He needs to put in a lot of groundwork, the position he’s in isn’t the greatest right now,” Winna said. “He’s sort of come through with Eden and Caroline and looking after him.”
However, Winna said that now that he’s out of the game, he’s worried about whether Jaden will have enough allies to help him get to the end.
“In terms of loyalty, I worry because I don’t know if there are other people who care about him in the way that I care about him.”
Survivor. Ten.
Watch Married at First Sight Sundays at 7.00 pm and Monday – Thursday at 7.30 pm on Nine and 9Now.
Australian Idol 2024’sRipley Alexander knows there is a comparison to Harry Styles but being his “own artist is very important” to him.
During an interview with the Courier Mail, Ripley described himself as “a 70s soft rock singer who has been transported into 2024”, but don’t let that fool you. Just because he paints his nails black and has tattoos, it doesn’t mean he wants to imitate arguably one of the biggest pop stars in the world.
Ripley Alexander, Australian Idol. Seven
According to his Channel 7 bio, the 19-year-old from Fernvale, QLD said that he “just wants to perform and reach people with my music”, something which led him to sing in bars in Brisbane before he was chosen for Idol.
And although nearly 20, this is his second time auditioning — having first stepped in front of the judges in 2023, but not making it to the broadcast rounds.
While Ripley says his biggest supporters are his mum, Donna and brother Kai, he’s also garnered a legion of fans on TikTok with his audition song Mamma Mia going viral.
Denvah Baker-Moller floored the judges on February 26, giving her the Judge’s Save and sending her straight into the Top 10 of Australian Idol.
The 23-year-old country singer, whose personality is just as big as her incredible voice, said that making it to the OG Top 12 was a “dream come true”.
Denvah Baker-Moller. Seven
“I know that not everyone out there likes country music, so to let the country singer in is such an honour and one that I don’t take for granted,” she said in her Channel 7 bio. “Country is cool now and I want to prove that in the Top 12.”
Hailing from Rockhampton in Queensland, Denvah revealed to TV Week that she wanted to be a ballerina and had grown up dancing “seven days a week”.
“That’s all I did. I’d wake up, go to school, dance, and then do it all over again,” she said.
However, her talent for singing shone through and this pocket rocket has won a bevy of industry comps.
In October 2023, she won the Groundwater Country Music Festival’s KIX-Start competition, before releasing the single Do Without. Before that, she won the NAB Gympie Music Muster Talent Search comp, taking home an estimated $22,000, which included career-building opportunities, mentoring, music equipment and a trip to Nashville!
MAFS grooms Michael Felix and Stephen Stewart captured hearts all over the nation when they said “I do” in a gorgeous garden wedding overlooking Sydney harbour.
It was a second chance for Michael, who was originally matched with groom Simon Flocco. However, Simon decided to exit the experiment before his wedding, and the experts pulled Stephen in to marry Michael.
Apart from a blip involving Michael feeling like second best, the cute couple have been mostly revelling in each other’s company. But, while they appear to be a great match, are they still together now?
MAFS. Nine.
Michael and Stephen’s pairing
Michael grew up in a small town in Ohio in America and moved to Australia in 2014. According to his MAFS bio, he’s looking for someone “tall, dark and handsome and can match his confidence and align with his family values”.
He says that he struggles with letting his walls down, but is ready to find someone to settle down with after being single for five years, and is hoping to start a family soon.
Michael’s a hairdresser from Perth, who owns his own successful salon. Like Michael, he’s very family-orientated and is one of eight children. Michael’s last relationship was four years ago and he wants to “find love in a serious and monogamous relationship”.
MAFS. Nine.
Are Michael and Stephen still together?
Michael and Stephen are one of the few contestants who’ve followed the producer’s orders and have kept the status of their relationship under wraps.
While the grooms still follow one another on Instagram, there haven’t been any sightings of Michael and Stephen together since filming wraps, which leads us to believe that they might have split.
While we’ve got on fingers and toes crossed for the couple, as all MAFS fans know, anything can happen with this show!
Watch Married at First Sight Sundays at 7.00pm and Monday – Thursday at 7.30pm on Nine and 9Now.
Ash Galanti and Madeleine Jevic have made history as one of the shortest MAFS Australia couples ever, but there’s more to their decision to leave than was shown in the episode.
At the couple’s first commitment ceremony, which aired on Sunday, February 25th, Madeleine wrote ‘Leave’ while Ash wanted to stay and work on their relationship. Per the MAFS rules, the experts told the couple that they’d need to stay for one more week.
MAFS. Nine.
However, the following night Madeleine was completely gone from the show, and a voiceover informed viewers that Ash had “had a change of heart and they’d come to an amicable decision to leave”.
But, according to an insider, the decision was completely one-sided.
“Madeleine’s erratic behaviour had raised quite a few eyebrows during her first week on the show, with no one quite sure if she was acting or it was real. After Ash wrote to stay – she point blank said to producers she refused to carry on with the experiment and was going home,” a source told Yahoo Lifestyle.
They revealed that if a participant really wants to exit the experiment, they can’t be forced to stay.
“It’s not uncommon for participants to threaten to quit like this and no one can be held against their will, with producers then tasked with talking them around to continue with the experiment.
“Yet with Madeleine, it felt easier to let her go as questions about her state of mind with the pressure of the experiment had already been raised by other cast members and crew. ESA producers [Endemol Shine Australia] will never compromise their duty of care for the sake of content or storylines.”
MAFS. Nine.
Did Madeleine get a bad edit?
According to her (short-lived) TV husband Ash, Madeleine was exactly the same in real life as she was portrayed on MAFS.
“[She’s] absolutely as wild as I remember,” Ash said of watching the show back. “The proof is in the pudding. Watching the way she goes about things, I think you need to be a patient type of guy if you’re going to work in a marriage with Madeleine.”
“To be honest, at the wedding, it was like an out-of-body experience. Though my body was there, I wasn’t really picking up all the signals.”
MAFS. Nine.
Watch Married at First Sight Sundays at 7.00 pm and Monday – Thursday at 7.30 pm on Nine and 9Now.
The subject of the popular podcast Who the Hell is Hamish, Hamish McLaren, is about to be the subject of a new documentary — King Con: The Life and Crimes of Hamish McLaren.
Hamish — who had many aliases throughout his conman career — conned millions from friends, family and lovers and now we get to witness the rise and fall of Australia’s most infamous and successful con man.
Here’s everything we know!
Hamish McLaren and two of his lovers. Seven
When and where can we watch King Con: The Life and Crimes of Hamish McLaren
King Con premieres at 8.00pm on Sunday, March 3 on Channel 7 and 7plus.
Who will be in the documentary?
In this premiere documentary, we will hear firsthand from the people Hamish targeted as they deal with the betrayal and devastation suffered at the hands of the charming and flamboyant con man.
We will also learn how NSW police detective, Tom Zadravec, forensically pieced together Hamish’s scams and brought him down.
Tom Zadravec. Seven
What will the documentary cover?
Hamish McLaren was one of the most successful con men of all time. Throughout a 30-year career, he scammed unsuspecting girlfriends, high-profile businessmen, acquaintances, and best friends out of more than $60 million. And that’s just the people who came forward. Authorities suggest it could be twice that amount, as he wreaked havoc on a global scale, targeting people in Canada, Asia, Europe, and the UK, as well as at home in Australia.
Experts have called him a psychopath, lacking in empathy and compassion. His girlfriend Tracy believed he was a 41-year-old banker named Max who loved surfing but took her life savings. Karen, a divorcee, was left a million dollars in debt after she met Hamish. Suburban grandparents Lorraine and Peter lost two million dollars to the man who promised he would never let them down.
Is there a trailer?
King Con: The Life and Crimes of Hamish McLaren premieres at 8.00 pm on Sunday, March 3 on Channel 7 and 7plus.
The Sunday, February 25 Commitment Ceremony may have been full of bombshells but an exchange between Tori Adams and Jack Dunkley after everyone had left, made us wonder whether the tides were turning.
To get a clearer view of the situation, we asked Scott Taylor, a “deception decoder” and body language expert who trained with the former head of the FBI Behavioural Unit and others, to weigh in on what he thought Tori was feeling at the time.
“I believe that Tori is In a difficult situation now as it is obvious she is aware of elements of Jack’s behaviour and is stuck between what she should rightfully say (based on her self-perception and earlier statements on her personality style) and balancing what she needs to do to stay on the show,” he revealed to Chattr.
Tori and Jack, MAFS. Nine
“Her facial expressions and body language (including positioning) showed more distance from Jack, however; aligned with even earlier grins (when there are questions surrounding Jack’s character) she isn’t drilling down to resolve issues.”
Adding to this, Scott believed that this was the behaviour of “someone really committed to a relationship” and that “she was responding with as minimal assertiveness as possible to just try to maintain more air time.”
While most of the other couples have consummated their marriages, Jack and Tori on the other hand have not and Scott believes that Jack may “provide sex to continue to control her behaviour”, while she will try to deflect as much focus on it as possible.”
As for his prediction on what Tori will do?
“Near the end of the season, I expect she will suddenly want to appear stronger and will call Jack out more to manage public perception.”
Wow!
Watch Married at First Sight Sundays at 7.00pm and Monday – Wednesday at 7.30pm on Nine and 9Now.
A brand-new teaser for Home and Away has revealed the possible reunion of Felicity a.k.a Flick (Jacqui Purvis) and Tane (Ethan Browne).
The breakdown of #Tanlicity?… #Felane’s (?!) marriage has been an ongoing storyline, spurred on by the fact that Flick didn’t want to have children. In fact, the couple’s marriage crumbled after Tane discovered that his wife had been lying to him about wanting to start a family, continuing to take her birth control pills, leaving her husband devastated by the betrayal.
After months of eye gazes, sadness and grief, a shocking twist of events saw Tane find an abandoned baby on the beach. Given he was the one to discover her, he became protective, raising questions about whether he was becoming too attached.
Tane. Seven
“She should have a name,” Tane says in a new clip which is airing sometime during the week of February 26.
“Maia, Maori for courage.”
While Tane’s focus remains solely on the abandoned child, Flick sees him singing to her prompting the voiceover to say: “Is this the one thing that could bring them back together?” GASP!
During the Season Finale in December 2023, the pair shared a moment at Northern Districts Hospital; however, Tane explained that while he did still love her, it didn’t mean that they could be together.
Then, in January 2024, Flick realised it was time to move on.
“It’s been a massive learning curve,” Jacqui told TV Week. “It’s now time for Flick to step back and work out what she really wants.”
So, could they be headed back together? Only time will tell…
Watch Home and Away from Mon – Thursday at 7.30pm on Channel 7 and 7Plus.
Former Studio 10 host Sarah Harris has paid tribute to Jesse Baird, who was allegedly murdered by his ex-boyfriend.
During the February 25 broadcast, Sarah admitted it had been a “very hard week” for those who worked with him at the network, revealing it was “hard to talk about Jesse in the past tense”.
“He was more than just a colleague, he was our friend … a little brother,” she said through tears.
Describing him as an “absolute star”, Sarah added he was “quick on his feet whether it was water skiing or feeding a croc”.
“[He was] One of those kids who had a big smile, big talent and an even bigger heart.”
Sarah Harris and Jesse Baird. Instagram
According to The Project host, Jesse had a huge job lined up in 2024 while also saying that Jesse felt boyfriend Luke Davies was “The One”.
“He was in love,” she said, adding that his family also needed to know he “spoke about them often and with so much love.”
“We are all so sorry.”
Sarah Harris has shared an emotional tribute for her former Studio 10 colleague and friend, Jesse Baird. pic.twitter.com/NSTL7Smq6l
Elsewhere, Hamish Macdonald shared a heartfelt tribute while also speaking about how this year’s Mardi Gras will be tinged with sadness.
Hamish Macdonald has shared a heartfelt tribute to Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, and spoke about how this year's Mardi Gras will be tinged with sadness. pic.twitter.com/Gp6DWHaj95
Network 10 releases a statement in regards to Jesse Baird
Earlier on February 25, a spokesperson released a statement on behalf of Jesse’s Studio 10 colleagues.
“Jesse was so much more than a colleague. He was a cherished friend who brightened every day with his positivity, cheeky winks and brilliant smile,” the statement read.
“He could handle anything from croc feeding to speeding down a river on water skis on live TV – anything to keep the audience entertained.
Tristan McManus, Jesse Baird and Angela Bishop. Ten
“Through his roving reporter role, he travelled the country and met hundreds of people from all walks of life. They were all without a doubt left a little brighter having been touched by his presence.
“As his workmates and friends, we are completely shattered. Nothing was ever too much trouble. He worked so hard to make his dreams come true. He was up for anything and the life of the party always. It is quite simply impossible to overstate how much we adored him.
“Our hearts ache for his family, who he loved so much and spoke of often. We’re also thinking of Luke’s family and what could have been for both of them.
“Jessie & Luke, forever adored. Forever young and beautiful. Inside and out.”
Jesse’s cousin pays tribute
Jesse’s cousin Austin took to Instagram with a video to pay tribute to his loved one, the first to break their silence from his family.
“Jesse, my first ever best friend, I am beyond devastated. I still can’t believe it. Most of my favourite memories in life were me, Luke, Brendan and you riding motorbikes, skiing, boating and camping,” he said.
Jesse Baird and Austin. Instagram
“I’ll never forget our chats, all the times we would hang out on the weekends and go away with family and friends,” he continued. “I told you things I’d never tell anyone. I trusted you, I’ve laughed and cried in front of you!
“You were one in a million, you cared about everyone and left such an impact on every person you met! I’ll love and remember you forever mate. It is an honour to be your cousin. Till we meet again.”
Update on Jesse Baird and Luke Davies – Monday, February 26
At the time of publication, police are continuing to search for Jesse and Luke’s bodies after they were allegedly killed by former police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon.
According to News.com.au, Police have now established a crime scene at Hazelton Rd at Bungonia, in the state’s Southern Tablelands, with divers understood to be searching two dams on private property.
Lamarre-Condon has been charged with two counts of murder after police allegedly located a projectile linked to a NSW Police-issued Glock firearm.
There was a LOT to unpack in the third MAFS commitment ceremony, after all the ~*drama*~ that went down at the Dinner Party.
In short, Jack apparently told Jono that if anyone got his wife (Tori) in the couple swap then they could sleep with her because he wasn’t attracted to her. Jono told Lauren, who bought it up at the Dinner Party.
After Lauren confronted Jack at the table, Jono withered into his seat and didn’t support his wife. Meanwhile, Tori sided with Jack and believed that the comment was just a “joke”.
That situation set the experts John Aiken, Mel Shilling and Alessandra Rampolla up for a field day on the Commitment Ceremony, so let’s dive straight into what happened, shall we?
Ben and Ellie
Ellie and Ben got absolutely zero screen time at the last Dinner Party, but fortunately, we got a session with them on the couch to find out what was going down.
Ellie was totally off Ben, and said he was acting up for the cameras and said their relationship was a “facade”. Unsurprisingly, Ben opted to write Stay, and they’ll be around for another week.
MAFS. Nine.
Ellie wrote: Leave
Ben wrote: Stay.
Verdict: They’re staying.
Tori and Jack
Tori and Jack was the main course that practically every MAFS fan was waiting for. Unfortunately for us, Jack kept a blank look on his face and apologised for his actions at the dinner party – in a manner that didn’t even sound 1% believable.
Mel did what she does best, and eventually got Tori to see how offensive Jack’s Couple Swap comment about her was. However, the jury’s still out about whether Tori really blamed Jack for saying the things he did
At the end of the episode, what appears to be a hidden camera zooms in on Jack and Tori on the couch where they’re discussing the night’s events. Jack called the experiment a “crock of s**t” and had a very smug look on his face.
MAFS. Nine.
Tori wrote: Stay.
Jack wrote: Stay.
Verdict: They’re staying.
Lucinda and Timothy
Timothy dropped an absolute bombshell at the Commitment Ceremony after Lucinda said that she “wasn’t convinced” that he was making an effort with her romantically.
“Why are you throwing me under the bus, and you kind of did it before we started,” he asked a guilty-looking Lucinda with a knowing look.
Wow wow wow, could he be implying that the two have a pact to stay on the show for fame?!
MAFS. Nine.
Lucinda wrote: Stay.
Timothy wrote: Stay.
Verdict: They’re staying.
Cassandra and Tristan
Cassandra and Tristan’s time on the couch was an absolute shocker! Tristan wrote leave! We couldn’t believe it!
The sad turn of events sent Cassandra into tears, which was honestly more heartbreaking than the decision itself.
Fortunately, Tristan revealed that he only wrote leave because he didn’t feel good enough for Cassandra (which is, again, SO SAD), and the couple vowed to work on their relationship.
MAFS. Nine.
Cassandra wrote: Stay.
Tristan wrote: Leave.
Verdict: They’re staying.
Eden and Jayden
Eden and Jayden’s time on the couch was short and sweet. He said he was “mad” about his wife, and said he’d never felt that way before. Aww! Eden also confirmed that they have slept together.
MAFS. Nine.
Eden wrote: Stay.
Jayden wrote: Stay.
Verdict: They’re staying.
Andrea and Richard
Andrea wasn’t impressed with Richard’s open comment about their sex life in the last Commitment Ceremony, and said that it made her take a step back in their relationship.
The experts blamed her reaction on her past, and encouraged them to get their relationship back on track, which they’re going to give a crack!
MAFS. Nine.
Andrea wrote: Stay.
Richard wrote: Stay.
Verdict: They’re staying.
Lauren and Jonathan
Lauren and Jonathan’s time on the couch was a ride. The experts rightfully hung Jonathan out to dry for not standing up for Lauren at the Dinner Party.
At one point, he apologised to Tori and Jack (?) and later on in the session Jonathan asked him whether Lauren or Jack was more important to him. Fortunately, he said Lauren and admitted that everything she’d said at the Dinner Party about Jack was true.
MAFS. Nine.
Lauren wrote: Stay.
Jonathan wrote: Stay.
Verdict: They’re staying.
Sara and Tim
Sara and Tim made a suspiciously quick turnaround, and all appeared to be going swimmingly in their usually tumultuous relationship.
MAFS. Nine.
Sara wrote: Stay.
Tim wrote: Stay.
Verdict: They’re staying.
Jade and Ridge
It was Jade and Ridge’s first time on the couch, and it was pretty uneventful TBH. They’re both really into each other and they actually look like they may last as a couple!
MAFS. Nine.
Jade wrote: Stay.
Ridge wrote: Stay.
Verdict: They’re staying.
Stephen and Michael
It was also Stephen and Michael’s first time on the couch, and Stephen aired his worries about being Stephen’s back-up match.
However, John reassured him that he was a “better” match for Michael, sorry Simon!
MAFS. Nine.
Michael wrote: Stay.
Stephen wrote: Stay.
Verdict: They’re staying.
Madeleine and Ash
The last of the three couples, Madeliene and Ash took to the couch and Ash expressed his confusion about Madeleine crying over cows on their honeymoon.
But, the biggest bombshell came with Madeleine decided to write ‘Leave’.
Her reasoning? “Life is weird, and I think the universe pulls us to do things.” O…kay.
MAFS. Nine.
Maddy wrote: Leave.
Tim wrote: Stay.
Verdict: They’re staying.
Watch Married at First Sight Sundays at 7.00pm and Monday – Wednesday at 7.30pm on Nine and9Now.
Dylan Wright has been mesmerising audiences on the Australian Idol 2024 stage and if his performances are anything to go by, we see a bright future ahead.
The 30-year-old painter is a dad of two kids, Piper, four and Rivi, one, and auditioned for the show because he grew up watching it!
“It never felt like the right time, but all of a sudden, the stars have aligned,” he said in his official Channel 7 bio. “I hope to be one of the most successful Australian Idol contestants and to make my family proud. My dream is to write and perform music full time.”
Dylan and Rivi. Instagram
During his audition for the series, he dedicated his first performance to his mother, an amateur opera singer who battled MS and leukaemia before she passed away.
“We had an extremely close bond. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t have done music,” he said in an interview with The Leader.
“She always pushed me in my music and was always happy when I was singing in the house. It was such an important song for me.”
While Dylan lives with his wife Georgia and their daughters in the Northern Rivers, he grew up in Sydney’s Gymea in the Southerland Shire where he would play at The Brass Monkey and council events.
Dylan used to busk or play at weddings and during the same interview, admitted it was “scary going in front of such three big people.”
For the young father, being on Australian Idol is “a dream come true”.
“I remember playing handball at primary school and talking about Australian Idol and who was going to win – I grew up with the show,” he told the same outlet.
“I never thought I’d go on TV or try out for a reality show but this is my last chance to try out so I’m just going to go for it.”
Married at First Sight golden couple Jules Robinson and Cam Merchant are expecting their second child.
Announcing the news in an interview with Stellar magazine and its podcast Something To Talk About, Jules revealed she was pregnant after three years of “trying”.
“We’ve been trying since [son] Ollie was one, and he is now three-and-a-half,” Robinson said.
“We were realistically going into 2024 thinking, ‘If it doesn’t happen, we will look at the IVF route’, but I never lost faith that my body could do this again.”
Jules, Cam and son Ollie. Instagram
Jules reflects on her first pregnancy
Now 41, the former reality star reflected on her first pregnancy, saying she didn’t have the “force” a.k.a support network around her that she does now.
“I found it really hard,” she said. “I didn’t like all of the attention and negativity from horrible people about my body when I was pregnant, and the terrible messages. They’d say, ‘I hope you have a painful miscarriage’ and horrible things like that. Some people can just be terrible.”
Cam and Jules before Ollie’s birth. Instagram
Thankfully, this time around has been completely different, “really lovely”, she said.
“I can’t really hide it anymore. I am popped. It has been nice keeping it between family and friends and a bit more private this time.”
And the pair don’t plan on stopping after their second child.
“We want little babies running around. We’ll maybe go again if we’re lucky,” she said, before admitting while she would love a little girl, she’ll probably end up with a “little cricket team for Cam”.
Married at First Sight’sElla Ding is engaged and the proposal was like something out of a rom-com.
Taking to Instagram on February 24, Ella revealed how a morning run with her now-fiancé Guy Palermo, when he got down on one knee and proposed.
“A morning run turned into a proposal … I SAID YES 💍,” she captioned the post.
Ella and Guy. Instagram
The moment was captured by a group of her closest friends, who then joined in on the celebrations with flowers, champagne and balloons.
The gorgeous clip, which was filmed by various people and edited together, was accompanied by Shania Twain’sYou’re Still the One. And of course, her MAFS co-star and Sit With Us Podcast co-host Domenica Calarco was there, and was VERY excited for the pair!
Back in April 2023, Ella went Instagram official with Guy by posting a photo of them outside a restaurant in Melbourne.
“Beautiful dinner. You’ll want to see the last photo,” she wrote, accompanying a carousel of pics. “I guess this is a hard launch.”
Later in a Q&A she wrote: “Normi and I have known each other for about six years. We have been friends for a really long time and we did actually date… but the timing was never in our favour.”
The pair then moved in together before buying a dog, Yuki.
Congratulations are in order for The Bachelor’sIrena Srbinovsk and Locky Gilbert, who have welcomed their first child together.
Taking to Instagram on February 24, the pair announced the news with some stunning black and white photographs from inside their hospital room, taken straight after the birth.
“Ava Aleksandra Gilbert,” they captioned the post, revealing their daughter’s sweet name. The caption also announced the birth date which was Friday, February 23.
Ava Aleksandra Gilbert. InstagramAva’s footsie. Instagram
The news follows the couple’s gorgeous pregnancy announcement in September 2023, announcing they were expecting after being open about suffering miscarriages in the past.
“2023 has been a year of surprises, and now Locky and I are thrilled to share the biggest surprise of our lives—anticipating a new member in our family ♥️,” Irena wrote on Instagram.
“As we revel in our happiness, we’re deeply sensitive to those who face the trials of infertility or have suffered loss. Having navigated the rollercoaster of emotions ourselves, we extend our hands and hearts to those on a similar path. In the midst of life’s storms, may you find your rainbow soon 🌈”
QLD Bride Jade Pywell is looking for someone who can bring out her wild and playful side.
Jade is paired with professional athlete Ridge Barredo on MAFS 2024, and the pair got off to a great start.
At the nuptials, Jade’s sister was worried that Ridge may be too immature for her. However, the wedding reception went swimmingly and Ridge and Jade bonded over their similarities.
So, who is Jade?
MAFS. Nine.
What is Jade looking for?
Jade was in a serious relationship with a man she now shares a baby with. However, shortly after her daughter’s birth, she found out that her baby daddy was cheating on her with her best friend.
According to her 9Now bio, Jade’s “walls are up” because of the betrayal, but “underneath her tough exterior is someone who falls hard and fast when in love and is a true romantic.”
Jade’s from South Africa, where she says she’s seen many arranged marriages work, so she has faith that the experts can find her her perfect match!
Jade Pywell. Instagram.
Jade’s Daughter
Jade is the mum to an 8-year-old daughter. She regularly shares photos on Instagram with her daughter who she says keeps ” grounded every single day”.
Jade Pywell. Instagram.
Watch Married at First Sight Sundays at 7.00pm and Monday – Thursday at 7.30pm on Nine and 9Now.
