MAFS Australia fans say 'it's not right' as stars return to show - but not Katie (2025)

The 12th season of Married at First Sight Australia is set to welcome new brides and grooms this week, including two former stars - but viewers are not happy

Viewers of Married at First Sight Australia are outraged to learn that two previous participants are returning to the show, but neither of them are Katie.

The 12th series is currently showing on E4 with a new group of singles taking part in the marriage experiment, which has been a bumpy ride for most of them.

This week, things are about to heat up with the introduction of fresh faces Beth, Clint, Teejay, and Veronica, alongside returning contestants Lauren and Eliot.

On Sunday (March 23), the official E4 Instagram account shared photos of the newcomers, alongside the caption: "Introducing (and reintroducing) the rest of this year's #MAFSAU brides and grooms!"

Lauren, 37, and Eliot, 35, both business owners, were initially paired up by the show's experts at the beginning of the series.

Eliot caused controversy with his demands for a perfect wife, rejecting the idea of marrying a "trashy, obnoxious woman" and threatening to call off the wedding if he didn't find his bride attractive.

Lauren appeared to share Eliot's views on traditional roles in marriage, and the pair initially hit it off. However, their relationship began to fall apart during their honeymoon.

After some heated exchanges at the dinner table, Eliot decided that Lauren didn't meet his strict criteria and chose to exit the Married At First Sight UK experiment after just two days, reports OK!

"He's just closed off because he didn't get exactly what he wanted. He's so annoying, I can't stand him," a frustrated Lauren remarked, before telling the cameras that Eliot had robbed her "of this experience".

Following his sudden exit, Eliot sat down with expert John Aiken to justify his decision, commenting: "I've been pretty consistent with what I've been looking for. The person I was matched with was nothing like that. I was expecting to meet a cute librarian-like girl that was younger than me, and I ended up with what felt like a Kardashian sister."

With news breaking that Lauren and Eliot will return to the show with new partners, fans took to social media to vent their frustrations. "It's a joke now," one person said, with another adding: "It's not right."

A third said: "Eliot should not be allowed back on the show, that's ridiculous."

While some are frustrated by Eliot being given another chance, others feel let down that former bride Katie wasn't offered a similar opportunity to re-join the programme after her difficult stint.

At the outset of the series, 37-year-old business manager Katie was coupled with 38-year-old primary school teacher Tim, with the pair appearing to be a good match on paper.

However, Tim quickly confided in producers that he felt no "spark" after meeting Katie at the altar. Despite being aware of Tim's feelings, Katie endeavoured to make the relationship work during their honeymoon, but he remained distant and unexpectedly returned to Melbourne instead of moving into their shared apartment.

Adding insult to injury, Tim later claimed to his fellow participants that he had been "making the most effort" in their marriage, prompting Katie to reconsider their interactions. Ultimately, the couple chose to "leave" at the first commitment ceremony.

Reacting to the fresh cast members, fans expressed their dissatisfaction with one stating: "Katie should of been given another chance with someone decent," and another commenting: "Eliot what?! Where is Katie?!"

A third chimed in saying, "Katie should have been given a second chance," while another remarked in agreement: "Why can't Katie come back as well?"

Married at First Sight Australia airs Monday to Thursday on E4 at 7.30pm