"I still want my happily-ever-after and I really hope it's with you."
"Here's to hopefully being happily ever after.
"Yours, Sam."
NARRATOR: Three new couples entered the experiment...
Hello! Wifey!
..in the search for true love.
If the person across from me today embraces woke culture,
we'll have a problem. Thank god.
(LAUGHTER)
Juliette and Joel bonded on their honeymoon.
JULIETTE: I feel safe with him and he makes me feel giddy.
Chris still wasn't ready to share his upcoming baby news.
SAM: He'll open up when he's ready. CHRIS: Appreciate that.
And despite their shared world-views Stephanie and Tyson clashed.
What does submissive look like to you, then?
The opposite of you.
ALISSA: Oh, my god!
While our original couples
celebrated their first month together...
Thank you.
..Grayson was left feeling blindsided...
"That burning desire doesn't seem to be growing."
..as Julia's letter left him heartbroken.
(GLASS TINKLES)
You're going around dropping bombs. You came for my husband with lies.
And when Bec went on an attack...
Stare at me with your evil eyes! ..no-one was spared.
I got told that Jules wished that she had been matched with a woman!
Oooh. Feisty. Shut up, newbie!
Danny looks embarrassed.
..before hurtful texts from Bec about Alissa were revealed.
Check the screenshot, shall we?
ALISSA: I'm disappointed.
You think that someone has your back but they don't.
Tonight...
I really wanted to show Steven how special he is to me.
..romantic connections continue to grow.
I treasure you and I'm proud of you. I love that you are open with me.
I really appreciate you.
Every day, it's just getting better and better.
She just makes me feel like... yeah, like I'm at home.
Stella and Filip are already plannin their future together.
What it would look like after we leave this experiment...
Tyson is challenged by the experts.
You're saying "I want to be with someone who will lie down,
"give up their rights..."
I'm not saying that. Well, you are.
I'm not. You actually are saying that.
..before John delivers some direct feedback.
I'm gonna let you into a secret.
And then...
BEC: You hurt me the week before.
You nearly caused my relationship to end.
..when Bec doubles down...
JOHN: Why would you do that?
Do you know what, you're right.
I know I'm right, but what I don't know is why you're doing that.
..the experts hold her to account.
Watching you last night apply a blowtorch
to pretty much everybody at the dinner party...
If you set off enough grenades in other people's relationships,
you can avoid having tough conversations
about the two of you.
(CRIES)
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
(RESOUNDING MUSIC PLAYS)
It's the morning of the third commitment ceremony...
Good morning. Good morning.
(STELLA LAUGHS)
..and our couples are waking up after another eventful dinner party.
Oh, how did you sleep? Alright.
It was a big night. Yeah.
DAVID: How are you feeling after last night?
ALISSA: Yeah, just tired. Yeah.
But it was Bec's behaviour that's got everyone talking.
I felt like we were in parliament for a little bit there, you know.
We were in the last four weeks of the election.
Every bit of drama involved Bec somehow.
CHRIS: I know.
Stare at me with your evil eyes!
GIA: The only reason I hated Alissa
was because of what you've said about Alissa.
So let's pull up the receipts, shall we?
"Alissa went home for the weekend. Turmoil in the relationship."
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Jumping at everyone's relationships, jumping down everyone's throat.
What you did was really good, though, last night.
Like, you had my back.
Bec came at me and you were, like, you know, shutting her down.
"Don't talk to my wife like that." Like, I appreciate you for that.
I think me and Scott were great.
I didn't see Danny backing up his woman
like Scott was backing up me last night.
I think he just, like, let her out to dry.
Danny didn't say a single word,
so clearly their relationship is just not on.
Yeah.
Their relationship is gonna come unravelled at some point,
so it doesn't look too good for her and Danny at the moment.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
I don't like yelling but, like, if you don't yell across that table,
you can't... no-one's gonna hear you.
It was crazy.
At the end of the day, my whole purpose at that dinner party
was to clear my husband's name and I did that,
so we're stronger than ever, as per usual, which is great.
We did... We did well. We didn't argue, most important thing.
We had each other's backs, which is good.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
DANNY: At the dinner parties, when everyone sees her like that,
they probably just perceive her as she's that type of girl...
causing fights off everybody, being quite vicious in her approach.
I don't want to be going to every dinner party
just sitting there thinking "All I'm gonna do
"is have to back my missus 'cause she's arguing tonight."
I didn't come here to argue. I came here to find love.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Everyone's getting set for tonight's commitment ceremony.
Do you like my sparkly socks?
Love them.
(LAUGHS)
Are we ready? CHRIS: Yep.
First commitment ceremony. Alright.
(KNOCK AT DOOR)
But a surprise decision from the experts awaits our new couples.
JOEL: Looks like we have a letter. JULIETTE: Oooh!
Juliette and Joel.
"Dear newlyweds."
"Right now, you're still very much in your honeymoon bubble
"but the real experiment begins
"as you move into your new living arrangements tomorrow."
"Therefore, at tonight's commitment ceremony,
"you will not be making a decision
"about the future of your relationship."
"Instead, it is an opportunity to open up to us, seek advice
"and gain insight on what you might need to move forward as a couple
"in this experiment."
"We look forward to seeing you. The experts."
And I was all ready to write stay,
exclamation point, exclamation point, exclamation point.
(LAUGHS) That's right.
The experts' decision to not be able to write stay or leave tonight
may prove to be an issue for new couple Stephanie and Tyson...
Do you want a water? Yes, please.
..as Tyson left last night's dinner party
feeling unsupported by his wife.
Yeah, the vibe between Steph and I, we're a little bit distant.
Come and sit down, we'll have a bit of a chat about yesterday.
Yesterday, she could've got more involved
but I think deep down she probably wanted to see me crash and burn,
to an extent.
Look, if I'm into the girl, I'll pay.
But I'm not really into her, then I think 50-50.
DANNY: Oh, really? Yeah.
That's what I find it contradictory, because you're, like,
"I want to be a provider and the protector"
and blah blah blah, but then you would make me pay?
With an actual wife, though. I am your wife right now, mate.
Yeah, well...
BEC: Oh!
I think that's a pretty low comment.
Well, bro, that's just how I feel, man. That's how I feel.
Last night was hectic, wasn't it? To say the least.
Yeah. It was insane.
I feel like obviously the whole anti-woke thing got brought up
and then I just had a target on my forehead.
Yeah.
I think as well, Steph,
I thought I'd have just a little bit more support from you...
Mmm. ..because...
Really? ..you were very quiet.
And I know there was a lot going on.
It was very hard to get a word in, to be honest.
Mmm. You're telling me. Certainly with Bec barking every two seconds.
It was a bit surprising to hear
that Tyson felt that I didn't have his back.
I mean... But I just think that speaks volumes
to how him and I handle things.
I'm not gonna stand up and back you if I don't agree with your opinion
or your behaviour. Mmm.
But you did agree with the majority of what I had to say, didn't you?
Yeah, and I feel like I spoke about that as well.
I mean, you were quiet.
I'm not confrontational like that. Mmm.
Just with me.
Yeah, it seems that way. Mmm.
I think you added in a little smart-arse comment there,
saying, "Oh, he doesn't know what he wants in a woman."
You said something along those lines.
Well, you don't. Well, I do.
I know exactly what I want, Steph,
and you shouldn't say that you know what I want
when, you know, you barely even know me.
You say what you want. You've been given that.
Mm-hm. But that's not what you want.
Well, I haven't been given that, though.
I asked for someone that wasn't masculine.
You do bring a lot of masculinity to this relationship.
No, I don't!
I'm, like, the most feminine person ever.
I feel like you do. I'm just telling you how I feel.
I just have the traits of an independent, smart,
career-driven, focused woman.
Yeah, but you can still have that...
(MOCKINGLY) But that's masculine energy!
The way you perceive things
and the way you always, like, try to challenge me,
it just comes across in a masculine way.
I challenge you on your behaviour because I think that's healthy.
Yeah, but it's...
It's not always Tyson's way and Tyson's world...
But the thing is, though... ..OK?
..you've always... You're always trying to have control.
Like, you have these little smart arse remarks to say as well but...
And you give them back to me! It comes across so rude.
It comes across so arrogant. I think YOU'RE rude.
Well, I think YOU'RE very rude. Mmm. OK.
So... Yeah. It's... It's frustrating, Steph.
Sometimes it's so frustrating talking to you.
It's... Couldn't agree more.
Yeah.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Could not agree more.
Oh, couldn't agree more.
NARRATOR: For Mel and Luke, despite a recent positive turnaround
moving back into the same apartment
has seen no further romantic progression between them.
Hello. Hello.
How you going? Good. How are you going?
Yeah, not bad. Not bad.
MEL: The more time I spend with him,
the more I realise that my feelings aren't developing.
I don't want to kiss him, I don't want to cuddle him,
like, because I don't have feelings for him.
My body's telling me no.
I'm feeling upset by how everything's, like, played out.
To be honest, I'm really upset by it too.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Every day in this experiment, I wake up and I'm, like,
"Maybe today is the day, like, my feelings will develop."
But haven't felt that attraction towards him.
Yeah.
And I need you to know that, like, I have also tried for six weeks.
Like, it's a long time.
Mmm. Debatable.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
This week, there's been a shock in the experiment
as one bride didn't wait till the commitment ceremony
to let her intentions be known.
JULIA: In the past week, Grayson and I have really sort of navigated
where we're both at in this connection.
We've had some honest chats and I shared with him, you know, a letter
letting him know how I was feeling.
"That burning desire we have both spoken about
"doesn't seem to be growing."
So, yeah, we've essentially, you know, broken up.
It isn't something that I take lightly, you know,
but I think I would be betraying myself
if I wasn't listening to what my body and my heart
and my mind is telling me
and I definitely feel just disconnected and confused.
Despite a strong initial start...
(LAUGHS) Is it on there?
So cute.
..and Grayson's efforts to follow Julia's lead...
JULIA: Dangle your head.
GRAYSON: What's been working for us,
it's just allowing Jules to take things at her own pace.
..Julia has kept Grayson at arm's length,
which was further compounded
off the back of a difficult Intimacy Week.
I want to continue the emotional depth
and expanding the natural organic free-flowing energy
that I probably need to romantically connect.
"What's the greatest moment you've had on the footy field?"
"What's your favourite quality about your ex?"
But after weeks of trying, Julia drew her line in the sand...
"That burning desire doesn't seem to be growing."
..making her decision very clear.
"I've seen you lean in.
"However, at this stage, a flame of mutual chemistry
"hasn't been ignited
"and I don't want to force anything."
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
GRAYSON: I'm not sure how to feel about going into tonight.
There's a whole different range of emotions I'm feeling.
It's hard to pinpoint it all.
I really care about her.
I wanted there to be a future there for us
and I just feel like I've never been really given
a proper chance by Julia.
You know, I've sort of begged for transparency
and honesty and clarity
and I just have never got it.
I want to fall in love with someone, I want to be a father,
I want to build a life with someone and, yeah, it's just...
At this point, it's not... it's not happening.
Yeah, I mean, I'm so far from where I would've liked this to be.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
JOHN: Well, hello, gents. FILIP: Hello. Good evening.
MEL: Hello. ALESSANDRA: Hi.
How are we going? Good to see you all.
Good to see youse. SCOTT: Hi, everyone.
Hi.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Good evening, ladies.
MEL: Hello, ladies.
WOMAN: Hi. Lovely to see you all.
MAN: Hello. MEL: Hello.
How is everyone? Good.
How are you going?
Welcome. Thank you.
New couples.
WOMAN: Hi. JOEL: Hello.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
JOHN: Well, welcome, everybody, to the third commitment ceremony.
And to kick things off, we would lik to welcome our three new couples,
Chris and Sam, Joel and Juliette and Tyson and Stephanie.
Because you haven't had a chance to do any of the tasks
or get any guidance from us until today,
you will not be getting a choice tonight
on whether you stay or leave.
We will try to help direct and manoeuvre you guys
in the best way possible for the next week
so that at the next commitment ceremony,
then you can actually start doing your choosing to leave or stay.
OK?
Well, this week, of course, you had the opportunity,
the original couples, to celebrate your one-month anniversary
and this is the first time we've ever done this
within the experiment,
so we're really looking forward to hearing how you've come together,
reflected on the last month together
and really celebrated the union that you're developing so far.
Now, I'm sure some of you will be nervous
about coming up on the couch tonight
I can assure you, you should be
because what we saw last night was something that we need to address.
The dinner party, it was hugely dramatic,
a lot of accusations were thrown around
and certainly, sitting here tonight,
some couples are in crisis.
Tonight, we're gonna unpack all of that and more.
You will be different as couples as you leave here tonight -
that I can assure you.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Now, on that note, let's get our first couple up on the couch.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Stephanie and Tyson.
(APPLAUSE) TYSON: Let's go.
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYS)
MEL: Hello. ALESSANDRA: Hi.
How's it going? JOHN: Hello, you two.
Welcome to the couch. Welcome to the experiment.
Thank you. It's good to be here.
Now, as you know, this is a situatio
where we get to dive into your relationship,
ask you some pretty tough questions...
Mmm.
..but you don't have a stay-or-leave situation.
This is really for you to then move forward and use what we tell you.
But we do require you to open up...
Mmm. ..and get real with us.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Tell us about where you're at,
because last night at the dinner party, you looked quite frosty.
Mmm. You weren't a team.
What went on?
Look, with that, John, I feel like I had everyone against me,
obviously, at the dinner table.
I felt like Steph didn't sort of support me...
Really? ..in my...
Yeah. She was very quiet.
And I get it. She's a female. Like...
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
(ALISSA LAUGHS AND GASPS)
Yeah. Yeah.
So she probably didn't want to get too argumentative.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Yeah. Um...
I don't think it has anything to do with being a female.
I don't know.
I'm just saying, like,
maybe she didn't want to get too involved there.
But just from the get-go, for me,
I haven't felt that connection with Steph at all...
physical, emotional, mental, whatever you want to call it.
Jeez, that's just about everything.
It is. It is, yeah.
So you're saying that she doesn't meet your needs
in a number of ways?
To an extent.
Yes.
How does that land for you, Steph?
I find it very confusing, to be honest,
because I think when I think back to, like, Tyson's vows
and what he spoke about what he wants from a woman,
I feel like I do check a fair few of the criteria that he described.
Such as?
Someone who's, like, goal-driven, ambitious...
someone who's a family girl,
someone who wants to, you know, build the dream life,
be a bit of a power couple.
I feel like I tick a lot of those boxes.
But he doesn't like any of that.
Well... Is that true, Tyson?
No, I do to an extent. It's too masculine for Tyson.
As you can see, she talks very pretentious.
Well, that's new.
Look, John, she does talk down to me.
I'm so sick of her talking down to me like that.
We constantly bicker and argue over this.
Here's what you need to know.
You say she's offending you by the way she speaks to you.
Have you heard how you speak to her?
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Look, John, she does talk down to me.
I'm so sick of her talking down to me like that.
We constantly bicker and argue over this.
JOHN: Here's what you need to know.
You say she's offending you by the way she speaks to you.
Have you heard how you speak to her?
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Last night at the dinner party, you called her a temporary wife.
You said, "If I liked her more,
"I might pay for the full dinner bill,"
in amongst telling her that she is far too much like a man.
You're eroding any sort of bond that you can have.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Yeah. I'm, like, at my breaking point now.
I really do feel like I want to leave the experiment.
Tyson, is she right? Is she too masculine for you?
Um...
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYS)
She's definitely not the submissive type, that's for sure.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
What's the submissive type? Help me understand.
Well, I'd say a little bit more easy-going
and not constantly talking down to me.
It's not submissive, John, is it,
when someone's constantly in your face,
trying to challenge you - it comes across very domineering.
It's masculine, in my eyes.
Hmm. Mmm.
So, a feminine woman would look like what to you?
Um... Just the opposite of Steph.
There's been a couple of times where I've felt a little bit emasculated.
Even during the wedding day,
she asked me if I'd be a househusband.
No, I wouldn't be a househusband.
I think it was because you said that you want five kids
and I said, "Oh, so are you going to..."
Four to five kids, I don't know. Yeah.
.."Are you gonna stay at home with the kids?"
And you said, "Well, you may as well just ask me to wear a skirt..."
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
..meaning "That's a woman's job."
I think it is, for sure.
I've always... The way I've been raised is traditional values.
My dad was the breadwinner and my mum stayed at home
and looked after us kids.
MEL: It's good to hear you be very clear about what it is you believe
would be a good match for you... Mm-hm.
..and you're talking about quite a traditional feminine role.
That's one thing.
But you're using another word to describe this ideal partner
that I think is a little bit concerning.
Mm-hm. You're using the word 'submissive'.
So, when you're saying here to Steph...
Mmm. ..in front of Steph...
"I want a submissive woman,"
you're saying "I want to be with someone who will lie down,
"give up their rights, not try to have their needs met,"
who will make the relationship all about you...
Mm-hm. ..and your needs.
I'm not saying that. Well, you are.
I'm not. You actually are saying that.
OK. But I'm not. You're using the word 'submissive'.
Yeah, well, maybe...
Maybe I've got the word 'submissive' wrong.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Language matters... Mm-hm.
..and when you're talking about, you know,
what you want in a relationship
and you're using words like that one it has meaning.
Mm-hm.
It has an impact on your partner.
So, what would you call it, then?
Like, if I didn't want someone so challenging
and dominant in a relationship... Mmm.
..what word would you use?
Well, are you saying that you want t be with someone
who doesn't challenge you?
Essentially.
(IMITATES EXPLOSION)
Can I ask why?
Because I just feel like it creates...
It just creates conflict in a relationship.
Part of having an interpersonal relationship
is challenging each other. Mmm...
..is disagreeing, is being able to debate
and, you know, have conversation.
Mmm.
But more importantly, you're not superior to Steph.
I've never said I was.
Well, you're behaving as though you are.
You're behaving as though you should not be challenged.
Mmm.
You should only be the one with the right to challenge her.
Can you see that?
Um... To an extent.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
JOHN: Stephanie, are you attracted to Tyson?
Um... I mean, physically, yeah. Mmm.
But personality, absolutely not.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
I'm not that bad, am I?
Um...
No, you're not that bad, Tyson.
I think you've got very outdated views.
But I'm willing to continue to try and work with that,
because I see a lot of good in you
and I can see why we've been matched.
I just think it's very clear to me why you're also single as well
because I think you're looking for someone that's maybe not out there
unless you find them in church.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
That's a good way of looking at it. I agree, actually.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Why come on Married At First Sight
when you could've just gone to churc and met somebody?
I mean, you three experts are here for a reason
and I gave you guys a criteria of what I look for in a partner
and I said, "I may as well give it a go."
Did you think that every single box that you wanted in a perfect match
would be ticked?
I was hoping at least 90%.
Wow. Yeah.
Tyson, I'm gonna let you into a secret.
You were a very hard person to match.
Really? Yes.
Does that come as a surprise to you?
Um...
Well, I've been married before, John, so it does.
I mean, look, I hope I'm not single forever.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Do you know, the irony to all of this, Tyson,
is that while you're not a particularly easy person to match,
we have found someone who is highly compatible with you.
You're both calm, sensible, disciplined, ambitious,
you have strong family values,
you wanted a mature woman who looks after herself.
You do have very similar world-views
Some can be polarising, but you share them.
You know, she's...a green flag
in so many different ways.
This has been very challenging for both of us
and it's hard for me to see this go all the way.
It is not easy and all of the new couples that have arrived here,
they've got a lot of catching up.
The question is, have you still got that curiosity?
I just... I just don't feel that connection there, John.
It's just... It's hard for me to get curious, John.
I think I'm absolutely frightened.
I've never been in a relationship ever
because I've been so scared.
I don't want to get hurt.
It's easy to get be independent and live in my comfort zone
and just live my good life.
But I'm still just, like, here, wanting to be curious,
because we're here now.
We may as well.
Surely you can sit here and say, you know,
"There is good in Steph that I want to find out more about."
There is. Yeah, you've got good values.
Well, that's the first time I've heard it.
You said something, Steph, that was very important just then.
You said you're frightened and scared.
How did that land for you, Tyson?
Well, to hear that she's frightened and scared,
it does make me feel like a bit of a failure, to an extent.
But I want the best for Steph
and I don't want to make her feel a certain way.
Mmm.
Maybe I've made her feel pretty bad over this past week.
Ultimately, through this conversation, what you can learn is,
rather than being combative, rather than trying to win or be right,
you guys start moving closer when you're vulnerable.
Be respectful and just learn about one another,
because we see a highly compatible couple
and we just need you to start turning onto that.
And now you can go back to the group
Thank you. Off you go.
(APPLAUSE) (DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
NARRATOR: Coming up, feelings deepen.
When I'm with her, yeah, she just...
makes me feel like... yeah, like I'm at home.
MEL: Mmm.
ALESSANDRA: What's making you feel so emotional, Grayson?
Grayson's heavy heart.
I don't know.
I just feel a bit helpless, you know.
I just... I want love so bad.
And then...
I only didn't like Alissa from what I heard from Bec.
..the brides' issues ignite.
At the end of the day, you know,
there's lies that come out of Gia's mouth.
Like, I'm trying to hold back. This is... This is infuriating.
Enough is enough! (DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
ALESSANDRA: Next up...
Stella and Filip.
(APPLAUSE) (BRIGHT MUSIC PLAYS)
MEL: Hello. FILIP: How you going?
So, let's get into it.
How was the one-month anniversary?
On the anniversary night, like, I cooked dinner
and I ended up getting her this black tourmaline necklace.
Oh! It's beautiful.
I know that this is, like, important to her.
We got her stones on. I wrote her a card as well...
Yeah. ..you know.
Just little things like that, you know.
So, all sorts of thoughtfulness and progression.
Yeah.
I wonder where feelings are progressing.
We're kind of low-key, you know,
having outline of what it would look like after we leave this experiment.
Mm-hm. It's all positive signs.
Yeah.
How does he make you feel? He makes me feel cared for.
He definitely makes me feel a priority,
which after three days of spending time together, I was, like,
"Yeah, that could be my person."
So, yeah.
Do you sustain that today? Yes. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I do.
And Filip, when you're with Stella, how does she make you feel?
Yeah, we're just... Yeah, like, when I'm with her,
yeah, she just makes me feel like, yeah, like I'm at home.
Mmm.
I just feel like I don't have to pretend...
Yeah. ..which is good.
It's great. Yeah.
I have to say, I really enjoy your giddy smile
that you can't wipe off your face, Filip.
Yeah. It's very nice.
It's gorgeous. (LAUGHS)
Well, let's go to a decision, you guys.
Yeah. Let's start with Filip.
(LAUGHS) Uh...
Well, yeah, like, I can't really fault you.
You're definitely making this
the experience that it is and it should be.
And, yeah, I'm not really going anywhere,
so I'm just gonna hang around. (LAUGHS)
Staying. Yeah. Yeah.
(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
And Stella?
There's definitely a lot of love shared and given to each other
and just keep on building on... Yeah.
..on that, what we have.
Yeah. Amazing.
Oh, thanks, guys. Love it.
JOHN: Have a great week, guys. Thank you.
(RESOUNDING MUSIC PLAYS)
Thanks. Sorry.
Ta. Cheers.
Our next couple up on the couch... Luke and Mel.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS) (APPLAUSE)
EXPERT MEL: Hello. JOHN: Greetings, you two.
CONTESTANT MEL: Hi.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
ALESSANDRA: How have you guys been this week?
This whole experiment is to build a relationship with somebody
and the past few days, I haven't been feeling anything.
And it's making me feel anxious
because, you know, I know I'm meant to feel those feelings
and I'm just not.
It's, like, I can't continue waking up and being, like,
"Maybe today is the day I develop feelings,"
'cause it's not happening.
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYS)
It's like watching a pot of water trying to boil.
If you're just watching it, it's not ever going to start boiling.
LUKE: Can I jump in there?
I personally feel like Mel hasn't really tried
throughout this whole experiment.
Like, yeah, there's times where I feel like you've tried on paper
and she's bought me some gifts.
But I don't want gifts. I don't care for gifts.
I want to spend quality time, I want to get to know you,
I want to grow something.
It's taken a continual toll on me.
But every day, I've just tried to come back positive. I really have.
I've never put so much effort into a person
than I have with Mel on this experiment.
The reason why I'm like this
is because I'm not feeling any romantic feelings.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
JOHN: What are you looking for in somebody
who you think you can fall in love with in time?
Just looking for someone who has empathy, who hears me,
who makes me feel like they can take the weight off my shoulders.
Realistically, would you say that Luke is an unsupportive person?
No, I would not say that about him. No.
Would you say he lacks empathy? No.
Would you say that he has no practical skills
and can't fix anything?
No, I would not say that about him. Mmm.
The person that you said that you would fall in love with over time,
you've just described Luke.
Are you aware of that?
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Yeah.
How does that feel?
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
I don't know.
Interesting, because it's, like, on paper,
then why don't I just have feelings for him, you know.
Like, I should.
Well, I guess where I'd challenge you, Mel,
is whether you've given him a go.
And really only you can answer that.
But from where we're sitting, you've been given somebody
who could absolutely make your life amazing.
And it's never got past the wedding day.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
He showed up late, he chewed gum and that was game over.
You couldn't forgive him.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
We could not have matched you with someone more compatible than Luke
to give you a happily-ever-after.
Let's go to the decision.
Let's go with you first, Luke.
It's been a wild ride
and, like, I'm so grateful for, like, this whole experiment,
but, yeah, obviously, like, there comes a point where,
like, you can't keep going, so...
Yeah. Gotcha.
(SOLEMN MUSIC PLAYS)
And what about you, Mel?
To be honest with you, I couldn't have foreseen
how hard this experiment was gonna be for me,
but I do want to say, like, I'm really happy that I met you
and I'm really sorry about everything.
No, it's all good.
And I really hope we can continue to be real friends.
Yeah.
But I also decided to leave. Right.
Well, look, it has been disappointin for us...
EXPERT MEL: Mmm.
..because we had such high hopes and you are so highly compatible.
It is sad to see you go but we wish you all the best for the future.
Good luck.
EXPERT MEL: All the best to both of you.
Thank you.
(APPLAUSE) (DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
MEL: Well, it's time to get our next couple up on the couch.
Alissa and David.
(BRIGHT MUSIC PLAYS) (APPLAUSE)
Hello. ALISSA: Hello.
DAVID: How are you?
Well, how have the two of you been since our last couch encounter?
You go. Oh, yeah.
Well, you know, it's been a fantastic ride with Alissa.
We're falling for each other. I feel very vulnerable.
I feel like I can trust her.
Yeah.
Like, we're learning things about each other
every single day, you know.
You've given me literally everything I wanted.
He makes me feel safe.
JOHN: Alright, you two, I want to pivot to the dinner party
because we've certainly all seen you being a very strong couple
and you've come under fire when thes dinner parties have occurred
and the group have got together.
Now, two weeks running, things have been said about you,
you've been accused
and I'm just wondering, why do you think people are coming after you?
Ask them.
I don't know. I don't know.
But what about you, David?
Any thoughts on why certain members of the group
find the two of you, I guess, targets?
For me, I actually can't understand it.
Like, it just makes no sense.
Like, we're just out here focusing on what we have
and I hope everyone else is having a great time in their relationship.
I just... I feel like me and Alissa are at the point
where we don't have the energy for it, you know.
ALISSA: Every single week, it's always something
and I'm, like, I don't even... I'm not even in the shit.
Like, I don't know and I would love to know, actually.
What's it to you, Bec, would you say
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
BEC: I'm genuinely sorry that your name has been brought up
because at the end of the day,
we shouldn't be talking about your relationship anyway.
ALISSA: No.
Bec, this is two weeks in a row where you are coming for Alissa.
Well, I didn't come for Alissa last night.
I had something to say to Gia
and Gia was the one that got her phone and read the messages,
so I actually haven't come for Alissa last night...
But why are you talking about their relationship?
Do you know what, you're right, and...
I know I'm right...
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
..but what I don't know is why you're doing that.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
BEC: I actually haven't come for Alissa last night.
But why you talking about their relationship?
Do you know what, you're right, and...
I know I'm right, but what I don't know is why you're doing that.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
I don't have... I actually don't have a reason for it.
'Cause you've got a relationship here that, you know, is trending
in a really positive direction.
They've got each other's back, they're affectionate,
they've got chemistry, they talk about the future
and you're bringing it down
and I'm not sure why you would want to do that.
I don't think it's just me.
I'm not gonna just sit here and allow just me to be talked like that
because the other messages weren't read out.
I get what you're saying. I agree with it and...
But you're not answering why you're doing it.
Do you know what, I don't have an answer for that.
No, not at all. I'm... I'm happy and...
Yeah, no worries.
Like, you can have your opinion and that's fine.
GIA: I'm just gonna call a spade a spade.
Like, I only didn't like Alissa from what I heard from Bec.
I definitely engaged in mean-girl behaviour that I'm not proud of.
Like, 100%, I own that.
But what I heard about you was quite horrible
and I just took that as, like, that's a fact.
She knows you from Adelaide. I don't know you at all.
But do you know what, I've met Bec twice
from mutual friends in Adelaide.
She doesn't know me. No-one actually knows me here.
Yeah.
We all deserve to find love, so enough is enough!
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
At the end of the day, you know,
there's lies that come out of Gia's mouth
and that's my issue,
but I never intended for you
to have anything come towards you at that dinner party last night.
If the phone wasn't gotten, it never would've happened.
You would've just sat there and had a nice night.
DAVID: I think you both caused this.
I hate coming to a dinner party and my wife feeling unsettled.
I hate seeing her sad and I have to go home and pick up the pieces
because grown ladies like yourselves can't take accountability
and stop it from happening, you know.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Alright.
What you do need to think about, Bec is why you're doing it,
because you haven't answered that question and that's an important one
That's what you need to sit on.
But for you, Gia, you've got to also realise
that when you brought up the receipt to have a crack at Bec,
it dragged Alissa into it.
And again, she's now walking away from a dinner party shattered
because the people in this experimen are talking behind her back
and essentially throwing grenades into her relationship.
And there is a pattern here that you Bec, and Gia need to be aware of,
which is when you go into a dinner party
and you come out all guns blazing
and you scorch earth anyone that comes in your way,
you then roll up at the commitment ceremonies and apologise...
but you're still doing the same thing.
Well, look, there's no doubt that you two have had a lot to face
and to overcome this week,
but what we see in front of us is a couple that is very strong,
despite how much noise there is around your relationship.
So, well done. ALISSA: Thank you.
But with that being said, let's go to the decision.
Stay or leave? And we're gonna go with you first, David.
I'm proud of you, I'm proud of your resilience
and I can't wait to see
how the next couple of weeks of this experiment goes.
I treasure you and obviously I'm here to stay.
Good stuff, David. And what about you, Alissa?
Stay or leave?
I love that you are open with me.
I really appreciate you and, yeah, I'm so lucky to call you my husband,
so I am...
I'm gonna stay. Lovely.
MEL: Fantastic. (APPLAUSE)
Well done. ALESSANDRA: Fantastic.
It's so wonderful for us to hear you say that you treasure her.
Oh, it's nice. That's beautiful.
(LAUGHS) Thanks, guys. Have a wonderful week ahead.
Alright. Thanks very much.
JOHN: Well done, guys. Thank you.
(APPLAUSE)
(GIGGLES)
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
JOHN: Next couple up...
Julia and Grayson.
(APPLAUSE)
MEL: Hello.
GRAYSON: How are you, guys? Hello, you two.
JULIA: Hi. How are you?
Last week, when we saw you on this couch,
you really seemed to have turned a corner.
So, frankly, we are sitting here
wondering what has happened to derail that.
Well, after we saw you guys last time...
I really took on, you know, your advice
of, you know, kissing leads to more kissing
and so, Grayson and I kissed again.
But unfortunately, nothing really kind of unfurled after that.
I then... I did, like, a pulse check.
I felt like we were sort of talking about this burning desire.
Is there a burning desire here?
So I realised I didn't think that the romantic side of this connection
was really flourishing
and so, I wrote Grayson a letter...
letting him know that I didn't feel like
this was sort of that soul connection
that I came into this experiment for
and sort of went separate ways.
I moved into a different apartment after that.
Yeah.
And how did that land for you, Grayson, hearing that?
Um...
Oh, it made me feel...
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
..that the energy, the emotion, the vulnerability, the buy-in
has all just been a... has gone to waste.
Do you feel rejected?
Yeah.
She's not physically present, she's not emotionally present
and that's been since probably three or four days after we moved in
that this has been recurring.
JULIA: What I find really difficult
is that I kind of get these mixed messages with Gray.
Like, so that the needs he has, I'm not fully across.
I don't feel like he's transparently telling me his needs.
The energy, it's not inviting. I'm not invited into his experience.
For me, I think Julia is all words.
Her communication style is just blurting out.
It's just listen to, respond.
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYS)
Whenever I need to talk about something, I can't.
Questions like, "Do you want to have a family?"
"Do you want to have a family one day?"
"Oh, I'd like the option to have a family."
"Do you see a future with me?"
"Is there any part of you that can see if future with me?"
"Oh, if there was ever an emotional connection."
So, everything is airy-fairy. There is no certainty.
I just want clarity.
We're talking about emotions, you know.
Grayson would want, like, a yes or a no, black or...
or a very binary answer that I wasn't able to give
because it's complex.
We don't speak the same language. Like...
Yeah, your language is vague. There is no...
I call it nuanced, you call it vague.
We've said this many times. We go around and around in circles.
I just feel so unseen.
There's no other way to put it.
What do you mean by that?
For what I do put into this connection. It's, like...
What have you put into it?
I... I have put my energy.
I've tried to build rapport with Grayson in terms of romance.
That's so... That is untrue.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
For me to grow as a person and in connection,
how could have I supported you more?
Well, you could've been present.
You could've invested your time and energy
into the marriage that we have.
We're married. You just don't say anything with...
We just don't speak the same language.
We don't speak the same language. Like...
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
I am exhausted. Yeah, I think we're both exhausted.
Grayson, did you see a future with Julia at any point?
I fantasised a future.
When I saw her walking down the aisle, I was just so excited
and I had no other expectations
apart from leaving here with being in love.
So you had high hopes?
I had high hopes until, I guess, Julia wrote that letter
and told me she was out.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
ALESSANDRA: Last night, Julia, I heard you comment...
I believe you were questioning Grayson
about whether or not he felt comfortable or not
in regards to your bisexuality.
Is that an issue that has been coming up between you
that maybe we haven't been hearing about here on the couch?
So, in this whole experiment,
I said I don't mind being matched with a man or a woman.
There was no preference there and so I was a bit confused
because we hadn't spoken about my bisexuality for quite some time.
Last night, I was told that Julia made a comment to someone
that she feels like this experiment would've been a lot easier
if I was with a female, so...
Did you say that, Julia? No.
I don't recall saying that.
I mean, in terms of easier, I mean...
In terms of anything.
Would it have been for you something that you think
would've made it better, easier?
If I had a preference to embark on a journey like this,
I would have been very clear.
If I wanted to be matched with a woman, I would've just said that.
So it was never a question for you
in finding that connection with Grayson,
that maybe it would've been different with a different human
of a different gender?
No... Just a different human. OK. Just a different human.
Yeah.
(SOLEMN MUSIC PLAYS)
Does that make sense to you?
Oh, I'm just exhausted. I've got nothing left in the tank.
But for me, this experiment,
I wasn't gonna leave any stone unturned.
I gave it everything I've got and for that, I'm super proud.
Like... And I'm so shattered.
You know, I'm at a point where I'm, like,
"Am I ever gonna find my person? Am I ever gonna find love?"
That's understandable.
And we certainly appreciate the effort
that you very clearly put forth,
from your perspective and your reality and your experience
in this experiment.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
What's making you feel so emotional, Grayson?
What's coming up?
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
I don't know. I just feel a bit helpless, you know.
I just... I want love so bad.
It's... Yeah, it's... It's tough.
There's only one thing left to do.
Julia, what is your decision? Stay or leave?
Yeah, I'm really grateful for this experience.
I've learnt so much.
And this is not easy stuff. This is not simple.
But with that, I am saying leave.
Yeah.
And Grayson?
Yeah.
Yeah, I guess despite all the challenges we've come up against
I am super grateful for you
and, yeah, I value your courage to be here.
I know it's been challenging, so thank you for that.
Thank you for the opportunity.
But, yeah, I think for me, my time's up here, so I choose to leave.
MEL: Yeah. (SOLEMN MUSIC PLAYS)
Alright.
Well, look, it's been an incredible process for the two of you
and, you know, when we first met the two of you,
a lot of what we talked about was alignment, wasn't it,
and looking for that alignment
and unfortunately it didn't quite meet on this occasion.
But I think, Grayson, I think love's not far away for you.
Thank you. Appreciate that.
Good on you, guys. Thank you, guys.
Thank you. JOHN: Thank you, guys.
(APPLAUSE)
(EXHALES) Oh, dear.
NARRATOR: Coming up, it's the allegation that won't go away.
I asked the question, is it not true or did you not say it?
I'm getting frustrated with the whole situation
because my name is being dragged through the mud.
Why did you say it, then?
JOHN: Alright, next couple up...
Sam and Chris.
(BRIGHT MUSIC PLAYS) (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)
Oh... Oh, come on.
Oooh-ah.
MEL: Welcome. Crowd favourites there, aren't you?
Oh, yeah. That's nice.
ALESSANDRA: A lot of support. I love it.
Hi, guys. JOHN: Alright, you two.
I've got to ask, what was it like
walking into that dinner party last night?
Oh... Yeah. (LAUGHS)
(LAUGHS) These guys are so amazing.
We had the best time.
It was great.
And what about, you know, the sense of romance or chemistry there?
What's happening?
It's growing, I think.
At the start, I didn't know where to be or where to feel
or, like, what to do
because you've got a ring on your finger
but you're, like, "I also just met this guy."
Yeah.
Now I'm, like, OK, we'll just take it like you normally would
meeting someone
and we've just been getting to know each other
and every day I get to know Chris, I like him more.
He's such a warm and empathetic person.
We also don't want to be, like, super intimate just yet.
We think it's, like, gentlemanly to court each other
and be a bit old-school and take our time...
So you're travelling at the same pace, would you say?
Yeah. Yeah, like, I don't know.
Like, I didn't really know what pace to travel at
because this is such a new experience for me,
so I wasn't really sure in the beginning.
I was, like, "Do I pash him or do I not? Like, what's going on?"
(LAUGHTER)
But every day, it's just getting better and better.
Yeah, every day we are a little bit more touchy
and a little bit closer... Yeah.
And, like... Yeah. But with no pressure.
It's just we're at a good pace.
Yeah, there's no pressure on it, which I really love, so, yeah.
Well, the energy's really lovely
and I have to say, I love that you're really focusing on
building the connection... Yeah.
We're just, yeah, super grateful that you've matched us together.
So, yeah, we're stoked.
Yeah.
Thank you, guys.
Perfect. Thank you so much. Have a wonderful week.
Thank you. ALESSANDRA: Thank you.
JOHN: Good work. (APPLAUSE)
Thanks, guys. Well done.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Our next couple up on the couch...
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYS)
..Rachel and Steven.
Oh, fantastic. (APPLAUSE)
(BRIGHT MUSIC PLAYS)
RACHEL: Hello. (LAUGHS) MEL: Hello.
ALESSANDRA: Hey, guys. Hi.
How are you? G'day. G'day, mate.
Oh, there he is.
How have you guys been this week, with your one-month anniversary?
It was really nice.
We wanted to go fishing but we couldn't go fishing,
so I went and got a little fishing game
so we could play fishing.
And everyone knows your fishermen
have gotta have their fisherman snacks,
so I got a little esky with Steven's favourite snacks.
I've moved a tree and everything to represent nature.
(LAUGHS)
We turned it on and the fishes are snapping.
I'm like, oh, it's a bust-up... It's a fishing term.
(LAUGHS)
You're learning, you're learning.
(LAUGHS)
I really want to show Steven how special he is to me,
like, my feelings for him and so I really wanted to make sure
it was quite personalised and aligned with, you know, Steven.
Yeah.
So, Steven, what did you do for Rachel?
Got her some flowers, candles, a nice bottle of wine.
(LAUGHS)
And I'm an absolute hopeless cook,
but I cooked up a spag bol lunch for her
and sort of pretended to be a chef
and, you know, came over with a, you know, rag on my thingy
and pouring the wine, thinking I'm all sophisticated and fancy
and just acting like a fool, pretty much, and...
That's cute.
It was romantic but sort of light-hearted romantic.
That's what I wanted to bring, so, my personality to it
and just, yeah, she was smiling the whole time.
Yeah. RACHEL: I loved the lunch.
It was beautiful. ALESSANDRA: Alright.
Well, I do think it's time we get to the decision for this week
Let's go with Senor Steve.
I'm really happy how this week...
What Rachel did for me was absolutely fantastic, I thought.
The thought of fishing and all that sort of stuff
and thinking about that, 'cause it's a bit...
It's fishing, you know. It's not everyone's cup of tea.
(LAUGHS)
You know, and it really did make me smile, so...I wrote stay.
Well done. (APPLAUSE)
Rachel, what is your decision - stay or leave?
I said stay. MEL: Good.
Excellent.
(RESOUNDING MUSIC PLAYS) (APPLAUSE)
JOHN: Thank you, guys. MEL: Well done, you two.
Go back to the group.
(RESOUNDING MUSIC PLAYS) (APPLAUSE)
STEVEN: Nice and cosy again. (LAUGHS)
Our next couple up on the couch...
Gia and Scott.
Yeah. (APPLAUSE)
Hello. Hello, you two.
ALESSANDRA: Hello. JOHN: Greetings.
# Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows everywhere. #
Oh, tell us. Tell us all about the sunshine and lollipops.
Oh...
It's been a good couple of weeks.
Yeah. It's always good.
We started diving into, like, really deep shit
that no-one knows about,
that even only her family knows
and I found it brought us really close together, so...
GIA: Yeah.
And then we got matching tattoos.
OK. Well... (LAUGHS)
We did hear a rumour.
We did get to the one month, but, yeah, you guys know...
So this was the way you celebrated your one month...
Yeah. ..to get that?
I really felt like, "OK, like, he's fully in this."
JOHN: On a more serious note, we saw you at the dinner party.
Gia, you were bringing receipts.
And it got very heated.
The previous week, obviously, I went a bit crazy.
It was over the top and I really tried not to do that last night.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
But when things are said
and it's, like, I'm getting brought up a few times...
Like, I've got to defend myself.
Like, I thought we weren't gonna attack
anyone's relationship anymore.
Like, I'm done with that. Like, I'm personally done with that.
I just showed the receipts because, like, part of me felt attacked
and I was hearing "You have no friends here"
and it just, like, brought me back to being in high school
and being bullied
and it actually really hurt me, to be honest.
But imagine how you hurt me the week before.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
You nearly caused my relationship to end.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
GIA: I just showed the receipts
'cause, like, part of me felt attacked
and I was hearing "You have no friends here"
and, like, it just, like, brought me back to being in high school
and being bullied and it actually really hurt me.
But imagine how you hurt me the week before.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
You nearly caused my relationship to end.
I didn't, actually.
Brook... Brook is the one who said stuff.
Well, it came from your mouth. It came from your mouth, Gia.
I don't know if anyone else saw it,
but Brook kept trying to say something with Danny and I said,
"Don't, babe. Don't say it. Don't say it."
And she said it, so...
But you're the one that messaged it to her.
Anyway...
But that's on camera, so that's great.
At the end of the day, it's all happened.
Everyone needs to focus on their own relationship.
Yeah, I'm done with it. That's all that matters.
I'm here for this. This is what I came here for.
I'm happy and I'm just not engaging with that kind of stuff anymore.
I realise that I was really wrong last week.
I've tried to be accountable
and last night I didn't go as crazy as I normally would.
I didn't get involved.
I really didn't want to go at people, you know what I mean?
JOHN: Sure.
What I want to know is what impact does that have on you, Scott,
when you see Gia in that state, in that situation?
There's way too many positives in our relationship
for me to even think about that, so it's, like...
And Gia only defends herself when in need.
Like, she's not just trying to deliver something for no reason.
Mmm. It's just a defence.
I know Gia so well now and how she approaches an argument,
how she delivers things.
It's already happened in the past dinner parties
and I don't judge her any different, so...yeah.
And also, like, he agrees.
I mean, he backed me up last night,
which that, like, you know, I asked for this, like, the whole time,
to be backed up by a man.
I've never had that in a relationship, ever.
So this is really uncharted waters for you.
Yeah.
So, you describe your relationship as going from strength to strength?
Yeah. Yeah.
I'm really happy.
(LAUGHS)
Just on that, how do you feel about her?
I'm falling for her, but love - I won't say it till I truly mean it.
But I'm falling in that direction.
100%. Big.
Gia, what about you?
It's a lot for me to say I love somebody.
Like, falling more head over heels.
I don't think it's love yet, but we're...
We don't want to go too crazy, yeah. Like, we just got the tattoos.
I think we should chill.
So... (GIA AND SCOTT LAUGH)
What are we gonna do after a year? (LAUGHS)
I don't know.
With that being the case, we're gonna go to the decision.
It's gonna be stay or leave
and we're gonna go with you first... Scott.
(LAUGHS)
I suppose what we're doing is right, so we're not gonna stop that
and, yeah... MEL: Good for you.
..I'm staying, with a love heart and 13.
Brilliant. ALESSANDRA: Alright.
JOHN: What about you, then, Gia? Stay or leave?
Yeah. I adore Scott.
I just trust him and I believe him and I think...I just feel safe.
I love how things are going and I'm gonna stay
and I also did the same thing with a heart.
Love it. Love it. Lovely.
With a little 13 in there. Yeah, that's so funny.
We look forward to seeing you next time.
OK. Thank you. Thank you.
Well done, you guys. Guys, great to see you.
Good work.
(APPLAUSE) Thank you.
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYS)
MEL: Our next couple up on the couch...
Joel and Juliette.
(BRIGHT MUSIC PLAYS) (APPLAUSE)
MEL: Hello. JOHN: Welcome, you two.
JOEL: Hello, experts. MEL: Welcome aboard, guys.
You guys look fabulous, by the way. Thank you very much.
ALESSANDRA: Thank you. But we're more interested in you two
Yeah. And how you're going.
How has this whirlwind been?
We started off on the back foot after the wedding
because my speeches were a bit out-there.
It felt like he was the whole day putting on a performance
and being extremely theatrical
and then, when we came home that night,
like, we had a really good deep chat and I said,
"Look, is there a real side to you?"
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
I'm here for something serious
and I want to get something serious out of it.
And, yeah, I felt like I saw a completely different side to him.
And then, day by day, it's been getting, like, a lot better.
But today was the day where I kind of came to the conclusion...
"OK, maybe the attraction's just not there for me."
Like, I know, like, the more I get to know Joel,
the more I'll probably gain attraction to him, for sure.
Joel, from your perspective, how did it feel
to hear that she's not attracted to you?
I can handle it. No problem. It's only week one.
Attraction can grow.
For me, I'm just more naturally, I think, warm and affectionate.
I think I'm very touchy-feely, you know.
Like, so that's just my nature.
And maybe she's a bit different.
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYS)
I'm really touchy.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Like, that's also a big thing for me,
why I'm, like, a bit freaked out, that I just don't want to.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
JOHN: Joel, last night, baptism of fire.
It was bloody brilliant.
Get (BLEEP), babe.
I could see that you were up for the challenge.
Yeah.
What do you think it was about you that got under the skin
of some of the people?
Well, particularly Bec, let's be honest.
Yeah, yeah. Yeah.
I think all roads lead to the wedding, you know.
I put myself out there, I painted a target on my back by being myself,
as I have always done in my whole life,
so this is stock standard for me, being misunderstood
and then people get to know me,
and, like, "Hey, he's actually alright, you know.
"There's some depth to him. He's not a total moron."
Like, a massive thing for me
is how everyone else would kind of view him,
because I got to see that softer side.
They hadn't seen that too.
Like, everyone's impression of my man is extremely important.
I mean, I'm trying to just find anything...any good signs, really,
because if I wasn't part of this experiment
and I had just met Joel out,
I wouldn't be proceeding.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
And so, I'm just trying to find all the good things
that are kind of helping me want to stick it out.
Mmm.
Look, I guess the thing is that, you know, early on,
you're looking around for evidence.
Yeah. Who is this person?
Do they like him? Do they not? Are we going to last?
But there's gonna to be a time where you're going to need to say,
"I'm in here. I like this guy, whether you like him or not."
Yeah.
Yeah, like, the balance is tipped in the positive direction, I feel.
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYS)
And I'm patiently waiting for her to grow that attraction,
to warm to me.
Yeah. I'm waiting.
Take as long as you need, babe. OK.
(GIGGLES) Yeah.
Not too long, but... You know, come on.
Maybe you could fancy me next week, you know.
(LAUGHS)
Alright. You've had some difficulties early on...
Mm-hm.
..but you've got some clear things that you can hang onto
but also you are aware that it's the two of you
rather than all of the noise around you...
Mm-hm. ..that you need to be focusing on.
So, buckle up, throw yourself into these challenges
and we look forward to seeing you the next time
to hear how you're progressing.
Cool. Thank you, guys.
MEL: Well done. Go back to the group.
Thanks, guys. No more speeches.
(APPLAUSE)
That's good. That was really good. That was good.
ALESSANDRA: Last up on the couch, Bec and Danny.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS) (APPLAUSE)
DANNY: Oi-oi.
Last week, this relationship was really in trouble,
specifically about things that Gia had claimed that Danny had said.
Where are you at in respect to that?
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Stronger than ever...together.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
I'm really confused.
Danny, with you, it's noticeable how flat and miserable you look.
So, how is this stronger than ever?
This is not how I would describe what I'm observing at this moment.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
ALESSANDRA: I'm really confused.
Danny, with you, it's noticeable how flat and miserable you look.
So, how is this stronger than ever?
This is not how I would describe what I'm observing at this moment.
Are you miserable? No.
Obviously I'm tired, you know what I mean?
Like... Well, yes, I'm tired too.
Mmm.
Yeah, like, commitment ceremonies are hard for me.
I'm not too good at talking about my feelings
and just being put on the spot,
but if it comes across like I'm miserable, I apologise.
You certainly don't look like you guys are together.
You don't look connected to one another.
It's one thing to just have flat affect at a certain moment
but you're describing 'stronger than ever'.
How did you feel about Bec's behaviour
last night at the dinner party?
It was pretty full-on and I did a lo of observing of your faces
throughout all of her rants. Mmm.
How did you feel?
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Obviously, Bec's my wife in this experiment.
I'll always back her. Like, I asked for a ride or die.
I don't think you can ask for something that you're not.
I think Bec just got passionate in the moment
or whatever you want to call it...
But how did you feel?
Seeing her behave that way, how did you feel?
It's a tough question to answer.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
I don't know. Just answer honestly.
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYS)
Were you proud? Were you embarrassed?
Um...
You were what?
Maybe slightly embarrassed, yeah.
Why? Why is that?
I don't mind confrontation, like, if it has to be done,
but I'm not the type of bloke who's looking for it.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
JOHN: Bec, I've been wanting to ask you this
after watching you last night essentially apply a blowtorch
to pretty much everybody at the dinner party.
What did you hope to achieve?
Why would you do that?
I didn't think. I didn't.
Why Joel?
I don't have an excuse for it, John. I don't have an excuse for it.
Now, what I'm wondering is, is that you?
No. Is that your personality?
No. Is that your fight style?
No.
'Cause I want away from those dinner parties thinking,
"What's it like for Danny behind closed doors
"if he says something wrong, makes a mistake?"
Mmm.
Is this you? No, I'm the opposite.
I actually retreat.
Don't you think?
Yeah.
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYS)
Well, last night, Danny... Mmm.
..she was creating all the drama and chaos.
Yeah, that's a fair comment.
She was pretty much in every hostile conversation
that was had last night.
Mmm. You were setting off grenades, Bec.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
One of the things I noticed is that by doing that,
you never had to talk about your relationship with Danny.
If you set off enough grenades in other people's relationships,
you can avoid having tough conversations about the two of you.
And clearly you're not good together right now.
You might think you are, you might say it
but what we saw last night was a couple in deep crisis.
What do you think about that?
Really angry.
MEL: Who are you angry at, Bec?
I'm angry at Gia.
Are you really angry at Gia?
I'm angry at both of them,
but I didn't realise that I was still angry at him,
but I don't want to argue with him.
(CRIES)
Why? What are you scared of?
I'm scared that he'll leave.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
I'm scared he'll leave me.
(CRIES)
Sorry.
(CRIES)
But I am.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Danny, when you hear Bec say that, how does that land for you?
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Well, like, we've had this conversation before.
Like, me and Bec, when we get, like, confrontational,
I need to remove myself from the situation.
That's how I deal with that.
But then it's, like, that triggers Bec.
Bec's saying that she's feeling... she's feeling really angry at you
because this whole situation around what was apparently said...
Mmm.
..about Gia being more your type,
sounds like Bec hasn't heard enough from you
to put her mind at ease.
Mmm.
I know he's told me that it's not true and I choose to believe him.
Did he say it's not true or didn't say it?
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
He didn't... It's not true... He didn't say... It's not true.
I don't know. You're not sure, are you?
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS) Danny?
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Um...
I didn't say it.
Bec needs a little more here. She needs more of a response.
I asked the question, is it not true or did you not say it?
I didn't say it. It's not true.
That's why I'm getting frustrated, the whole situation
because my name's being dragged through the mud.
I never said that stupid comment.
With all due respect to Gia, and don't take this the wrong way -
I'm covered in tattoos -
but I don't go for girls who have got tattoos.
I didn't, Gia.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Is it not true or did you not say it?
I didn't say it. It's not true.
That's why I'm getting frustrated with the whole situation
because my name is being dragged through the mud.
I never said that stupid comment.
With all due respect to Gia, and don't take this the wrong way -
I'm covered in tattoos -
but I don't go for girls who have got tattoos.
I didn't, Gia.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
I'm curious.
This is why I want to talk about it
because we just go round and round in circles.
I'm not here to speak rumours or argue.
I'm here for love.
ALESSANDRA: So, do you believe him
or do you need confirmation that Gia lies or doesn't lie?
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
I believe him.
You know what, I can't. Like, I'm trying to hold back.
This is infuriating, because this is the biggest issue
with Bec and my friendship, fake-ship.
She always wants to talk to me off-camera
and off-camera, she tells me, "Babe, I believe you,
"but what have I got to do?
"Then I've got to leave."
She's saying she never said that.
I never said that. Of course she's not gonna say that!
Anyway...
Of course she's not gonna go, "Yeah. Oh, I said that."
MEL: Thanks, Gia. Let's just go back to you, Danny.
So, what are you gonna do differently?
Communicate better next time.
Obviously, I've been single for four years,
so I've just got so used to doing my own thing.
It's a fair call.
You do get set in your ways and you do become sort of single-minded,
but you're in a relationship now.
Reassurance, support, validation.
You both need those things.
BEC: It's hard for me.
I do need validation and reassurance from him
but I'm scared to ask for it.
I wish you had have told me that
because you know I'd have done it for you.
Anything you've ever asked of me, I'll always do it for you...
I know, but part of me doesn't want to have to ask
and that's what I'm nervous about.
Sometimes you do, though, in relationships.
OK. You know, sometimes you do.
You're teaching each other about "This is how to work with me,
"you know, this is what I need"
and that's part of that early stage in the relationship.
Yeah. So, maybe do ask.
Maybe give him a bit of guidance,
help him read you and give you what you need.
OK.
I hope this conversation has been helpful today.
I mean, it looks like a little bit for both of you,
that you've sort of seen a little bit more of each other,
of what you need. Mmm.
Less focus on this. Yeah, no more.
More focus on this. OK.
As you said, Danny, it's what you're here for.
Love. Mmm.
A relationship. Right? 100%.
Yeah.
Alright, well, we're gonna go to a decision.
Start with you, Bec.
I said stay, 'cause we're stronger together.
Mmm. Good.
And you, Danny?
Um...
Bit of a rough week last week, but we had a better week this week,
so I put stay.
Good. Good strong stay.
Thank you.
I promise next week I wouldn't have put...
I wouldn't have thrown any fires.
No more fires. That's my word.
No more grenades. No more grenades, I promise.
JOHN: I'll hold you to that, Bec.
No grenades.
Do you want to shake on it?
Alright, we'll see you next time, guys.
Thanks, guys. Good luck.
OK. ALESSANDRA: Have a good week.
Well done, Bec. (APPLAUSE)
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
(CRIES)
NARRATOR: Tomorrow night...
(KNOCK AT DOOR)
(SCREAMING)
..our couples' families and friends come to visit.
Definitely starting to fall for you.
WOMAN: I can't be more excited for them.
You've got to let your wall down a little bit.
Over two big nights,
fresh perspective will see some deepen their connections.
STEVEN: I do like Rachel. I need to bring these walls down.
I need to communicate more, I need to be me.
Is Gia a better version of your ex?
But for Gia...
..hard-hitting questions will leave her frustrated.
We're six friends at a table. Are we? I'm not getting that vibe.
Do you want to say it or do you want me to say it?
You go. You go.
Home sweet home!
Our three newest couples move in together.
JOEL: Here we go.
And Tyson reveals an incredible transformation.
I'm in a lot more positive mindset now.
John said I do need to be a little bit more curious.
STEPHANIE: I think we do get along on so many levels.
I think this is, like, the next step for us.
Caught in the act.
A video popped up of you that my friend sent me.
What shocking footage has Juliette seen of Joel?
Like, I'm so icked out.
And in a dramatic turn of events,
which participant calls it quits and leaves the experiment?
(DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS)
Captioned by AI-Media ai-media.tv