Original subtitles

(SUSPENSEFUL SOUNDTRACK)

(PHONE LINE RINGING)

NARRATOR: After an intense Commitment Ceremony last night,

one bride has been unable to locate her husband.

(PHONE LINE RINGING)

(TENSE SOUNDTRACK)

(PHONE LINE RINGING)

ELLIE: Have you found him yet?

NARRATOR: Having spent the night in a separate room,

Ellie is returning to their apartment

to search for Ben.

It took a lot for me to get up last night, sit on that couch

in front of the experts and the entire group,

and kind of air this issue that we've been having.

I feel like you're trying to control the narrative

and, in turn, you're kind of controlling me.

(WHISPERED) Shit.

I came here looking for the most genuine experience

and I'm halfway through and I haven't got that yet.

So, um, I'm really sorry,

but I wrote, "Leave."

John said last night on the couch that this is seven days' notice

for Ben to turn it around and I don't even know where he is.

Hello?

(TENSE SOUNDTRACK)

Hello?

Hello?

He's not here.

He's literally left.

I feel good that I've said my piece and I've said what I truly think.

But I'm feeling very confused, a bit angry.

I don't see a way forward at the moment

because he's not here,

he's hiding away,

and he just doesn't want to face it.

He said, "Put a muzzle on your woman."

NARRATOR: Previously, the experts called out bad behaviour.

I've never heard a man talk to a woman like that.

If someone said that to me about my wife,

I would not back down.

"Leave."

NARRATOR: It was one of the most emotionally charged

Commitment Ceremonies...

I'm going to leave.

..ever seen.

I felt disrespected.

I felt like my bubble burst.

I'm really sorry, but I wrote, "Leave."

Ben, that is you being put on notice.

NARRATOR: While for other couples...

I just can't get enough of him. I honestly can't. He's the best.

..last night was a chance

to celebrate their deeper connections.

I'm very happy at the moment.

You seem to be smiling very happily over there.

Sorry, you're giggling

like a little girl. (LAUGHS)

We haven't seen this before!

..before expert Mel...

Do you find him offering you up to other men a joke?

..held up a mirror to Tori...

When you put it like that,

that actually makes me feel physically sick.

It sounds like a really nice friendship.

Yep, spot on.

Just the reciprocation.

Like, I don't feel too desired or whatever.

..and when Lucinda spoke her truth...

Why are you throwing me under the bus?

..a frustrated Timothy was left feeling blindsided.

NARRATOR: Tonight...

Morning!

JOHN: We have seen this week make or break some of our couples.

..the next exciting phase of the experiment.

How is your sex life?

TRISTAN: Completely caught me off guard.

(LAUGHS)

NARRATOR: It's Family and Friends Week...

We're, like, doing really well at the moment.

Tim said he was counting the days.

Blink twice.

..where over two nights...

Andy's not into me at all anymore.

..our couples will seek much-needed guidance from loved ones...

Trying to work on the good things and focus on the good things.

..and as some bonds deepen...

So, you're falling in love, Jayden, or what?

Um...

..Tori's friend, Lea, will not hold back.

LEA: "Put a muzzle on it." I mean, it's not the 1950s.

Sex is important.

Hmm. What's that like?

This guy's hiding something.

NARRATOR: Plus...

Just walk in the bloody door.

..Lucinda and Timothy reach breaking point...

Whoa!

..but this unforgettable father of the bride...

Wow, you're getting down too low here. Whoa!

..will give Timothy...

He's a bit repetitive, I think, and a bit boring.

..a no-nonsense reality check.

"It's a hard wall, it's a brick... I can't, you know,

"blah, blah, blah, you know?" It's boring.

Well, he should!

(BRIGHT SOUNDTRACK)

NARRATOR: It's the official halfway point of the experiment

for our original couples

and some are reflecting on their journey so far.

Regardless of, like, all the,

I guess, downs that we've had,

I'm glad that we're, like, in a good place.

Yeah.

Yeah, it's been good.

Like, the Commitment Ceremony was definitely our best one yet.

(LAUGHTER)

We went in as a team, a united front,

and we had each other's backs,

and we smashed it, so it was really nice.

It's gone so quickly, but it's halfway.

Yeah, I know. It's insane. We're already halfway through.

Yeah, we've got through halfway unscathed as well.

More or less.

Pretty much. Yeah.

It's wild

'cause I feel like I've known him for years and years at this point.

Got the lottery boyfriend here.

(LAUGHS) Lottery husband.

So... Yeah, it's husband, thank you.

..thank the experts.

Yeah.

NARRATOR: Down the hall,

this morning, one groom is feeling particularly remorseful..

Honey, I'm home! Welcome back!

I got you your juice.

Thank you.

NARRATOR: Last night,

Tristan made a startling admission on the couch...

I'm a bit nervous that we're just going to be -

we're in the friend zone

and I don't want to waste any more of your time.

..and in a highly emotional moment, revealed his shocking decision.

Sadly, I have written, "Leave."

Sorry. I'm sorry.

NARRATOR: But insight from the experts...

Tristan, is there a possibility

that this is you getting in your own head?

..helped the couple to turn their marriage around.

She's shown you she really likes you.

I know. Do you hear that?

Yes, I do.

This week is about you doing the work, Tristan.

Yes, boss. 100%.

Do I regret writing, "Leave"?

There's three things I regret in life -

I try not to regret anything, and that is now one of them.

Everyone can tell I care about her so much,

you know, and everyone can tell she cares about me so much, right?

We're just a bit lost.

I was in my own head, self-sabotage at its finest.

Oscar over here for the self-sabotage king.

You know I care about you and you've got to understand,

it was probably the hardest thing I've done in the whole thing.

Seeing Tristan write, "Leave" last night,

it hurt like hell

because other than the intimacy,

Tristan is everything I want and need in a man.

I think Tristan finally realised

how much I care for him and care about him,

and that's what maybe he needed.

I'm sorry that I did do it,

but I think it's actually, weirdly enough,

put us, like, way far forward.

I feel like we're in a really relaxed place now,

which is, like, good.

So, a lot of my own kind of insecurities have been washed away.

I've got a lot of grovelling to do this week, honey.

You don't have any grovelling to do. (LAUGHS)

I've got a lot of grovelling to do.

I honestly think we will just be moving forward from now on.

NARRATOR: But not all of our couples have been able to move forward

from the events of the past week.

..is not enough

when some dude with a tight man bun and jeans three sizes too small

is going at me!

Don't come for him!

I'm not talking to you, Lauren. Shut your mouth.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

"Muzzle your woman!"

"Muzzle your woman"?

Don't talk to her like that, man.

She needs it.

NARRATOR: Lauren's feelings were compounded

at the Commitment Ceremony...

Do you think you had her back?

No.

..with Jonathan's apology rubbing salt into the wound...

I apologise.

I really love you guys. You're amazing.

What the (BLEEP)?

What did you apologise to Jack for?

Jack and Tori had a really rough night

and I felt responsible that, you know,

they came under the - under fire.

..and this morning,

Lauren is struggling to move past feeling unsupported by her husband.

There was multiple chances to stand up for me against Jack

and the choice was made repeatedly not to.

It wasn't like it was a one-off mistake, you know,

and I'm still pissed off about it.

I just think it was, like, almost like you just put the knife in

and, like, turned it.

It's disappointing to see that in a group dynamic,

when it comes up against, like, his alliance with the boys...

..or with me, he hung me out to dry.

Like, I know you say it's not the case,

but I really do feel like your priority

is your friendship with Jack.

I don't expect him to get loud and confrontational,

and I don't want that, that's not who he is,

but I need to feel like I am his number one priority,

and that he has the ability to stand up for a woman

when a man is degrading her like that.

I (BLEEP) up. I stuffed up so bad.

She's really hurt and I do get that.

I feel really annoyed at myself.

I feel like I let Lauren down.

A partner is someone that you're meant to support

and have her back.

I'm sorry.

Um, you know, it sucks 'cause I think we're doing...

..doing really well,

um, and then I feel like I've just gone

and really stuffed that up too.

I'll do better, I promise.

JACK: It was a big night. TORI: It was a huge night

and I don't ever want to have a night like that again.

Last night was a lot for me. Like, a lot.

You got roasted.

Yeah, we... I... got roasted.

JOHN: You think you can talk about a woman in that way.

It's not going to happen on our watch.

NARRATOR: And after the experts

pointed out Jack's questionable behaviour...

Do you find this idea of him offering you up to other men a joke?

..Tori's steadfast support for her husband

faltered for the very first time.

When you put it like that...

That actually makes me feel physically sick.

NARRATOR: This morning,

Tori has responded to the events of the past week...

..with a bold and permanent statement.

Are you nervous?

NARRATOR: Getting a matching tattoo with her husband.

I just think it'll be a bit of like a (BLEEP) you to everyone.

(ROCK MUSIC)

What do you think, babe?

I'm pretty stoked. Pretty stoked?

Yeah.

Don't get me wrong. Like, the comment was woeful.

But you can't rewind life.

So, let's move on.

We are past arguments now.

We're at a point where we're, like, just living la vida loca.

So, here we are.

This is the best date ever.

This is, like, a very nice date.

(SINGING) # Only love can hurt like this. #

We're getting along so well

and we want to leave the experiment together

and having a crack at the future together,

so if anyone's questioning, like, our connection

and how we feel about each other,

I think this will help answer that as well.

My turn!

Your turn.

Tattoos are for life

um, and, like, they're a statement.

That tattoo will just be a constant reminder of one another,

and the fact that it's, like, on his inner thigh, I'm, like...

You'll always be thinking of me.

Yeah.

Say less.

Say less.

Every shit show that Jack and I are a part of,

it just makes us stronger.

I feel as though it's going to be OK.

(DISTANT SIRENS WAIL)

(PENSIVE SOUNDTRACK)

NARRATOR: Back at Ellie and Ben's apartment,

there has been a development

in the search for missing groom, Ben.

(PHONE RINGING) Oh, oh, oh!

Hello?

Yeah, where are you?

Are you going to come back up?

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yes.

He doesn't want to chat.

He wants to chat when he's ready.

I'm tired too.

I think maybe you just like rip the Band-Aid off.

Can you just, like, manage it for, like, 30 minutes even?

I've been ready to chat since 8:00 this morning,

so, like, why do I have to keep waiting for him?

I've come into this experiment

'cause I'm wanting to build a future with someone,

but if that person's not here, I can't do that.

Um, I have to go.

Bye. BEN: Thanks. Bye.

Another night on my own.

It just kind of cements what I said last night on the couch.

This relationship is just on Ben's terms.

He never makes me feel like I am his priority,

and yeah, I am a bit sick of it.

Literally, just I feel

like I'm actually, like, exhausted from him.

Like, I just...

If you don't laugh, you cry, right?

(PENSIVE SOUNDTRACK)

NARRATOR: Lucinda and Timothy

are waking up in separate apartments,

following a tense session on the couch last night.

The couple went into the Commitment Ceremony brimming with positivity.

We have been very much focused on fun,

including ending up at the strippers bar.

Me having all sorts of tits and arse in my face.

(LAUGHTER)

NARRATOR: But when Alessandra shone a spotlight

on their slow-burn relationship style,

it led to an unexpected confession...

So, it sounds like a friendship.

Yeah, spot on.

Like, I don't feel too desired or whatever.

..and when Timothy was put under the microscope...

Do you believe it's possible

to fall in love with Lucinda, Timothy?

I believe... It really doesn't sound like it.

I don't get any kind of vibe.

Yeah, I'm not convinced.

..leaving the groom feeling betrayed by his wife.

You're actually throwing me under the bus.

LUCINDA: I haven't seen Tim since the Commitment Ceremony.

There's a part of me that cared or had a crush

and has felt rejected and hurt and fractured.

I think I got on the couch

and just sort of gave the good and the bad and the ugly

because a big believer in being honest,

just getting it out on the table.

But I also understand

that lots of people in his life have let him down,

and knowing Tim, I know he will have put his walls up massively now.

Yeah. It's tough.

TIMOTHY: She completely blindsided me.

I felt really good going into it.

We had a good weekend

and then she started sort of saying it's going nowhere,

and then Jayden arcs up at me, so she had everyone on her side.

My number one thing in life and love is trust and loyalty.

But it was just a straight attack.

There was no team.

I am pissed off.

I am angry.

No, I've got no trust.

Loyalty? She doesn't have any.

(MUSIC SWELLS)

NARRATOR: Today marks an important milestone in the experiment...

Thank you, thank you.

..with our newest couples moving in to their apartments.

This way.

NARRATOR: The newlyweds are four weeks behind

the original couples

and will be taking part in a crash course...

RIDGE: Oh, we look so cute, darling.

..designed to help them fast-track their relationship...

This looks chic.

..beginning with moving in together.

Very intimate place.

Yeah, we're going to be spending a lot of quality time together.

Moving in together is a real test in any relationship.

OK, what side of the bed do you want?

Let's establish this first.

This side.

It allows for them to create a space together

and ultimately, see if they can get along...

(LAUGHTER) ..and develop a deeper connection.

(LAUGHTER)

Moved in today with the old bird to the new apartment.

Lucky me.

Welcome home, darling.

Excited? I am excited.

Yeah, it is the first time I've lived with a partner.

But that doesn't really worry me

because things are going good with Jade.

You're stuck with me the rest of the time.

That's alright.

I'm happy with that, darling. I'm happy with that.

It's a very warm, fuzzy feeling.

Yeah.

Oh, god. What's going on here? But no, it's nice.

I think we're in a good position, considering.

Um, seeing a lot of the other couples,

I'm like, "Oh, Jesus."

NARRATOR: A couple yet to move in to their apartment

are Ash and Madeleine.

At last night's Commitment Ceremony,

the couple were not united

in their decision to stay or leave the experiment.

I said, "Stay."

OK.

I'm going to leave.

NARRATOR: But despite writing, "Stay",

this morning, Ash has had a change of heart

and the pair have come to an amicable agreement to leave.

ASH: I wrote, "Stay."

I should have wrote, "Leave", but that's on me,

and I reflected, and 24 hours later, I'm here

and I'm, like, no, it wasn't the right choice.

I need to get out of this.

If I can reflect, it was absolutely doomed from the start, yeah.

I mean, the warning signs were there.

Hold on a sec.

Things were good and then she started hearing voices.

I love you beyond.

I don't know what is going on.

I honestly came here, like, with my heart on my sleeve,

ready to find love.

I still want to have a wife,

I still want to have, like, a family. That doesn't change.

The path's been skewed but I know which way I'm going.

I know I'll get those things eventually.

(MUSIC SWELLS)

NARRATOR: While our remaining newlyweds

embark on Crash Course Week,

for our original couples,

the experiment is about to enter

the next exciting phase.

Family and Friends Week.

Oh, my god!

(LAUGHS) Are you excited?

Yeah, it should be a good day.

Today, Dad and Mum, coming down. I know!

Typically, in this experiment,

we have seen this week make or break some of our couples.

The opinions and influence of loved ones

can have a positive and constructive impact or a devastating one.

You hungry?

Not really.

I've got, like, a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.

But the goal remains the same.

For our couples to reflect on their journey so far

and to identify and address

any issues that may have come up during their time in the experiment

with the help and support of the people who know them best.

NARRATOR: The first couple

to receive a visit from their loved ones

are Tori and Jack.

Flowers are a bit dead.

That's OK.

Adds a bit of character.

NARRATOR: Tori is anxious about the arrival

of her best friend, Lea...

Sorry.

..who she hasn't seen since the wedding day...

There is something about him that is, like, reserved and guarded.

..and Lea was not shy in voicing her concerns about Jack.

LEA: When it comes to Jack, I just have this weird feeling.

It's just an intuition that I have.

There is something. I can feel it in my (BLEEP) bones

that there is something.

It might be like...

It could be something like a misogynistic thing.

I mean, you don't know. You won't know until it comes out.

So, the aim of today is to not tell Lea to put a muzzle on it.

Let's not do that. Let's...

Let's not do that.

Let's not do that.

Noted.

Be nice for Lea to see where we're at now.

Because Jack and I, we're in a really good place,

really good place.

But when it comes to Lea, I'm sure she's got shit to say.

I don't know how today is going to go.

I've only spent a brief, you know,

couple of minutes with Lea at the wedding,

and apparently, she had a couple of questions about me then,

so today, I want to impress her

and yeah, I hope I can win her over a little bit today,

and yeah, we have, like, a nice relationship moving forward.

I think you're pretty close to perfect.

(KNOCK ON DOOR)

Is that Lea dog?

Ooh!

Cool.

Surprise!

(SQUEALS)

Oh, my god!

That's so nice.

Tori and Lea just had this massive embrace.

Oh, my god! Don't cry. You'll make me cry.

JACK: It was special and...

(LAUGHTER)

Welcome.

..I felt emotional. I really did.

Yeah.

That just... That blew me away.

(LAUGHS)

I definitely think...

(LAUGHS)

That was amazing. (LAUGHTER)

I think he knows the right things to say...

..and I'll leave it at that.

Can I get you drink of anything? Yes, please.

First impressions of Jacob at the wedding wasn't fantastic.

He was a little bit standoffish.

Um, I just felt like we didn't click.

I walked away thinking, "Who is this guy?"

"What are his intentions?"

Champagne? Yes, please.

"Is this genuine?"

Um...

"Who has my friend married?" (LAUGHS)

Going into today, I just want to know if Tori is OK.

I think I've got a pretty good read.

I think we are so connected that she knows when I'm with a dud,

I know when she's with a dud.

So, I think I'll be able to tell right away.

Well, the last time we saw each other was at the wedding.

I, like, literally, I, like...

How did that day make you feel?

(BLEEP)

Um, it was like intense.

It was surreal. It was good.

It was good until it wasn't.

You were so reserved with me

that I was, like, "This guy's hiding something",

and you do look like a (BLEEP) boy. Sorry.

Right.

Like, honestly, after the wedding, I was so nervous

and all of my suspicions kind of came to a head

when T mentioned, like, the dinner party,

the most recent dinner party.

The muzzle comment was absolutely disgusting.

The fact that that comment was Jacob's knee-jerk reaction

tells me that at the root of his soul,

he is a misogynistic person.

Mate, we need to unpack it. We need to unpack it.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

NARRATOR: Next...

As some bonds deepen...

You have everything I've ever wanted in a partner.

You had no issue throwing me under the bus.

..Lucinda and Timothy implode...

Obviously, I was pissed 'cause everyone jumped on your bandwagon.

..in an awkward family lunch.

Well, ever since I've been here today,

I hear the same thing going on

about being pissed off and this and that,

and blah, blah, blah.

He's a bit repetitive, I think, and a bit boring.

NARRATOR: Family and Friends Week is underway

and Jack is being interrogated by Tori's best friend, Lea,

for his controversial comment.

The muzzle comment.

Mate, we need to unpack it.

We need to pack it.

I'm always going to be nervous to bring that up

'cause it's not my finest moment,

but I want her to hear my side,

and sort of, I don't know,

work my way out of the hole I've put myself in.

So, what hap - like, what happened?

I had a go with a girl at the dinner party.

We were having it out at the table.

We were under fire, she was questioning our relationship

and yeah, I'm really protective,

so basically, I snapped and said, "Put a muzzle on her."

Wow, OK.

And at the end of the day, I'm going to defend my territory,

my family, you know, to the wits' end.

I don't regret. I'll always protect my family.

You've got to have someone

that has that kind of strong, protective, dominant role,

so that's me.

That's how I got there.

Mate.

(LAUGHS)

I'm laugh - it's, you know, sorry.

It's like one of those responses where you know what you're -

you laugh at something but it's not funny.

It's just kind of, like, so...

..you know, it's confronting.

Yeah, like, I apologised.

It's kind of disgusting that he would say that.

Wonderful that he apologised.

Hope it was genuine. (LAUGHS)

But I highly doubt that.

Are all aspects of your relationship great?

I guess, like...

Like, intimacy and...

Speak, girl.

(LAUGHS)

I don't know what I can say, what I can't say.

Whatever you want to dive into, let's go for it.

I just want to know if, like,

one, they're being intimate,

and two, if it's good.

I would be concerned if they're not being physically intimate.

Sex is important.

Hmm.

Like, what's that like?

I've been dying to know.

We haven't had sex... Get out of here!

We haven't had sex to date. Yeah, so we haven't had sex yet.

Um...

Yeah, I come into this,

sex wasn't even like, I don't know, at the forefront of my mind.

It was all about matching someone's energy

and compatibility and values,

and then obviously, that would all come.

Yeah, right.

It...

It's an orange flag.

Let's say that. It's an orange flag.

It's, like, unusual. Different for me.

Yeah, I mean, it is really different for you.

Yeah.

You know me. A very sexual person.

Means a lot.

Coming into this, I wanted to make sure

that what we had as people and a foundation and a connection

was, like, bullet-proof.

I was kind of shocked to hear that they haven't been intimate.

I'm actually, like, shook.

I've been throwing some advances her way...

..and she's been reciprocating

and yeah, like, so awkward to be, like,

"Yeah, I'm, like, ready to do it."

But yeah, I'm ready. Like, there's nothing holding me back now.

Right, OK.

We're just like in a really, like...

It's like a sweet spot, for sure.

Yeah, right. Like, super-united.

We're probably like the strongest in here.

You're different.

You even look different.

Thanks.

Her whole demeanour has shifted completely.

This is something that's very foreign for me

to observe Tori in that way

because she's always kind of boss, on it, controlling the situation.

This is the first time, on god,

that I've ever seen you... Literally.

..just, like, relinquish control. I'm shook.

Interesting. I really am. Like...

It's just happened so organically and naturally.

She just, like, submitted some of that control

to the man, I suppose.

Like, they're your words,

and I haven't had to push anything, force anything.

LEA: I definitely think he's a good talker.

But I've just got to have faith and trust

in what Tori is telling me.

Well, it's been good to have you here.

Let's take good care of her.

Before you go, I'm going to give you something.

Oh, my god. (CHUCKLES)

LEA: I've known him for five minutes.

How much can you really trust somebody after five minutes?

(LAUGHS)

(LAUGHTER)

JACK: I've got tricks

and that was a perfect way to get her onside.

Bless!

Thanks for coming. Oh, stop it.

She's had a sit down with me and Tori now,

and yeah, she's ticked all the boxes for me.

I think she's a great person.

Are you serious?

I think Lea came in here with a few questions...

Alright, I'm out.

(LAUGHS) Thanks for coming.

..and I feel like Lea is leaving with everything resolved.

Bye! Thank you!

Love ya!

Collectively, we're all singing from the same hymn book

and I don't think it could've gone any better.

Wow!

(UPLIFTING SOUNDTRACK)

NARRATOR: A loved-up Eden and Jayden

have travelled to Queensland to meet with their families.

Cheers. Cheers.

Meeting the fam when marrying strangers.

(LAUGHTER)

NARRATOR: Joining them are Eden's father, Phil,

Jayden's coach, Mark, and brother, Mitch.

Mitch did the experiment two years ago as well...

Oh, OK. ..so the same thing that we did.

A bit of deja vu. Yes.

I remember meeting the parents and it's...

It's nerve-wracking.

So, I think today, I just want an update on their relationship

to sort of see how they're going.

So, you've fallen love, Jayden, or what?

(LAUGHS)

He sounds like the experts.

You sound like John. You honestly sound like John.

He's been trying to get that word out of me every week.

(LAUGHS) Are you getting there?

Yeah, hundred percent. Hundred percent.

We are easily the strongest couple.

We're doing really well.

Like, we're starting to plan our life outside the experiment.

She got the lottery partner, so...

(LAUGHTER)

How's this bloke?

(LAUGHTER) Oh, my god!

Very. Very.

I think Eden and Jayden are a great match.

I'm happy that she's happy

and that's all you want for your kids.

I'm stoked. Things are going good, you know?

Looks like you two guys are falling in love.

Getting there. (LAUGHS)

When I did the experiment, obviously,

I was a little bit sceptical

and I think that's where I went wrong.

But I definitely think Jayden

is 100% committed in this experiment.

He's going to go all the way.

I think the experts have got it pretty spot on.

I think that says enough for itself.

Here we go, guys. Cheers.

Cheers. Cheers.

NARRATOR: Back in Sydney...

RIDGE: Second day in the apartment, babe.

You feeling settled in?

JADE: I am.

..newlyweds, Jade and Ridge,

are settling into their new reality of life in the experiment...

RIDGE: I feel good.

(KNOCK ON DOOR)

..and the challenges it entails.

Someone's at the door!

What is it?

Having come into the experiment at the midway point,

our newest couples have some catching up to do.

Relationship crash course.

Our crash course is specifically designed

for them to fast-track their marriages

and to get their relationship on the same level as their peers.

To do this, they will need to tackle some of the same tasks

the original newlyweds undertook.

JADE: Yeah, I definitely feel like we know a lot about each other

in a short amount of time.

NARRATOR: Although the couple shared

an instant physical attraction on their wedding day...

Well, as soon as I saw her, I was just, like, "Yeah, deece!"

..Ridge's mischievous sense of humour

raised concerns for Jade.

There's, like, joking around

and then there's, like, joking around 'cause you're immature.

NARRATOR: But Ridge surprised everyone with his level of maturity

after Jade told him that she is a mum...

I have a daughter.

Oh, do you really? Yeah.

Ooh, what's her name? Victoria.

I thought I'd better throw that in.

I appreciate the honesty, but yeah, that's sick.

I can't wait to meet her.

..and after a strong start to their marriage,

the young couple are about to be tested

at the next task in the crash course.

JADE: "For this next part of the experiment,

"we are setting an important task to explore your vulnerabilities,

"your fears, and your deepest thoughts.

"For this task, you must write a letter to your partner,

"revealing a significant experience you've had in your life.

"It could be something you've never told anyone before

"or perhaps something you deeply regret."

I definitely did come here to let someone in...

..and let the walls down.

But it is very hard for me to open up

'cause I feel like I've opened up before

and I've just been let down.

OK.

"Dear Ridge, I'd like to give you a little insight on my life

"that made me the person I am today.

"Falling pregnant at 18 was hard for me.

(SNIFFLES)

"During my pregnancy,

"I had a lot of stress going on with my partner.

"He told me he wanted a family, but then he wasn't there for me.

"I was alone.

"I later found out he was cheating on me.

"It felt like they took away my daughter's chance at a family.

"Looking back now, I really regret the anger I felt every day

"and the feeling like I didn't deserve the situation

"because I felt like I never got to enjoy being pregnant

"or being happy.

"But she has been the biggest blessing in my life

"and every day, I am thankful for her."

One sec.

That's a lot for a 19-year-old to go through,

especially on her own. Cheating while she was pregnant.

Like, what a dickhead.

Thank you.

He needs to have a good hard look at himself

and give himself an upper-cut.

I'm so sorry that you had to go through that.

You were essentially on your own.

Like, that's scary for anyone.

I do appreciate you opening up to me like that though.

It was definitely the deepest we've gotten

since we've been together.

It was pretty full on. A lot to unpack.

It's never a nice feeling

seeing someone you care about cry and be upset.

I don't like seeing you cry. That's...

No, not for me. I don't like it.

Ridge was very sweet about my letter

and I did feel very thankful

that he was able to get

to that deep connection level with me

because it's something I've not seen from him yet.

You did good.

Thanks, babe.

It's brought us closer together,

even though it will probably always be an insecurity for me.

Thanks for telling me that.

(UPLIFTING MUSIC)

VOICEOVER: This week, our newest couples

are taking part in a crash course,

designed to expedite their progress in the experiment...

Are you uncomfortable? A little bit, yeah.

For Michael and Stephen,

it will be an opportunity

to get their relationship back on track.

Although the couple shared an instant connection

on their wedding day,

Stephen was quick to put his walls up,

after Michael revealed that his initial match

had chosen to leave the experiment,

48 hours after the buck's and hen's night...

I have been previously matched in this experiment before.

I felt sick.

I just felt, am I just his fill in?

..and the couple are starting the new week

hopeful that the crash course tasks

will help reawaken their initial connection.

Nothing beats a classic hug.

Allow yourself to melt into your partners hug

for three minutes and I guarantee in that moment

you'll experience a true genuine connection.

Happy hugging, Alessandra.

I like feeling connected and physical touch.

That's my way of bonding.

I manifested this, I manifested this.

So hopefully,

he wants to put his arms around me and he wants to get closer to me,

because I wanna move forward

and hopefully the hug moment will...

..keep it going.

Timer on.

Are you going to stretch... Oh, timer on, here you go.

(GENTLE MUSIC)

That's a pretty intense thing to do with someone...

..because of where I'm at.

Mmm...

(GENTLE MUSIC CONTINUES)

(GENTLE MUSIC CONTINUES)

(TIMER BEEPS)

Yeah. Good hug.

(EXHALES)

That was a good hug.

For me, the hug was incredible, I enjoyed it.

It was pleasant to just feel him around me

and be warm.

I feel more comfortable with you.

Thank God. (LAUGHS) Yes, definitely.

And like, I feel, like, everything that we're doing

is heading in that direction.

I feel so much more...

Like, undescribably comfortable with him now.

I don't feel like I need to keep putting my wall up.

It's a good step.

MICHAEL: I'm liking what I see.

(UPLIFTING MUSIC)

VOICEOVER: It's a brand-new day in the experiment

and the newlyweds, Jade and Ridge,

are waking up after a challenging crash course task last night,

where Jade opened up about her relationship history,

leaving her feeling vulnerable this morning.

Oh, how are you feeling?

Mmm...

Last night was a lot.

The confessions letter brought up a lot of feelings for me.

After everything that I've been through,

I always expect the worst from guys.

I'm worried that it's gonna happen again.

(VOICE QUIVERS) Obviously, I do like him a lot,

so it is scary letting him in.

(SOMBRE MUSIC)

RIDGE: Honey, why are you crying? Come here.

Talk to me.

(GENTLE MUSIC)

Talk to me.

Why are you crying?

I don't know.

You're crying for a reason. Tell me.

Forget everything else. Talk to me.

(GENTLE MUSIC)

(GENTLE MUSIC CONTINUES)

Talk to me, honey.

Like, I just feel like we are good

and so like, it does make me like...

..nervous. Mmm.

..and I just get in my own head,

maybe because I feel like...

..I don't really deserve to like, have someone

like, being real good to me. Mmm.

So I'm like, kind of waiting for you to up and leave.

Oh, honey...

I'm not going anywhere, OK? All right?

I understand that you've had a rough go.

I don't plan to go anywhere

and I definitely see potential in us.

You have everything I've ever wanted in a partner.

You know, literally everything I asked for,

they gave me right here.

You really are.

It's never easy hearing somebody I care about cry.

Obviously that stems from trauma

that she's had in the past with previous partners.

Like, I really do care about her and I really do like her

and I need to prove that to her as well this week.

So that's our little homework for the week.

So just work with me, OK?

I'm not gonna get up and leave.

I have never had anyone treat me like Ridge is treating me.

Just know that you deserve...

..someone to treat you well and... (CLICK FINGERS)

(LAUGHTER)

You know?

I feel like he's reassured me so much.

I didn't expect for someone to care for me the way Ridge does.

I do feel very thankful to have been matched with him.

VOICEOVER: Next... Come on, Tim.

It's time to move on.

He's a bit repetitive, I think and a bit boring.

..Lucinda's dad...

..does not hold back.

I'm all... It's a brick... I can't... You know... Blah, blah...

You know, it's boring.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

VOICEOVER: With Family and Friends Week in full swing,

Lucinda and Timothy are getting ready

in separate apartments

to meet their loved ones...

It's a new day, catching up with friends and family.

We're in a bit of no man's land.

Tim obviously is very disappointed in me.

He thinks I pushed him under the bus at the Commitment Ceremony

and the walls have gone up again.

This relationship with Tim has not been smooth sailing.

This is not a sail trip on the Greek Isles.

This is a sail trip

in the rough waters,

of I don't know, the Baltics Oceans on a windy old stormy night.

I'm not sure where this relationship is going.

What I am committed to is not giving up on it.

So I hope that we can move through and get beyond our differences.

Best case scenario is that Tim and I would feel more connected

with the support of our loved ones

that maybe some more walls would come down.

That would be the best case scenario, I think.

So that's what I'm manifesting.

Today I've got a little extra protection on.

I've got my crystal quartz as a big...

..you know, just as a bit of a filter

around this heart chakra area.

But I am hopeful that we can work through it.

VOICEOVER: ..but down the hall, Timothy is not feeling so hopeful...

The Commitment Ceremony, that was a shit show.

We haven't seen each other since then.

She threw me under the bus.

We had a good weekend

but she then started sort of saying

I'm wasting her time here and just it's going nowhere.

I'm still pissed off.

The whole thing really hurt me.

Every time I do drop that wall a little,

I seem to get burnt

and the more times you get burnt,

the more you don't wanna let anyone in.

VOICEOVER: Meanwhile, in the inner west of Sydney,

Lucinda's parents, Michael and Susan,

have flown in from Melbourne for lunch

and are eager to catch up with their daughter.

We're looking forward to grilling the two of them...

(CHUCKLES) ..and see what's happening.

Yeah, it'll be very exciting.

It will be very exciting.

Hello.

Wow, you're getting down too low here.

Whoa.

My goodness. (CHUCKLES)

Lucinda, we love Lucinda, we miss her.

We've been waiting all day to give her a hug.

We have been.

She is the most beautiful, loving person.

Lucinda and Tim's relationship,

well we don't know a lot.

We would hope that, you know,

it's going along reasonably well and that they're happy.

(SIRENS DISTANTLY WAIL)

(TROUBLED STRING MUSIC)

(EXHALES)

How would you like to go into this?

Just walk in the bloody door.

Well, I would like to feel connected.

I'm happy to move on.

I don't wanna harp on about it

and that's all, that's all I wanna say,

I'm happy to move on. Duly noted.

It's been a rocky week

and I suppose, let's just be honest.

But like, OK, the rocky week is you had no issue

throwing me under the bus

at the CC...

..and I think you relished in the fact

that I was getting my arse handed to me.

I don't, I don't agree with that.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Can we get out?

(DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES)

(SILENCE)

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

She loved the fact that John handed me my arse.

She loved the fact that old freaking Fabio jumped in.

She loved it.

This is a shit way to walk in.

(DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES)

What's up?

I would love it if we...

..You know, did go in as a team and I'm sorry.

I (BLEEP) up on the couch. You're absolutely right

but there's also been hurts and pains on my side.

I felt really good going into it

and then you just started piling it on.

There was no team

and it's almost like you like the fact that

that (BLEEP) dick head Jayden spoke up.

I actually didn't.

I just got caught up, I've explained it.

I don't... you know, I'm trying my best here, I am.

Yeah.

You know and I get where you're coming from two.

Mmm.

OK, well, how are we gonna go in here?

We're going in like, just like, let's shake it out.

Come on. Let's just go in there.

But I just would like to...

I'd like us to be OK before we go in.

We're fine. Are we?

We're fine, yep.

Brutally honest.

(TENSE MUSIC)

Lucinda's parents, Susan and Michael,

are being joined by Timothy's close friends,

Rachelle and Brett, as part of Family and Friends Week.

I was really hopeful on the wedding day.

Tim doesn't let people in easily at all

and Lucinda seems very deep, very connected.

I thought maybe she is exactly what Tim needs

and maybe Tim is exactly what she needs

and I thought they could hold a mirror up to each other

and that he could soften a little bit.

So I really can't wait to see how it's going.

I'm a bit nervous,

I'm waiting for them to come through that door.

It's been a long wait.

We hope their marriage is going along well,

'cause we are wondering...

..we are wondering.

OK.

(TENSE MUSIC)

Yeah, we wanna hear what Lucinda's got to say obviously...

And Tim.

Yeah... 100 percent.

Whoa!

Hello. How are you?

How are you? So good to see you.

(INDISTINCT GREETINGS)

So good.

Long time, no see. Both of you.

It's been a while, hasn't it?

Look at that suit, I love that suit.

Well I did orange for you.

All right, this looks good.

LUCINDA: Thank you.

MICHAEL: So I suppose we should get down to

the nitty-gritty of it all...

Let's do it. ..shouldn't we?

How are you two guys going? Tell us a few things.

TIM: You start.

(TENSE MUSIC)

We've had a bit of a rough trot this week.

Mmm. A little bit of a rough trot.

So what's happened, what's made it rough?

So, at the Commitment Ceremony, it was my bad,

like, in the Commitment Ceremony,

I gave the good, the bad and the ugly,

rather than celebrating the lovely little things

that Tim was doing, is doing.

Well, it wasn't so much that.

It was...

It was...

We had a good couple of days

and we are actually having a lot of fun and then,

the experts said, is it's gonna move forward

and you said, am I wasting my time here

and then everyone seemed to jump on that comment

and that bandwagon.

So how did you feel about that?

It pissed me off. Yep.

I feel like I got into the spiral of the ceremony,

where they're asking you questions

and I was in the yeah, like, you know and it was too much.

I regret how I behaved.

Well at least you're honest, that's good.

But maybe you had reasons to behave like that though.

(TENSE MUSIC)

What has, I suppose, what has Tim done that's...

'Cause we wanna hear both sides of everything.

I know. We wanna hear the truth,

we wanna get it out today. I suppose for me,

it's managing my own expectations.

I think Tim is a great bloke.

I do have a bit of a crush on Tim.

Definitely the first couple of weeks

was very forward and forthright about that

and then it was sort of like, oh, he doesn't...

..you know...

..find me sexually attractive.

So on the couch,

I opened up and said you know,

I'll be honest, I don't feel assured.

I just haven't felt celebrated or seen, or that I'm beautiful,

or, you know, kind of like led...

(TENSE MUSIC)

Honestly, have you tried to work on that sexual attraction?

(TENSE MUSIC CONTINUES)

TIM: Yes.

We were just having a good time with no expectation

and that's what I got so shitty about.

We went out and had a couple of really good days.

Like, we went to shows and we did this

and we were actually having a lot of fun.

But then when we went to that CC,

I just felt like all that good time

was just thrown under the bus and everyone was having a dig at me.

I felt I was blindsided.

We went into that a certain way

and then what you came out with on the couch

was a complete blindside.

It pissed me off.

When I was getting grilled at that CC,

when that other idiot jumped in,

you weren't there,

you are quite happy to watch me get friggin, just hammered.

RACHELLE: Why do you think she was happy?

Well because everyone was on your side.

(TENSE MUSIC)

I could just see it in his eyes.

I could just tell Tim was just angry.

Obviously I was pissed,

'cause everyone jumped on your bandwagon.

If you really know Tim,

he's got an exterior

and he's got an ego and he's got pride.

I'm just sort of thinking back at the situation

and it's just...

But she's apologised.

(TENSE MUSIC CONTINUES)

I tell you what, if I had of known

that's what she was gonna go in there with,

I would have gone, done.

(TENSE MUSIC)

Finished. RACHELLE: You've made your point.

BRETT: Yeah, pretty clear.

Yeah. Yep.

He's very stubborn

and sometimes he'll find fault and run away.

(SOMBRE MUSIC)

(VOICE QUIVERS) Um... I think he's had a lot of trauma.

(GENTLE MUSIC)

..and I think that's how he deals with it.

Sorry.

I think he shuts down and I think he just...

..you know, he's got no where to direct his...

..his feelings and...

..I just think that...

..he's just got a lot of demons,

because a lot of bad stuff has happened to him.

Yeah.

TIM: Yep.

At the end of the day, it's been and gone.

Is it worth having a blue about it? LUCINDA: No.

You can see there's a lot butting heads here...

LUCINDA: Very much so.

..and it's not something to hang onto.

Yep, I agree.

You've got to push it aside and be done with it.

Let it go.

RACHELLE: Do you think you can move forward?

Like, what are your honest...

BRETT: Yeah, where are you at with that?

Yeah.

Look, it's... It's pretty shaky right now.

(SOMBRE MUSIC)

(EXHALES)

I would say more out than in.

(GENTLE MUSIC)

Oh, Lou...

BRETT: Oh, Lucy.

MICHAEL: I know you're trying, you're such a...

You do with everything.

And you do love that, don't you, very much.

I can see that.

(GENTLE MUSIC)

My true thoughts on Tim,

is that I don't think he knows how to move on.

I think he's stuck in the past.

I think he's very stubborn.

Sometimes I feel as though

you maybe get pissed off a little bit too much.

Ever since I've been here today, I hear the same thing going on...

..about being pissed off

and this and that and blah, blah, blah.

Come on, Tim, I've heard about all that.

It's time to move on.

He's a bit repetitive, I think and a bit boring.

He's got my lovely daughter there and what have you done,

to you know, zhoosh things up a bit.

(TENSE MUSIC)

VOICEOVER: Following a disastrous start

to their family and friends lunch,

with Timothy unable to move past

the events of the last Commitment Ceremony,

Lucinda's dad, Michael, has taken him aside for a chat.

(TENSE MUSIC BUILDS)

I know I'm big bastard for my beautiful daughter

but I think one of the most important things

is respect for the other person

and I don't think you give a great deal of respect for Lucy.

No, I do respect her.

I do. Mm-hmm.

It's just I get pissed off.

Yeah, I mean, that's what we've been talking about

ever since we've arrived. That's a cop-out, I'm sorry.

Do you think it's time maybe not to get pissed off so easily?

Change a few of your little habits.

You can do it.

It's a tough one. No, it's not, come on.

It's a tough one. For me, it's a tough one.

It's just a tough one.

It's a hard wall, it's a brick, you know, blah, blah, blah.

You know, it's boring.

Yeah.

You know and I'm getting pissed off listening about that,

you know what I mean?

(TIM CHUCKLES)

From my point of view,

you need to sort of not get your tits in a tangle

maybe sometimes and pull your finger out.

(LAUGHTER)

(LAUGHS)

He made me laugh and when I laugh, I drop my walls.

Yeah, there's a little bit of key information for you.

(LAUGHS)

I do like your advice.

I sometimes can hold a grudge. Don't.

I want Lucy to be happy.

I know she's not happy at the moment.

Yeah.

And because she's trying and her way is so hard

and you know,

I don't know whether you're... Whether you are or not, you know.

You know there's a timeframe on the show.

Yeah and that's why...

You know and you can't keep lingering, can you?

You know what I mean?

No, you can't and I get it.

What, four-five weeks

since you've been in this relationship.

So hey, you know, come on.

You've got a lovely lady that's attracted to you

and you need to maybe try a little bit harder.

Umm...

Yeah, he thinks I'm not stacking up and it's tough to hear.

It's really tough to hear.

I know I'm not easy.

I do feel that she could have got somebody easier.

JOHN: I guess the difference between you and Lucinda right now,

is that she's got quite an open heart...

..whereas you're very guarded and defensive.

100 percent.

Yep, you're completely right.

She looks for the good in people

and she looks for the good in every situation.

I look for the negative.

I've got walls up everywhere.

I've got more baggage than Qantas.

Could you possibly find anyone better equipped

at dealing with the baggage that you carry...

No, you actually couldn't.

(UPLIFTING MUSIC)

(SIGHS)

I know it takes a special sort of person

that wants to be with me.

So I know how special she is.

Yep.

Look, I'm not perfect, I know that...

No one is perfect.

We've all got our failings. But...

..are you going to try with Lucinda?

I'm going to have a chat with her this afternoon.

A nice chat.

No being pissed off. No.

Good. I'm gonna have a chat.

Good. Deal. Please. I'd like that.

And hey, it's not for me to tell you what to do

but we'd love to see a little bit more

sort of action on your behalf. Yep.

It could be a one night stand,

or it could be anything but just try it.

Yes, I did. (LAUGHTER)

(LAUGHTER)

(BLEEP)

Well, he should.

Great advice for a father to give to a, you know,

a potential, you know, whatever.

I mean, where do you go with that? Like, where do you go?

To my beautiful daughter. Yep.

Will you cheers me on that?

Look me in the eye, she is beautiful, you know that.

I really feel as though I had a good talk to him.

I think there is a certain amount of love there, I really do.

She is a beautiful girl, there's no question.

Yep.

He is quite a pleasant sort of a guy

but he's got to make a go of it or try, at least try...

..and I hope he does.

RACHELLE: Hey, boys.

How did we go?

TIM: It was a good chat.

MICHAEL: It was a good chat.

The chat with Michael has made me realise

that I have been a bit of a dick head.

Hopefully we have come to some new happy conclusions.

BRETT: That's good.

MICHAEL: Onward and upwards.

LUCINDA: Oh, that's good.

RACHELLE: I can tell you've softened a little bit.

Yep.

Lucinda deserves more.

I need to let go of the anger.

Just let it go and move on.

I think it's a reset and yeah...

RACHELLE: Listen to each other. Yeah, I'm sorry, Tim.

Look, I can get pissy, I know that.

We're not gonna do that anymore, remember?

And... What?

Lucinda said some big words just then.

What's that?

She said "I'm sorry." Oh...

I'm genuinely sorry.

LUCINDA: And I know that, I know. Yeah.

(UPLIFTING MUSIC)

I thought my dad was gonna...

..you know, get up in the grill, I was like,. oh my God,

where is this going,

but actually, in the end, it turned out OK.

He can definitely soften you up. Yeah...

(LAUGHTER)

So we'd like to make a toast to the happy couple.

Cheers, yeah.

To the happy couple. Happy couple.

(LAUGHTER) Cheers.

LUCINDA: Tim is a hard egg to crack.

But I do think he's worth it.

(UPLIFTING MUSIC)

I've still got more in me...

Um...

Yeah, I'm not ready to give it up yet.

VOICEOVER: Tomorrow night...

Morning!

..Cassandra's dad, Moddy, is back...

Love, love Moddy.

..as Family and Friends Week continues...

MAN: Obviously I want all the goss, the drama, the tea.

..but will Tim's friend...

Are you feeling the tension?

Do you need to relax?

..undo all of Sarah and Tim's recent progress...

TIM: Relax...

..and... Welcome back.

..Ben's shock return...

(SINGING) # I've been unaware... #

..but can he sing his way into Ellie's heart?

ELLIE: I'm not sharing this place with you tonight.

He's just wasted my time.

..Before...

Never... And you shouldn't.

And I shouldn't and I've never had an issue with it.

I'll be right back to zero again.

..a dramatic turn for one of the experiment's strongest couples.

Can their loved ones get them back on track...

I don't understand what's going on.

..or is it too little,

too late?

Andy's not into me at all anymore.

(SOMBRE MUSIC)

(SOBBING) Oh...

Captioned by AI-Media ai-media.tv