The ultimate goal of Married at First Sight is to create genuine relationships and whilst the series’ track record isn’t the greatest, we do know the format can work (Hello, Michael and Martha).
However, the experiment’s success relies heavily on one factor: genuine contestants.
You wouldn’t think it would be difficult to find single Aussies who are open to the chance for a happily-ever-after, but throughout twelve seasons, Australia has seen their fair share of contestants who aren’t quite on the show for the right reasons. But, each season we hope the new married couples are genuine and ready to give the experiment their all.
Which is why fans aren’t exactly thrilled to learn so many of their favourites have an acting background.
We’re not saying anyone who is an actor is incapable of joining the show for the right reasons – many fans are just left questioning if the reality show is in fact real when an alarmingly high rate of contestants have a thespian background.
MAFS have confirmed time and time again that their experiment is the real deal, selecting authentic Australians from across the country to find love. There’s also no denying that not everyone would be comfortable entering such a public (and controversial) show. Individuals who are already comfortable in front of the camera probably have an easier time accepting the concept of Reality TV and the fame that comes along with it.
Either way, it’s clear MAFS attracts the actors and TV hopefuls among us, and we can’t help but notice that a few more contestants fit the mould this year. So if you think the contestants may look familiar, here’s where you may have seen the cast of Married at First Sight before!
Are there any actors on MAFS?
Paul Antoine
Season 12
He may have been one of the first grooms to wed on the 2025 season of Married at First Sight Australia, but Frenchman Paul has actually starred in a different reality TV in the search for love! In 2022, the 30-year-old starred in The Real Love Boat.
Sierah Swepstone
Season 12
As Sierah and Billy wed on the 2025 season of Married at First Sight Australia, fans couldn’t help but recognise the 31-year-old financial associate advisor from Melbourne. Back in 2021, she tried her hand at another reality TV franchise: The Bachelor.
Sierah made quite the memorable exit during Jimmy Nicholson’s season, telling Australia she just didn’t think he was into “tall, horny bogans.”
You can read her iconic 2021 interview with WHO, here.
Teejay Halkias
Season 12
Siereah and Paul aren’t the only reality TV experts this season! New intruder Teejay Halkias gave audiences a serious case of Deja Vu when he wed Beth Kelly in the midst of the 2025 season, and it turns out he was a contestant on Big Brother in 2023!
Adrian Araouzou
Season 12
Although he may have not been on the big screen like some other MAFS contestants, new groom Adrian has quite the online following. He and Jasmin Weston (AKA @jasmineats) run a social media account dedicated to food called ‘Sweet Sundayz,’ where they eat, cook and travel together.
Jeff Gobbels
Season 12
Jeff, who had quite the memorable wedding day alongside Rhi in 2025 (spoiler alert: they had already previously dated!), isn’t a complete newbie when it comes to the silver screen.
The 39-year-old electrical made a brief appearance on Neighbours as Police Office Kurt Bridges. The actor appeared in three episodes between 2017 and 2021.
Collins Christian
Season 11
A comedy skit on ABC’s The Weekly from April 2023 emerged online during the second week of the 2024 MAFS season, revealing Collins had auditioned for the show previously.
And while the 28-year-old has introduced himself as an Executive Assistant on the show, fans have uncovered an ad he did for Ashley and Martin in 2022.
Ben Walters
Season 11
Although Ben is no actor – he has been on TV! Back in 2019, he appeared on The Today Show as they reported on the ban on climbing Uluru. “Strongly advise not to do it, it’s just disrespectful,” he said in the short clip which he shared to his Instagram at the time.
Michael Felix
Season 11
Audiences first met Michael during the season premiere where he attended the Bachelorette party – however, it was announced his future MAFS husband, Simon, had decided to back out at the last moment, leaving Michael single. Although he later returned to our screens for another shot at love, it’s not the first time he appeared on TV!
Back in 2021, Michael appeared on another TV show called Frogger, a competition series that brought the beloved 1980s video game to life as contestants took on supersized crossings amid daring obstacles.
Ridge Barredo
Season 11
Joining this season as the last groom, Ridge made quite the first impression. But, it was far from his first array in the reality TV dating arena.
The psych ward nurse has previously appeared on Channel Seven’s show First Dates in 2020.
Fans were also surprised to learn he was previously a professional weightlifter who competed in the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Cast and placed fifth in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Madeleine Maxwell
Season 11
Going by the name Maddy Jevic, Madeleine has a number of previous acting credits to her name, including appearances in Offspring, Anzac Girls, Wentworth Prison and Upper Middle Class Bogan.
Although she hasn’t acted since 2021, she is best known for her role as Amber Simmons in Home and Away, before she made the career shift to psychic medium.
Evelyn Ellis
Season 10
Intruder Evelyn is no stranger to the reality TV world. In 2016, she also appeared on Big Brother UK.
Shannon Adams
Season 10
It seems as if Shannon has had a long-time affinity to show business. In his IMBD, he is credited for a role in Blue Heelers (1994), Neighbours (1995), and Rush (2008)- where he played ‘Jelly Shot Guy’. He also appeared in a pre-series Love Island commercial.
Adam Seed
Season 10
Adam didn’t quite make the best impression during his time on MAFS, so some may be surprised this wasn’t his first on-screen appearance. He has also appeared on UK reality show Coach Trip, Dinner Date UK and MTV’s Celebrity Ex in the City.
Layton Mills
Season 10
Layton has quite the TV history! First appearing on Wipeout Australia (donning a fluro pink headband) way back in 2010, six years later he appeared on First Dates Australia. After some TV news appearances on The Project and Sky News regarding his medicinal cannabis business, he has now made his way to MAFS.
