Viewers of Married at First Sight Australia were quick to voice the same grievance shortly after the 2025 series kicked off.
The hit reality show made its comeback on E4 on Monday (March 3) evening, introducing a new group of singles ready to embark on their journey to matrimony.
In keeping with tradition, the season opened with the stag and hen parties, where the soon-to-be grooms and brides got acquainted and discussed their aspirations for the upcoming experiment.
At the stag party, one participant immediately caused a stir. Eliot, a 35-year-old business owner, began to outline his “non-negotiables” for a future spouse.
“I have very high standards. The way I see it is high standards are you protecting against wasting your time with the wrong person,” he said, reports OK!
He expressed that he wouldn’t consider marrying someone he found “trashy” or “obnoxious” and confessed he would back out of the wedding if he wasn’t pleased with his bride’s appearance.
Eliot didn’t take long to start a dispute after meeting the other grooms, particularly clashing with Tim, a 38-year-old primary school teacher.
During a conversation about relationships, Tim mentioned his tendency to “over-care” for his partner, which led Eliot to label him an “ick” for being overly affectionate.
“That to me is a bit of a red flag. I think it can be an ick if you are over-caring… Tell her she looks awful, trust me,” Eliot advised.
During the episode, MAFS fans quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their frustration over Eliot’s controversial views, with one viewer commenting: “The fact that the experts would allow someone like Eliot into the experiment speaks volumes.”
“Eliot needs to be careful with his words as saying stuff like that can be hurtful and have really bad consequences to someone,” another viewer warned.
A third voiced their opinion about the approach of contestants on the show: “If you’re going on #MAFSAU you shouldn’t be going on expecting your usual type or have huge standard levels. You’re there because everything else to this point hasn’t worked out. A lot of delus this season.”
On a different note, other viewers applauded the grooms for confronting Eliot about his remarks: “The men calling Eliot out on his misogynistic bulls*** immediately is what we love to see, toxic masculinity free zone! Green flags all around.”
The experts matched Eliot with 37-year-old business owner Lauren, who appeared to concur with many of his views on traditional gender roles.
They had a promising start at the altar, but Lauren’s wayward sister, Tamara, posed a threat to the day’s harmony when she dramatically left the reception. As the newlyweds begin their honeymoon, will their initial attraction grow?
Married at First Sight Australia airs Monday to Thursday on E4 at 9pm