Netflix’s Perfect Match has been struck by the thunder from Down Under with the inclusion of Dave Hand this season, a 6’6 tall glass of water from Married at First Sight (MAFS).
With the new season dropping on Netflix last week, Dave is already proving to be popular with Squid Game: The Challenge’s Mackenzie Bellows, Vanderpump Rules’ Ally Lewber and Love Is Blind UK’s Sophia Willett.
It’s unclear who wins Dave’s heart on Perfect Match (stay tuned!), but many reality fans are left wondering what could have been since his ex-bride, Jamie Marinos, was reportedly almost cast on this season.
Jamie and Dave emerged as the golden couple on MAFS in 2025, sharing an instant connection and hilarious banter. However, cracks formed when Jamie expressed her feelings for Dave just as his affections stalled. They committed to each other at Final Vows, but ultimately split before the reunion after realising their lives did not align outside the experiment.
Jamie previously told Chattr that she turned down a chance to appear on Perfect Match.
“I was approached earlier this year, which was flattering, but it didn’t align with where I’m at personally or professionally,” she said in 2025.
“Right now, my focus is on my mental health, my career, and opportunities that align with the direction I’m moving in. For me, it was the best decision not to be involved,” she continued. “I’m still looking for my husband but he’s probably not on reality TV!”
But is that the truth (Ellen)? Did Jamie decline the job? Dave told Chattr that he doesn’t believe it was the case.
“I don’t think she declined because I was told by a few of her friends that she told them she was going on and she was excited,” he claimed to Chattr.
“So umm, I don’t think she declined it, but it is what it is.”
@chattrau Interesting… 🤔 #Netflix #PerfectMatch #MAFS #MAFSAU ♬ original sound – Chattr
Chattr has reached out to Jamie for comment on Dave’s claims.
Dave maintains that even if he had to cohabitate with his ex-bride, he would have made the best of the experience. “I don’t [care], bring her there! I would have had fun either way,” he said.
“I learnt a lot after MAFS and that relationship was done and dusted, so it wouldn’t have affected my time at all.”
That said, Dave did want to shout out that despite Jamie not actually stepping foot in the Perfect Match villa, she was still part of the show… sort of.
“She made it on Perfect Match!” Dave joked. “They showed my wedding [from MAFS], so she did make it!”
Dave reckons a different ex-bride from MAFS should have been cast on Perfect Match
Dave said that his MAFS 2025 co-star, Veronica Cloherty, would have been suited to Perfect Match.
“I reckon Veronica would have loved Perfect Match! She would have been like, this is my vibe!” Dave told Chattr.
ICYMI, Veronica made waves as an intruder bride on Dave’s season of MAFS. Outside the experiment, she worked as a model, actress and was a former Miss Universe Australia finalist.
Her time on the show was defined by a rocky relationship with her groom, Eliot Donovan. Their marriage was plagued by constant arguments, leading to an explosive exit during Feedback Week.
During their season, romance rumours ignited between Veronica and Dave after they connected during Partner Swap week. “I spent the wife-swap with her and she made me laugh, she’s got a great personality and I don’t have a bad word to say about her,” Dave said.
“I think she’s great.”
Do we think there’s still time for a last-minute addition?!
Stream episodes 1 – 5 of Perfect Match on Netflix.
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