The upcoming season of Married at First Sight (MAFS) 2025 promises explosive drama, and much of it centres on Eliot Donovan, dubbed the “runaway groom.”
Eliot’s stint on the show has already sparked interest, making him a name to watch this season.
So, who is Eliot, and what led to his controversial exit?
Who Is Eliot Donovan?
Eliot is 35 year old business owner from Queensland. According to his Channel 9 bio, he refers to himself as a “straight shooter” and says that his “number one deal breaker” is authenticity.
This is an interesting concept, considering that The Daily Mail reported that the MAFS groom has a few connections with other reality TV contestants and Aussie influencers. But hey, make of that what you will.
In his bio, Eliot also said that he’s looking for a partnership with a classy woman who will soften his hard edges. The statement could be taken as a bit of a slap in the face to his bride Lauren Hall, who he reportedly bailed on early in the experiment.
Why did Eliot quit MAFS?
This season of MAFS is rumoured to be its most chaotic yet, with claims of six contestants exiting the show. Eliot is said to have been the first to walk away, leaving just hours after marrying Lauren.
According to reports from The Daily Mail, Eliot cited a lack of connection with Lauren as the reason for his departure. However, his story takes a twist: he reportedly returned to the series later, only to discover that Lauren had been matched with another participant.
An insider revealed to the outlet, “He’s back to clear his name but isn’t apologetic about his behaviour. He and Lauren were a complete mismatch, and [he] hasn’t changed his mind about wanting out of their romance.”
Eliot’s unexpected exit and reappearance have already set the tone for a dramatic season. While some viewers may sympathise with his decision to leave, others might question his motives for returning. Either way, his journey is shaping up to be one of the key talking points of MAFS 2025.
Prepare yourself for the drama, bestie.
MAFS Australia 2025 premieres on January 27 at 7:30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
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