Did the more volatile couples influence your own relationship?
W: Absolutely. You’re stuck in this bubble. You get involved in each other’s relationships like a family. You want the advice, you want to give the advice, it’s kind of a support network. When one couple’s rocky, it disrupts the group and the relationships within it.
M: I found it really challenging. Other couples prevented us from being able to focus on us 100 per cent. Sometimes you get stuck in their drama.
What were the experts’ top tips?
M: The point-scoring thing. Mel – the expert – mentioned sometimes taking a step back and letting the other person...
W: Win! (Both laugh.) Shame [the audience] doesn’t get to see all the expert advice. They can talk to us for a good hour. We were a tricky one for the experts, because we were so fiery but we were fun – they could really dig deep with us.
Layton, you were very emotional at the homestays picnic date?
M: After couple’s retreat, I was emotionally exhausted. Not just because of our relationship, but you’re subjected to other people’s relationships. The tension builds up. We got to that picnic and a lot of raw emotion came out of us both.
Do you have plans to marry – or start a family – in real life soon?
M: One step at a time! Children I definitely want. We’ve talked about a future, but we’re just enjoying being a couple for now.
W: Our relationship is not perfect, but we’re working it. When we’re 100 per cent good, then we’ll discuss future plans, like moving in together.