MAFS Australia: Alyssa reveals why unaired clip left her unsurprised at co-stars' romance
Did the couple swap week change everything?
Last updated 21st Jun 2023
Another day, another slice of Married At First Sight Australia drama comes our way! Since series 10 finished airing in the UK back in May, the cast have certainly kept us all talking, whether it's Harrison Boon making shock claims, or new romances between the cast, the season wrapping up certainly wasn't the end to all of the MAFS drama.
And now, following show stars Duncan James and Evelyn Ellis confirming they are dating, Duncan's former 'wife' on the show, Alyssa Barmonde, has revealed that she wasn't "surprised" by the news of their romance, opening up about scenes that were left unaired during the couple swap week.
As fans of the show may know, during couple swap week Evelyn moved into Duncan and Alyssa's apartment, with Alyssa going to stay with Cameron Woods. Opening up about conversations that she had with her former 'husband' at the time, Alyssa now claims she believes he set his sights on Evelyn during that week of the experiment.
Speaking with MAFS UK bride Lara Eyre on her podcast, Lara on Eyre: After MAFS Edition, Alyssa said: "Production asked Duncan and I to have a conversation about the sleeping arrangements."
The mother-of-one then revealed that Duncan was allegedly keen to share a bed with Evelyn, leading her to request that he "sleep on the couch".
Following this, she then claimed that Duncan deemed the couch "uncomfortable", going on to reassure Alyssa that Evelyn was "just his mate".
Alyssa then added: "I think they really suit each other, but I can't say I'm surprised," going on to say: "I was hurt that I didn't hear from either of them about the relationship, but it is what it is."
During the couple swap week, viewers saw Duncan and Evelyn enjoy their time together, as Evelyn arranged a mini photoshoot for Duncan so that he could gift Alyssa with some thoughtful snaps on her return.
In the playful scenes, we saw Duncan pose with various items of baking equipment, in an effort to pay tribute to Alyssa's love of baking. Despite his efforts, his 'wife' didn't seem too impressed when he gifted her the thoughtful photos.
Duncan and Evelyn confirmed their romance in May 2023, at the same time the MAFS Aus reunion episodes aired in the UK. Sharing a cosy photo alongside her new man, Evelyn wrote on Instagram: 'The cat is out of the bag, and yes, the rumours are true… Duncan and I are officially off the market! Can’t wait to share my journey with you guys, from how we met and well… you will have to watch to find out more, check the link in my bio!'. (sic)
As viewers will know, Evelyn was paired with Rupert Budgen during the experiment, however the pair parted ways at the final ceremony. Speaking on her new romance with Duncan, Evelyn told 9Entertainment: "Obviously we gave Rupert a call as well, and got the blessing from Rupert! He was very supportive as well."
Check out which MAFS Australia series 10 couples stayed together after the show:
Evelyn Ellis and Duncan James: DATING
Although these two weren't paired together, Eveyln and Duncan started hanging out after filming ended, with the pair confirming in May 2023 that they are now in a relationship!
As well as confirming the cute news on social media, the pair took part in an interview with Australia's 9Entertainment, where Duncan told the publication: "We started hanging out a little bit after the show. Everyone's sort of friends in the cast, and obviously me and you living in Sydney we probably hung out a little bit more.
"All of a sudden we went out on a couple of nights, and some of the warm fuzzy feelings happened in my stomach and I thought, 'What's this? How we going here?'
"Then... one thing led to another."
Tahnee Cook and Ollie Skelton: SPLIT
The show's youngest couple this year was 27-year-old PR manager Tahnee and 26-year-old voice-over artist Ollie, who had both given up with dating apps.
These two immediately hit it off, making it all the way to the final vows with basically no bumps in the road. After admitting during their final vows they were 'falling in love' with each other, these two lasted 16 months!
However, in December 2023, the pair took to Instagram to announce they'd split.
Melinda Willis and Layton Mills: SPLIT
31-year-old CEO's Melinda and Layton were paired together, with the experts hoping they could be a 'super couple', and it looks like they were nearly spot on!
After Melinda quickly got over her initial doubts about Layton, these two seemed to click into place, making it all the way to final vows and telling each other they love one another. The couple celebrated their one-year anniversary in September 2023.
However, much to the shock of fans in October 2023, the pair released a joint statement to confirm they'd split, with the pair saying: 'We still care very deeply for each other and this doesn't mean our lives can't come back together, but as of now, we think this decision is for the best.'
Claire Nomarhas and Jesse Burford: SPLIT
John, Mel and Alessandra chose to pair 31-year-old kindergarten assistant Claire with 30-year-old marriage celebrant Jesse Burford.
Although Claire 'cheated' on Jesse with Adam and owned up about it to her husband, these two actually became quite strong in the experiment. HOWEVER, thanks to co-star Harrison, Jesse started to get doubts over Claire's true feelings, with both of them later deciding to leave.
Despite the pair looking cosy at the reunion party, and Claire admitting she was heading over to Perth to see Jesse, it looks like things didn't work out romantically in the end.
Lyndall Grace and Cameron Woods: SPLIT
The experts paired together 27-year-old accountant Lyndall and 27-year-old carpenter Cameron.
Despite the first few weeks of the experiment going really well for the pair, with Lyndall quickly telling Cam about her Cystic fibrosis diagnosis, things didn't end great for these two!
Although they made it all the way to the final vows, they both chose to split during the ceremony, with Cam actually storming off following Lyndall's speech.
Bronte Schofield and Harrison Boon: SPLIT
32-year-old builder Harrison was paired with 28-year-old online beauty educator Bronte by the experts.
Despite Bronte's friend dropping the bombshell that Harrison had been dating a 20-year-old before the experiment, and him getting another girl's number during the show, these two somehow made it all the way to the final decision. However, after a turbulent time in the process, Bronte finally walked out of the experiment before the final vows.
Alyssa Barmonde and Duncan James: SPLIT
35-year-old Executive Assistant Alyssa was paired with 36-year-old Cybersecurity Sales Regional Director Duncan.
Despite getting off to a good start and becoming early viewer favourites, things took a sour turn for these two during the retreat, with arguments following until the final vow ceremony. Although Alyssa wanted to continue their relationship during the final decision, Duncan ended things, admitting he didn't want Alyssa to get hurt.
Sandy Jawanda and Dan Hunjas: SPLIT
36-year-old dental hygienist Sandy was paired with 42-year-old digital marketing business owner Dan by the experts.
Despite Sandy's parents not giving their approval and not attending the wedding, the pair seemed to get on immediately, with Dan's family and friends loving Sandy's vows.
HOWEVER, things quickly went south for the pair, with both deciding to leave the experiment half way through. Shockingly, Dan then revealed he was dating influencer Samantha Symes, who was a guest at his wedding to Sandy! That didn't last long either though!
Janelle Han and Adam Seed: SPLIT
The experts matched 28-year-old beauty influencer Janelle with 25-year-old business owner Adam.
When Adam was forced to own up about his kiss with Claire, Janelle unsurprisingly could no longer trust him, choosing to leave the experiment, which resulted in Adam storming out.
Melissa Sheppard and Josh White: SPLIT
41-year-old hairdresser Melissa was matched with 40-year-old advertising client director Josh by the experts, making them the oldest couple in the series.
It turned out that Melissa and Josh were just too different for each other, with Josh admitting he felt like Mel's 'sex object'. After breaking down in tears during the second commitment ceremony, the experts changed the rules to allow Josh to leave the experiment, despite Melissa wanting to stay.
It has since been revealed that Josh is now getting to know co-star Lyndall, following the break down in her marriage to Cam!
Caitlin McConville and Shannon Adams: SPLIT
The experts also matched together 27-year-old Makeup Artist Caitlin and 30-year-old Personal Trainer Shannon.
It didn't take long for Shannon to realise he wasn't over his ex, saying some harsh words to Caitlin in the process. Unsurprisingly, Caitlin chose to leave the experiment, telling the experts she deserved to be "treated like a human being."
Tayla Winter and Hugo Armstrong: SPLIT
27-year-old Tayla Winter and 32-year-old Hugo Armstrong were late arrivals into the experiment, joining in week three after being matched by the experts.
With problems in their marriage, it was revealed Tayla had left the experiment to return home, before a huge twist saw her return during a dinner party. However, by this stage, Hugo had made up his mind and chose to leave the experiment, wishing Tayla well.
Evelyn Ellis and Rupert Budgen: SPLIT
The final couple to enter the experiment was 26-year-old Model Evelyn Ellis and 27-year-old Electrician Rupert Budgen.
Despite Rupert's nerves getting in the way at first, the couple quickly ended up becoming intimate, making it all the way to the final vows. However, the pair both chose to end their relationship, with Rupert saying: "A platonic connection alone is not enough to sustainable a loving and healthy relationship."
Series 10 of Married At First Sight Australia is available to stream on E4 now.
Now read:
MAFS Australia's Jesse reveals shocking TRUTH about Claire and Adam's 'affair'
MAFS Australia's Harrison Boom shows off new girlfriend
MAFS Australia's Melissa reveals why she had to CANCEL wedding on show