Married at First Sight Australia groom Ryan Donnelly’s secret acting career has come to light during his stint on the show.
The reality TV contestant, who is featuring in the show’s 12th season, has not only played parts in a major Hollywood film but also an iconic television series.
Observers in Sydney caught sight of Ryan last month as he was on location filming for an upcoming blockbuster, sharing the set with Dylan O’Brien, the lead from Teen Wolf.
Following the announcement in September 2024 that Ryan would be partaking in MAFS, it was reported that he had deactivated his profiles on casting websites StarNow and TheRightFit.
Nevertheless, some astute fans have unearthed old Instagram posts showcasing Ryan’s previous dramatic endeavours. In one particular photo, he dons a police uniform, after reportedly having roles in famous shows like Neighbours and NCIS: Sydney, reports OK!
Ryan’s appearance on television isn’t limited to MAFS; he’s surfaced on another reality program as well. Veterans of Ashton Kutcher’s Beauty and the Geek might recognise the now-MAFS participant from past editions of the show.
A TikTok user questioned, “Do I need glasses or is that Ryan?” while another confirmed, “Yes, he is an actor.”
Adding to this, a third commentator remarked: “Oh I have HEARD they’ve been recycling actors on these shows.”
In the current series of MAFS, 36-year-old Ryan has paired up with Jacqui, a self-assured consultant aged 29, who is in search of her “perfect match”.
Jacqui, who sees herself as owning both “beauty and the brains”, wasn’t thrilled with project manager Ryan, as she felt that he didn’t live up to her expectations.
She expressed her dissatisfaction with his hair colour, his choice of dog, and his unshaven appearance, which she labelled as a “turn off”.
Jacqui also felt that Ryan’s wedding vows seemed “rehearsed”, and she was moved to tears when he “failed to take the lead” as they walked back down the aisle.
The situation deteriorated further when self-confessed “warrior” Ryan accidentally dropped Jacqui during their first dance. While the guests laughed it off, a concerned Ryan pleaded with producers not to broadcast the incident, insisting: “I’m not thinking of myself, I’m thinking of her.”
Their troubles didn’t end there. Upon moving into their new apartment this week, Jacqui vented about Ryan’s lack of tidiness. It remains to be seen whether Jacqui and Ryan can overcome these challenges.
Married at First Sight Australia airs Monday to Thursday on E4 at 7.30pm