Original subtitles

Whoa!

They really nailed that, didn't they?

Wow.

VO: 18 singles from across the country...

The experts did a great job.

..met and married at first sight.

And I think that's going to be an extraordinary adventure.

VO: Following their spectacular honeymoons.

MAN: I really like her, I like her a lot.

MAN: My feelings are definitely growing stronger.

VO: They moved in...

Oh, it looks good.

..to begin living together as husband and wife

I love this!

MAN: Convince your husband you're the hottest.

Why are you the hottest?

(BLEEP)

Um... I'm just in shock.

Wait, he told you that?

VO: Confessions week...

This is why I haven't tried to kiss you.

..saw some bonds deepen.

See? Done. Look at that.

Look at that.

But for others...

That's just a very, very good looking lady.

He starts to do that surface level performance.

..it raised more questions...

Oh, pretty sure this is you proposing.

..than answers.

Just vetted your phone better than me by the sounds of it.

What is the point of trusting

if we can't actually just trust someone

without looking through someone's phone?

Definitely raise some question marks.

Tonight...

Welcome, everyone, to the first commitment ceremony.

..our newlyweds face the experts as secrets...

She firmly didn't want to do the phone task.

..will be exposed.

Did you have anything to hide? Um...

What?

I'm Tristan, this is Cassandra.

(LAUGHTER)

Some couples celebrate their love.

Aw.

Intimacy came...

Two to four times a day, every day. Stop it.

(LAUGHTER)

But other couples...

So you cheated on her? Um...

..will face the hard questions.

I ended it, I was... Hold on, hold on.

I'm just doing the calculations.

Was that before or after you met us?

You were seeing someone else while you're talking to us?

And then expert John...

Let me tell you, OK? I haven't finished talking.

..calls out Collins.

That's a problem. John...

That's a problem.

..in one of the most heated exchanges ever seen.

If you decide to stay together... You tell me.

No, no, no. No, no, no, I'm sorry.

I'm not here to tell you what to do...

You're not? I want you...

You're not here to give me advice.

You challenging me is deflecting from the issue at hand here.

# #

# #

Whoo! (LAUGHS)

It's decision day,

and after two weeks in the experiment,

today our newlyweds are getting ready

to face the experts

and each other in the first commitment ceremony

of the experiment.

After taking time to deliberate separately,

our brides and grooms will each decide

whether they want to continue

in their relationship or leave.

Commitment ceremony today. I know!

Game on.

Do you think we're good? Yeah.

I think we're really good. Yeah?

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I think we're good.

Yeah, I think we're great. Yeah.

The first commitment ceremony gives us, as experts,

the platform to help our couples navigate

the complexities of the experiment.

How are you feeling about the commitment ceremony?

(EXHALES)

I've got a truck rolling up for the baggage.

(THEY LAUGH)

Tonight we will not only be there to support,

guide and advise our couples,

but also intervene if we can see they are in crisis.

I'm excited. I'm keen as well, yeah.

Like we're going into it in a really good place.

We'll offer them honest feedback,

which they'll have to take on in front of the group

and be held accountable for their actions.

I can't wait.

We all know me, I'm nosey as (BLEEP)

and I'm super excited and interested.

I see everything, I've got shitty eyesight and a lazy eye,

but I see...

That's why 'cause you see two things at once.

'Cause one eye's going that way, one eyes going that way.

So I can see everything.

Two things at once. Yeah.

Well, how about we put like, positive intention in,

you know, to help us...

I suppose, get out of our own way,

and feel like we're both getting our needs met.

Well, I'm not, because I didn't put enough water in the kettle.

VO: Ahead of tonight's commitment ceremony,

Jack is preparing to defend his relationship

after an article about an ex-girlfriend

appeared in the press.

Basically, I've got a disgruntled ex.

Um... It said.

Go for it.

There was talk about moving in together.

There was, like, meeting the parents, things like that.

So she felt like it was more serious than it was.

Um, it's just all out of context.

It's a big deal when someone sort of says

something about you in the media,

and then it's there for everyone to see.

It's got absolutely nothing to do with who I am as a person

or my character or, you know,

me getting married to Tori.

And now we're going to the first commitment ceremony

and the experts are going to unpack this again.

I'm happy to answer any questions respectfully.

Like, I don't want to be attacked.

I don't deserve to be attacked. I've done nothing wrong.

As my wife will tell ya.

Damn, you're looking good.

You look lovely.

Tori's had a had a great opportunity

to be pissed off with me.

She could have slapped me,

slammed the door in my face, walked out.

Very nice.

The emotional maturity and the way she's handled herself,

it speaks volumes.

And, yeah, I'm proud of her.

Um, we're probably going to cover

the story obviously in the paper. Um...

I think we'll come out of this pretty unscathed.

We have to. We're solid. Yeah.

There's no BS here. No.

There is no BS here.

VO: As Tori and Jack put on a united front,

Natalie and Collins are getting ready separately.

At their wedding, Natalie felt

an instant connection with Collins.

I think I've met the man of my dreams.

Will you be my player one to my player two.

What a day.

Yeah. What a day.

Stand behind you. OK.

VO: But after an unromantic honeymoon...

Perfect.

..Natalie made the bold call to quit the experiment.

I just wanted to come and say goodbye.

(COUPLES GASP)

That's goodbye for me, too.

Woah!

Alright, let's say goodbye.

VO: But hoping to see a more authentic side to Collins,

Natalie had a change of heart...

COLLINS: Alright, let's go.

..and decided to give their relationship one more try.

That's just a very, very good looking lady.

Yeah.

Yeah, I'm proud of myself in a way that I've...

I'm getting there.

You know, I felt like it was just an easy answer.

Tonight is huge.

After saying that I was leaving at the dinner party,

I really want to stay to speak to the experts

and get their take on Collins and I's relationship.

I mean, I've given up so much to be here,

especially with the recent passing of my dad.

I had such high hopes for finding love,

but I feel like Collins approaches me like a friend.

He never reciprocated any sort of affection

or reassurance of touch or anything,

and I feel like every question I ask him,

he seems to deflect.

I feel like he just says things

that he thinks I want to hear.

I'm not sure if I've seen that authentic Collins.

I need some kind of guidance

on where to go from here.

Do I try and break through that barrier

and get Collins to bring those walls down,

or do I walk away from this so early on?

It's a hard decision.

Greetings, gents.

Hi.

Welcome. Gentlemen.

Good to see you all.

Grab a seat and settle in. Hello.

Very dapper boys. (LAUGHTER)

Greetings, ladies. Hi.

Hello, ladies. Come on in.

Hello. Welcome.

Settle in. Take a seat.

# #

Welcome everyone to the first commitment ceremony.

This is a pivotal part of the experiment.

The commitment ceremony is where you get

insights about your relationship.

This commitment ceremony is an opportunity for all of you

to really lay it all out on the table.

The good, the bad and the uncomfortable.

There is no hiding on this couch.

You have to be open and honest.

We will not put up with people who are trying

to be complacent and who are wearing masks.

This could be exactly what you need

to move forward in your relationship.

So let's get our first couple up on the couch...

Cassandra and Tristan. Oh.

(APPLAUSE)

Honey, come on, let's go. Let's get it over and done with.

I'm Tristan, this is Cassandra.

(LAUGHTER)

You know what they say, first the worst, right?

Second the best, you know.

That is the most enthusiastic entrance to the couch

I think I've ever seen.

We'll just get it over and done with.

That means I get to sit back and watch.

You know, like it's so much...

You're all looking stunning, by the way,

but not as stunning as my wife.

Yeah, mate.

John, you look good, you know?

I do what I can, Tristan.

That's good, that's good.

I tried, but, like, you know. Tristan.

I'm just nervous.

So, I ramble a lot when I'm nervous.

This is really intimidating.

Why don't we start with you, Tristan?

OK.

How are things going between the two of you?

Things are going really well.

As you can see, you've done well.

Like, you know, you've done really, really well.

Ten out of ten.

We've had a couple of ups and downs, mostly ups,

which is always really, really good.

This has been a really hard week for me, to be honest.

I'm not very good at being vulnerable.

What did you find difficult this week?

Me and Cass had problems

like me making the first move to kiss her.

We actually only kissed each other at the park like,

a couple of days ago, yeah? OK.

And, um, I don't really like rejection too much,

but I'm trying to show more affection

because she deserves it,

and that's one of the things that she wants.

Do you? Yeah.

Yeah, OK, yeah she does, she does, she does.

I think that our match has been incredible

and I've had the best time.

The point that we're just trying to get past

is this affection side.

I'm super clingy.

I love the cuddles kisses on the head for no reason.

I love everything like that.

And I would love him to be more confident in just

the kisses and the touching and the cuddling at night.

And and it's going to take some time for him

because he doesn't have that self love.

So, Tristan, Cassandra described you as being

someone who struggles to love yourself.

Oh, I hate myself.

Cassandra had described you as being someone

who struggles to love yourself.

Oh, I hate myself.

Oh.

I know it's annoying, eh?

It's like me even saying things like that.

Like I'm aware of it, that I don't like myself

and I don't know how to change it.

Like, it's only just been recently since I've started experiment

I can kind of out loud say it.

It is really harsh wording.

I think it's the first time I've heard somebody

say the words I hate myself,

and I would like to know how long in your mind

you've been self-describing with hating yourself?

Long as I can really remember.

So just that I can have a very clear understanding,

what are those things?

If you could list out those things

that you feel you hate about yourself.

Um, just like a lot of things.

Like the way I look, um,

I think I sound annoying as well.

I guess I don't think I do good enough

when I try to do good enough.

So a lack of achievement, I guess, and things like that.

I don't know,

like basically just kind of like a lot of things.

I would like for you to now tell me,

what are the things you really love about yourself?

Ah, well, I don't have much of those.

(LAUGHS)

Cassandra? Yes?

What do you really, really like about Tristan?

He's thoughtful.

He's patient.

He's generous, kind, absolutely hilarious.

Cutest dimples. He's tall.

He's fun to be around.

Beautiful energy.

Uh, there's... I can keep going.

He's one of a kind.

He's one of a kind. Mm. He is.

Thank you.

How does that feel to hear?

It feels obviously good,

but it's just like the most annoying thing about me

is like when she says these things, I know she means it.

I just don't believe it in myself.

For you, Cass,

how does it feel for you when you hear

him describe himself in this way?

Oh, it's so sad.

And I've - I know it's cliche to say,

but I really wish he could see himself how I see him.

How is his self-doubt impacting this

new blossoming relationship?

It can be scary at times because I don't know

if I'm getting through to him.

I feel like I'm annoying him sometimes.

Um, so it makes me just want to withdraw.

Because I don't want to upset him or say something wrong.

I think what we've heard Cassandra say is that

sometimes when you're showing this self doubt,

she starts to retreat a little.

So it's really important that you can be very aware of that

and, you know, start really noticing

when you're doing that, and the impact on her.

Because what we don't want here is for this to become a pattern

where you continue showing self-doubt

and you continue to retreat,

because that's going to drive you guys apart.

And I know you don't want to risk that.

I don't want to risk that.

Maybe when those negative comments

come up in your own mind,

you could swap them out

for one of the things she's said to you.

That's a good one. I like that one.

I'll do that one. That one's a good one.

Tristan, let's go to your decision.

Look, obviously, I wrote leave.

(LAUGHTER)

No, I'm kidding, I'm kidding, I'm kidding.

I wrote, stay, and, you're pretty.

I wrote stay with a smiley face. We're done.

With a smiley face as well.

(APPLAUSE)

Well done, honey, give us a kiss.

Well done.

Oh. Thank you guys.

Have a great week.

Well done, honey. Well done, well done.

Well done. Beautiful.

Yeah, you're good.

You're good. You're doing this, guys.

We're trying, hustling. This openness.

This transparency is wonderful.

Thank you, guys, take a seat.

Thank you. Thank you so much.

Come on, let's go sit down.

Let's go sit down.

You guys have got this? It's fine. It's not that scary.

It's not that bad.

Oh, it's terrifying.

I'm kidding. I'm kidding.

Oh. You did well. You did well.

We did it. Good.

Oh, cool.

Next up on the couch,

Lucinda and Timothy.

Oh, shit.

Go, big guy. How youse doing.

Hello. Hey, you too?

Hey.

So fill us in.

How has it been since the wedding?

# #

(LAUGHTER)

You know, we're just we're we're very different.

Different how?

I know that I can I can grind on a partner.

Does he annoy you?

Not really.

No, I really enjoy his company.

I really liked Tim.

I've got a bit of a crush on Tim.

There's no doubt about it.

(LAUGHTER) WOMAN: Yeah, you do.

He's a total spunk.

You'd be crazy not to.

I love taking him out and just being a total perv.

TIM: Oh.

You look surprised, Timothy.

Yeah. You don't annoy her.

Where's this coming from, then?

If you don't annoy her. Um...

Lucinda's a very touchy feely person.

I'm just not.

I love affection, you know, I want cuddles.

You know...

I love a spoon at night or footsies in the bed, you know?

Can we have pash-a-thons?

Oh, yeah, girl.

How important is that for you?

Hugely.

You know, I've been a little bit like Matilda, his dog.

Like, I just want to, like, get in there, but,

you know, it's not his jam, you know?

I've always said I'm a slow burn.

Like when you don't push me, I'll come forward.

But if you're always pushing me.

Yeah, I go back the other way.

And I suppose for me,

that's what I'm really trying to give grace, you know?

That he needs lots of time and space.

And, you know, for me not to thrust myself upon him.

I mean, I don't want to be arrested here,

like just thrusting myself on this poor man,

you know, when he really doesn't want to.

So, you know, it's a dance.

It's a dance.

Timothy.

Here's the thing, you've said that you're a slow burn.

Yep.

And that you can be a grind on your partner.

Yeah.

Now if that's your mindset, you will be.

Totally.

You are going to need to either get on board and get uncomfortable,

or essentially watch it fizzle out.

Alright, let's go to the decision.

Here we go.

Lucinda, stay or leave?

Absolutely stay.

Big stay, OK.

Timothy, you're up. Stay or leave.

I've written stay. (CHEERS)

Excellent choice.

Yeah, Lucinda's very happy about that.

I am, I'm not ready to let you go.

OK.

("OOHS" FROM THE COUPLES)

Good on you, guys. Have a great week.

Thank you so much. Thank you.

Well done. Good work, guys.

Let's get our next couple up,

Tori and Jack.

Well, hello, you two. Hello.

Alright, you two.

I have to cut straight to it.

The dinner party.

There was a big topic that came up that related to

you particularly, Jack.

About an ex-girlfriend on the outside.

Yep.

I want to hear your thoughts on that.

Firstly, again, I'm sorry,

but that's how that had to come out.

Basically the girl I was with,

very passionate and I could tell

she was looking for long game.

I ended that relationship as respectfully as I could.

How long ago?

Six, seven weeks, probably seven, eight weeks now.

Sorry I've been in there a little while.

So it's probably seven, eight weeks.

Or eight or nine.

Um, I ended it, I... Hold on, hold on.

I'm just doing the calculations.

Was that before or after you met us?

You do the calculations.

Because I'm sitting here thinking, are you doing assessments

with us while seeing somebody else?

Yeah, I guess, yeah, I could have been, yes.

If that's the fact, yes. Um...

So, just to be clear, Jack,

you were seeing someone else while you're talking to us.

Yes.

# #

To be clear, Jack, you were seeing someone else

while you're talking to us.

Yes.

So let me be clear...

So, you're in a relationship...

with someone else while applying for Married at First Sight.

Yes.

Let me give that finish in context.

It wasn't serious.

It was a weekend friends with benefits relationship.

There's no significance to it.

It's a disgruntled ex that I had a casual relationship with.

Tori, has it left you with any questions about Jack?

No.

Your level of trust in him.

No, nothing.

What he was doing the morning of his wedding and beyond

is my concern.

What he was doing the night before,

and before that,

I, um, to be brutally honest, couldn't give a (BLEEP).

# #

Tori, you do seem a little defensive about this.

I'm just sick of talking about it.

We are going to have bigger fish to fry in this experiment,

and I'm not going to use all my energy

on a disgruntled ex.

I've actually -

I grew fonder of Tori through this little challenge

because that's how she's answered

and responded all of this.

Jack, was Tori the one that you were hoping for?

Yeah, I think...

there's always going to be the challenge of finding someone for me

because I'm quite traditional.

I like to lead, and I like to provide and,

you know, be the man.

But it's happened naturally.

I haven't had to force anything on Tori.

No.

And with the way that your body language is,

I would assume that sex is a big part of this relationship,

and I'm wondering if that's the case.

Go for it. Um...

We haven't been intimate yet. OK.

So is it you setting these rules,

or is it something that you have come to together?

We've definitely had this discussion a few times.

Yes.

I'm a connection guy.

It's very rare for me to just have an instant

sexual connection with someone, which we've discussed.

Mm-hm.

That's not something I would have expected you to say.

You specifically because it is an area

that we spoke at length about

the way you like to express yourself.

When you feel that sexual attraction,

and especially with the physical body language

being also so comfortable and connected.

Um, we're not here just to have a short term relationship

built on lust and a sexual connection.

Oh, shit.

Do you feel sexually attracted to Tori?

I do, I think she's gorgeous.

But, um, the sexual spark with Tori,

it is a slow burn.

Yeah. The sex will come.

Hold your thought?

Timothy, what's going on?

Tim.

You are laughing over there, chuckling even.

I'm not I'm not chuckling, it was just the comment.

Talk to us. What's going on.

Tim is outrageous.

Go on say it.

I just - I think there's more cracks in the room

than everyone wants to admit.

Do you consider us not sleeping together a crack?

What are you getting at, Timothy?

Like, the slow burn thing doesn't add up.

Uh, well, actually,

the conversation came up on the buck's night.

Would you sleep with your partner on the first night?

OK.

Jack, you were like, no way.

I'm going to take my time and all that, yeah.

You were - I would first night.

So you were not the slow burn guy on the buck's night.

OK. I have to point that out.

May I bring it back over here a little bit.

Yeah, because that's boring and shit.

If I'm into my girl, this is what I'm doing.

My arm's on her. I show her off.

And I hold her hand and I'll be proud.

And I want her to do the same with me.

You certainly look pretty comfortable on the couch there.

Yeah.

We're going to go to the decision. OK.

Uh, stay or leave,

Tory.

Um, this is obviously very easy for me.

Jack and I are getting along great,

and I think we're going to really benefit

from this experience.

So I've said, stay, and a little kiss and a hug.

Very cute.

And for you, Jack.

(CLEARS THROAT)

I wrote, stay.

Uh, great to see you. Off you go.

I was a little bit struck, and my feelings were

a little bit hurt by Richard's comment from the buck's night

just saying that, you now,

Tim said he would have slept with his bride on the first night,

but, you know, we haven't been intimate.

It highlighted how far Tim and I have got to go,

because it just feels like the slowest burn, even to get a hug.

So yeah, I'm feeling a little bit -

a little bit sore.

VO: Coming up.

I don't trust him.

Natalie's shock confession... Oh, my god.

..leads to a fiery showdown.

I'm sorry if we're being honest,

I don't agree with you.

I haven't finished talking.

You're talking to me as though you are an expert.

And you need to start listening.

So next up on the couch, Sara and Tim.

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

Welcome to the couch, you guys. Hi, guys.

How have you been? Good.

We've had we had, like,

a little bit of some bumps happen, and I was like -

We're actually doing really well right now,

but we've had an emotional roller coaster, if you will.

OK.

I felt like he wasn't comfortable around me.

I was getting this, like, nervous energy,

and I just kind of pulled back.

Tim, how did that impact you?

Um, there was like moments where...

you know we -

First couple of days were a little bit hard,

I think, adjusting to the intensity of this experiment,

he must have felt really rejected.

He was like confused.

He must have or he did. How did you feel?

Look, it was, um...

I feel like it's...

I just could see definitely she had her walls up and I was like,

I must have done something to give you, like, an ick.

Let's get into this past week.

Uh, oh, the whole - the the...

I thought it was a good week.

I thought this week we actually got a lot closer.

I wonder, Tim, for you, what task of this past week

was the most challenging?

Um, so the first task, which was the letter

I spoke about my trust issues and how,

you know, I had been mistreated and previous relationship.

I did say that, you know,

trust is like a big thing for me.

Yes.

And then we got another task,

which was the phone task.

What I was like, sort of iffy about

was your like immediate reaction on it.

Because you were like fairly defensive about it.

I wasn't defensive.

Not defensive, but like, you were like...

Was she defensive or not?

I want to hear how he perceived it.

Did you feel she was defensive?

I think that she was -

she firmly didn't want to do the task.

How did that make you feel?

I don't know if I've actually voiced this...

You haven't, no. ..to you, yeah.

I felt like, why -

I was just questioning why she was so, like -

I wonder why you were, like,

so against doing that task.

So what are your doubts?

I don't think I have any doubts.

Yeah, OK, I've had enough.

Because when I'm sitting here listening to you, Tim,

you're talking, but not really getting to the point.

You're nervous about her reaction. That's what it looks like.

I think that I think that he's -

Is that right, Tim?

Um...

Tim, does Sara, uh, intimidate you?

Come on, Tim.

Yeah, potentially, yeah.

What's intimidating about her?

Intimidating in the fact that I feel like if I express my emotions,

it's not met with the least an ear.

Mm. You know?

It's just hard for a person to, you know,

bring up how they feel and just have that thrown back at them

and kind of like blown up in their face.

Sara, my observation is that probably you do

a lot of the talking in the relationship.

You have tonight, and he doesn't.

I can't help it.

Well, this is got to stop.

You have got to listen and just sit with his feelings

when he brings them up.

So, Tim, what's the issue?

Give it to me straight.

You had a task,

there was a reaction you didn't like.

Why didn't you like it?

Yeah, I felt like she had something to hide.

She had something to hide? Yeah.

Now, did you have anything to hide? No.

No.

So it's a pretty easy one.

Here's the phone,

they want us to do this process,

let's jump in.

Sara, we're going to throw you a lot of tasks

and you've got to embrace this.

You are going to be confronted with all sorts

of challenges in a short period of time

that couples have to deal with over several years,

and this one was particularly around trust.

You must roll your sleeves up and dive in.

Mm-hm.

Let's go to the decision.

Stay or leave...?

Sara?

Well, I do see a lot of potential in Tim and I...

so I wrote stay with a smiley face.

What about you, Tim?

Honestly same here.

You know, it's been a it's been a great ride so far,

and I think getting to know you is going to be a lot of fun.

So, stay.

(APPLAUSE)

Alright, guys, well done.

You just stuck in this little pattern

that you weren't aware of until tonight.

But that's what these commitment ceremonies are all about.

Now go away and work and doing it different.

Thank you. Good luck.

We'll see you next time. BOTH: Thanks, guys.

Well done.

MAN: Well done, guys.

(TIM EXHALES)

VO: Next...

So you cheated on her?

Um...

..Jadon's dark secret leaves the room speechless.

Right.

So next up on the couch...

Ellie and Ben.

(APPLAUSE AND CHEERING)

Come on, Ellie!

Wow, it's our turn.

Yeah. We're on.

So how's it been?

Um, it's been great, actually. Yeah.

You know, we've had the little couple of speed bumps,

you know, but overall feeling really good.

And I'm so happy like, that I matched with Ben.

That is excellent.

But I've heard the word speed bump,

so now I'm curious what the speed bumps are about.

When we were doing our values.

I had family orientated right at the top

and then wants children.

Ben's values, like the family orientated and wants children,

were, you know, a little bit lower.

More about seven or eight?

And then we had to really have that conversation,

like, do you want kids?

# #

What was the answer?

So if you were to ask me that question maybe ten years ago -

Ben, do you want to have children?

Probably would've said no.

But they asked you like yesterday, it wasn't ten years ago.

Yeah, yeah, so I've changed, and I'm going to continue to change.

At this point, do you want children or not?

If I meet someone who wants that,

I'm open for that to be my journey.

So at the moment, like I'm not 100% certain on it.

Probably like 50/50 on it.

How much of a red flag is that for you, Ellie?

I was under the impression the other day

that we had, like, discussed this,

and then you had said,

"Oh, you know, I do want children in the future."

And now I'm hearing that perhaps

he's not wanting children.

If he doesn't want kids,

then this isn't going to work,

you know, because I want a family.

I mean, the idea is very appealing.

Those fatherly instincts are there within me.

It's growing.

Do you feel reassured by that?

Yeah, I feel like Ben is very

genuine and he's 39 now.

He has said, you know, he's wants to settle down.

I feel like, you know,

this could grow into something really amazing.

I do think it's very important

that you continue having

the talks that you've begun having this week.

The idea is to have a common goal.

Yeah.

And we're going to go to the decision.

It's a big stay.

Exclamation point.

Ellie? Stay with a smiley face.

(APPLAUSE)

Thank you so much. ELLIE: Thank you.

Have a great week you guys.

ELLIE: We did it.

Our next couple up on the couch...

Lauren and Jonathan.

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

Hello, you two.

LAUREN: Hi. JOHNATHON: Hey. How're you doing?

How are things going?

You can answer it.

Yeah, good, um...

So...

I thought I'd get a bit more enthusiasm.

So did I. Let's build on that.

It's a good start.

One thing I do notice is that your

body language is very comfortable.

So how is the physical attraction

and and play going?

What's happening?

There's definitely a physical attraction.

Yeah. Is there a physical play?

Is there sexual play?

I mean, we...

This is you.

I can confirm that we have.

Was this early on in the relationship?

I mean, it was the second the doors closed

and the producers left.

This was what, wedding night?

Yes. Yes.

Alright, so that chemistry was there?

Yeah.

And has it continued or has there been lulls there?

Yeah, there have been lulls when we are,

like, not feeling close together.

OK, we're not gonna get into details.

(LAUGHTER)

Oh my god, I'm dying.

MEL: So, how's the week been?

I like deep emotional conversations.

I think that's how you really get to know someone...

I find it horrific.

Yeah, she's not so good at it. Stop.

I find I struggle to talk about my emotions

and get deep without getting, like, silly,

and making jokes and being sarcastic.

I feel like that's my wall.

I know that's my toxic trait.

And, like, I'm trying to figure out how to work on that.

No, it's definitely not -

I love your sense of humour. Do you?

I think it's the, yeah, I think it's the best.

You think I'm funny?

You know, to your credit, Johnno,

you're taking the lead here and you're showing that vulnerability.

It's now your turn, Lauren... 100%.

..you've got to step up. I know I do, I really do.

I'm going to try.

Thanks, babe.

Alright, well, with that,

we're going to go to the decision.

Let's go first to Lauren.

Stay. Oh.

Yes.

And to you, Jonathan?

I am also going to stay.

Gave it a little kiss. And a kiss.

And a kiss. (APPLAUSE)

LAUREN: Thank you guys. Thank you.

Well done.

Alright, let's get our next couple up on the couch...

Eden and Jayden.

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

Hello, welcome. Hi, guys.

Hello. Hello.

Hello. Thanks for having us.

Well, you two, uh -

how's the experiment been for you so far?

Where do you want to begin?

What was challenging over the first two weeks?

Because we threw plenty of challenges at you.

Well, um, we had the confessions letter.

I think that was the biggest challenge.

I think probably for both of us. OK.

That was probably the one moment in our marriage so far that we've...

Yeah. ..struggled a bit with.

OK, so lay it out for us.

What happened?

It's basically a story about how I had an

ex cheat on me many, many times.

Um...

and behind my back.

After finding out about what my ex-partner did,

I basically just thought I would

do the same thing back to her.

So you cheated on her?

What my ex-partner did is, you know,

something that hurt me a lot.

So when she wanted another chance,

I basically said to her,

OK, I'll give you another chance,

but I'm going to do the same thing back to you...

I'm going to sleep with someone.

A friend.

Right.

So just to be clear, you got back together with your ex...

Mm-hm.

But part of the condition of getting back together

was you slept with someone else.

A friend.

OK.

Why do you think that was the choice that you made at that time?

Probably because I felt so betrayed.

So was the intention there for her to experience pain,

just like you had? Yeah.

All I could see was what's happening to me now,

I'm in a lot of pain, I'm in a lot of hurt,

I'm embarrassed, I need to do something stupid.

And that's exactly what I did, but I shouldn't have.

It wasn't until looking back on it,

talking about it with Eden,

it made me realise it was the wrong thing to do.

So, just to be clear...

with you sitting here right now,

do you feel that you do regret this?

100%, I regret it. You do regret that?

It was absolutely the wrong thing.

I was in a dark place,

it was a decision I made purely based on emotion.

I became a bad person.

Yeah, you can see that now? Mm.

You know, I've got to say, Jayden,

I've met you, we've talked,

what I'm seeing here tonight is

not the guy that I got to know.

This story is shocking,

and unacceptable and toxic.

And it doesn't matter how hurt you are.

What must be made clear,

particularly from the experts,

is that that behaviour in a relationship

is totally unacceptable.

So, Eden, what does that make you think

about the future with Jayden?

I would just be worried that -

I'm not perfect, and I'm going to do things wrong.

You know, how will he react when I do do something wrong?

That is very destabilising in a relationship,

and when you do that in the past,

it's natural for your partner to start thinking,

could this ever happen again?

And I can understand that.

So, Eden, what do you need from Jayden

to reassure you moving forward?

I really would love if he could try and get a handle

on his emotions and reactions,

so that he can think with a little bit more logic,

rather than thinking with just -

with emotions and reacting in that way.

JOHN: I think Eden,

the way you've handled it and the way you've listened,

tried to understand and then move forward with Jayden

has been really commendable.

Thank you.

We should go to the decision.

Stay or leave, Jayden.

I came to the experiment for one thing,

and that's to find the right person for me.

And I believe that is what I got,

so, um, we're staying.

Eden, what are you gonna do, stay or leave?

I don't agree with what Jayden did,

and Jayden knows I don't agree with it,

but I haven't given Jayden the chance

to try and improve from it yet,

and I'm willing to give him that chance.

I wrote stay as well.

This is an opportunity to turn it around now,

Jayden, but you've got a lot of work to do this week.

Are you up for it? 100%.

Alright, you can go back to the group.

Thank you. (APPLAUSE)

Alright, next couple on the couch...

Natalie and Collins.

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

Hey, guys. How are ya? Pleasure.

Alright, well, I'm going to cut straight to the chase.

The dinner party was extremely difficult for the both of you.

And you made a decision that night.

Uh, what was that decision?

I wanted to leave.

So this is confusing to me,

because when you first walked into the dinner party,

you were holding hands, and you were very upbeat.

So what changed?

Um.

Collins and I had talked about

going into the dinner party,

and we were going to be united front.

"I've got your back."

But then we walked in into this big group situation

and immediately separated.

Um.

My dad passed away two months ago, and,

my anxiety, my grief was just starting to overtake

and I never thought that at a dinner party I would feel alone.

So you didn't feel like you were a united front at that point?

No. Not at all.

Right.

He noted that I was being negative and sour

and talking bad things about the honeymoon,

so he knew I was becoming quite upset,

but I had to ask him to hold my hand to walk into the dinner party

even though I was shaking.

So, Collins,

what do you say to that?

It killed me to hear that during that dinner party, she felt alone.

Absolutely killed me.

Let's get specific on this, Collins.

How have you showed Natalie that, uh, you know,

you're, you know, connected with her?

That you you want to bring her close to you.

I've tried, I really have, but... Let's hear it.

So...

Ha!

# #

What affection have you showed Natalie?

Well, I feel...

Ah!

(COLLINS SIGHS)

Yeah, look, I may need to work on those specifics.

I really, really do.

And I haven't done too much in that.

But I'm really struggling because so far,

since the beginning of the experiment,

it has been prevalent that Nat's grief,

the grief that she's feeling has been a huge,

huge part of, um, this experiment.

So Nat and I can't really string just two or three days together

when she's present in this experiment.

Natalie, when you've been with Collins,

do you feel like you've been present with him?

Yes.

And let me jump in.

Grief aside to the best of her ability,

she has been present...

Sorry you just said, grief aside.

Because I'm trying to make a point that...

I'm sorry, if we're being honest, I don't agree with you.

# #

I don't think it's grief aside.

You can't just put grief aside, I'm sorry.

This is a huge, huge factor, and -

No one's saying that the grief is not playing into this.

You know what, John? Let me tell you, OK, I'm...

I haven't finished talking.

I'm saying she's here as a complete package.

She wants a connection,

and you yourself sat here tonight and said,

I actually can't tell you anything that I've been doing

to really bring her close,

and I need to work on that.

That's your words, not mine.

That's a problem.

John, it... That's a problem.

What do you think that you can do, Collins,

that will bring her close and make her feel special?

No, I'm sorry, I came to you for advice.

What should I do?

Just think about it.

If you decide to stay together... You tell me.

No, no, no. No, no, no, I'm sorry.

I'm not here to tell you what to do. You're not?

You're not here to give me advice.

What do you think that you can do, Collins,

that will bring her close and make her feel special?

No, I'm sorry, I came to you for advice.

What should I do?

Just think about it.

If you decide to stay together... You tell me.

No, no, no. No, no, no, I'm sorry.

I want to be very clear here,

you have never been in a relationship

with anybody before. Correct?

Correct. Correct.

You're talking to me as though you are an expert.

And what I'm saying to you is,

you need to open your mindset

and you need to start listening.

John, if...

You challenging me is deflecting from

the issue at hand here, which is,

there's a woman that wants a connection with you,

what could you do this week

that would make it blossom?

I want you to take ownership

and be the agent of change here.

(COLLINS SIGHS)

I would love to spend time with Nat.

I would love to do things together.

What sort of things?

Doing life together.

So what you're saying is you want to move in with her?

From day one? Yes.

Now, Natalie... Yep.

..Collins has said quite clearly that

he wants to move in with you,

that he wants to really build on what you've started.

How do you feel about that?

I don't trust him.

# #

So can you tell us a little bit more about that?

What don't you trust about this?

When we talk,

the answers he gives,

I know he doesn't want to hurt me,

and I feel like he's just giving me the answers

he thinks I want to hear.

Do you feel there's a connection, Natalie?

Not at the moment, no.

So do you feel a connection, Collins?

Mate, I do feel a connection.

Because there are those moments when when we're on,

there is that connection.

It's fun. It's bubbly.

Collins, how do you feel about Natalie?

Mate, I feel awesome.

She's good fun.

She's a top, top lady.

She's a heart of gold.

She's...she's so pure.

(LAUGHS) Um...

It sounds like you're describing your mother.

(COLLINS LAUGHS)

A top, top lady.

I want you to think about her and how you feel

and really get real with me.

My feelings are there for Nat.

What feelings?

The feelings of wanting to build something,

a potential romance.

What is that feeling?

Those...those butterflies.

Those - ooh!

What's this feeling?

That's that's a little bit different.

Yeah.

So, you're excited?

Mate, I'm buzzing.

But it took you a while to get there.

So let's go to the decision.

Let's go with you first, Natalie.

When I ask questions, I don't get answers.

And Collins does say that he wants to support me,

and he's here for me, and he's got my back.

But the actions don't always follow through with that.

And that's why I said, leave.

Oh.

OK.

And for you, Collins, stay or leave.

What did you decide?

I absolutely heartbroken.

This is the first time I'm hearing Nat doesn't trust me.

I don't know what I've done to -

or said to lose that trust.

Oh.

So, Collins, what is your decision?

Mate, oh.

I'm sorry, but how can you write

leave when we haven't even started this experiment?

We haven't done life together and see -

oh, my God.

Oh.

So, Collins, show me the card.

What did you decide to do? Stay or leave?

Oh, my god.

What can I do?

Either I'm thinking I'm putting myself first

or I'm being selfish and I'm not putting

my wife's feelings first.

We just want a decision.

Oh, my god.

JOHN: So, Collins, show me the card.

What did you decide to do?

Stay or leave?

What can I do?

Either I'm thinking and putting myself first,

or I'm being selfish,

and I'm not putting my wife's feelings first.

We just want a decision. Oh, my god.

I've done everything I can for Nat,

but for the first time I've put myself and what I want,

and I haven't given this a proper shot,

which is why I wrote, I want to stay, mate.

But it kills me to my core that my wife doesn't

want to be here and she doesn't trust me.

What I'm going to say to you,

being the first commitment ceremony

is that when one person says stay,

the other person says leave.

Then that couple remains in the experiment

for an opportunity to turn it around.

Now, we've seen it many times over the years,

one week can create huge amounts of change.

It can grow from here,

and all you need to focus on, the two of you,

is how do we build our connection this week?

Alright, off you go.

(APPLAUSE)

MEL: Last couple on the couch,

Richard and Andrea.

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

(EXPERTS AND COUPLE EXCHANGE GREETINGS)

MEL: Rousing applause.

This is my husband, Richard.

And he's quite fancy.

(LAUGHTER)

Why don't you tell us about your fancy husband?

I adore him.

I like his accent.

Yah. Yah.

(LAUGHTER)

Um... he's hilarious, like, we play a lot.

We're playful - I think we're probably more childish

than most of these beautiful people here.

That's alright.

And he's sensitive and romantic,

and he's affectionate.

It's beautiful.

Mm, well certainly beautiful to watch.

ANDREA: Yes.

What's it like from your side of the fence?

Yeah, it feels really, really right for both of us.

And it started from the moment I first saw Andi.

Oh. She has this presence.

And she kind of exists in this bubble, you know.

And it's a bit of a crazy bubble.

It's a bit mad.

You know, it really is. Yes.

And that might really annoy some people,

but to me, I just absolutely adore it.

Oh, my god, my heart.

I'm hearing you describe her

and using words like, I adore her.

I'm wondering how long has it been since

you felt this way about a woman?

Oh, probably takes me back to my 20s, to be honest.

Oh, wow. Wow.

It's beautiful to watch the ease with which

you come close and just touch.

Tell us about that aspect.

Uh, intimacy came naturally and beautifully,

and it's very nice.

I... Richie. It's full on.

(LAUGHTER) ANDREA: There you go.

Two to four times a day. He loves it. Stop it.

Every day.

(LAUGHTER AND CHEERING)

MAN: Tell us more.

So I don't think that there's any doubt

in anybody's mind in this room,

what you guys are going to say in terms of leaving or staying,

but we we would love to know, officially.

I did a song lyric. Oh.

# Won't you stay just a little bit longer? #

Just a little bit. Good one, good one.

I wrote, stay with a big fat smiley face,

and sort of like smitten eyes, you know, "Oh, my god."

(LAUGHTER)

You seem to really be taking the experiment on

in everything that it has to offer,

and really taking the best of it and making it work for you.

I'm wondering if you could, um,

perhaps share with the group -

what can you share with them that you think might be helpful

to the rest of the group?

Look, life kind of works when

you choose what you've got.

You make a choice and you choose something.

A choice is different from a decision.

A decision is, "Do I? Not this. Oh, maybe."

It's got reasons behind it.

A choice is a choice.

I choose Andy because I choose Andy.

And that's what I'm committed to,

and that's what I'm going for, you know.

And it's as simple as that.

Everything else is just like, kind of noise.

So that's, I think, really, really important.

Strong message.

All got to choose to be here.

Thank you so much, guys.

Keep doing what you're doing.

So much joy.

We are truly blessed. Yeah.

(BOTH MAKE BABY-TYPE VOICES)

With sound effects. Oh.

VO: Tomorrow night.

Suppose we're just getting to the crux,

whether you're in or out this week.

I feel like I'm (BLEEP) on the couch again.

Timothy loses his cool with Lucinda.

I'm pissed off.

Before...

MAN: It's time for intimacy week.

Come here.

..the next phase of the experiment...

..is unveiled.

Yeah, we can do this.

VO: Where over two big nights...

Grab a seat. Hello.

..expert Alessandra helps our newlyweds explore

the intimate side of married life.

Bodies against each other.

But not all the couples...

You give me no passion.

You give me like autopilot.

..will be feeling the love.

I'm not doing this experiment with some serial killer who

has the same response to everything.

As Sara and Tim...

That is not fair.

..reach breaking point.

Oh, it feels like the gloves are off.

OK, I'm done here.

Before Natalie...

This feels like an Oscars performance. I'm sorry.

..finally calls out Collins.

I need to take myself away, out of this experiment.

Captioned by AI-Media ai-media.tv