Married At First Sight Australia returns to screens later this month.
And with a line-up of bold personalities and intriguing backstories, season 12’s brides and grooms are set to captivate audiences across the country.
The cast includes an ‘old-school’ bride looking for a traditional romance, a suave Frenchman and a high-achieving woman who confidently describes herself as having ‘beauty and brains.’
With bombshells dropped at the weddings, dinner party fireworks and a brand-new twist called Final Test Week, this season guarantees plenty of explosive drama and heartfelt moments.
Here’s everything you need to know about the participants stepping into the most unpredictable love experiment on TV – some of the hottest in the show’s history.
Rhi Disljenkovic, 34, VIC: Account Manager and Fitness Blogger
Melbourne-based Rhi is a fitness influencer and IT account manager, who balances her professional career with her thriving online presence.
Sick of being alone and tired of the modern dating scene, Rhi is looking for her perfect match.
Single following from a seven-year relationship, Rhi admits she has never truly been in love and has realised what qualities to look for in a partner.
As a fitness blogger, she wakes before sunrise to hit the gym, describing herself as a ‘routine person’ who thrives on schedules and meal prep.
Loyal, considerate, and trustworthy, Rhi is looking for someone driven, warm and kind.
Jamie Marinos, 28, VIC: Account Manager
A proud Greek woman with a fiery personality, Jamie comes from a big family and embodies many of the traditional Greek values instilled in her upbringing.
Her dad prays every week for her to find a husband – preferably a ‘good Greek boy’.
But Jamie’s ideal man isn’t necessarily the church-going type.
She’s looking for someone bold, covered in tattoos and passionate, but also kind and calming.
At just 157 cm (5’2′), this pocket rocket packs a punch with her strong moral compass and big personality.
Fans will be drawn to her unfiltered honesty, but her strong personality might make her a polarising figure.
Awhina Rutene, 30, WA: Aged Care Worker
The outspoken life of the party, Awhina is proud of her New Zealand heritage and has a tight-knit family. She is especially close with her twin sister Cleo.
‘My husband will have to learn that Cleo and I come as a package deal,’ she jokes.
She has a six-year-old son from a relationship with her high school sweetheart and hasn’t had the chance to date since their breakup.
Loud, bubbly, and caring, Awhina considers herself a perfect catch and is ready to find a kind-hearted partner who shares her zest for life.
While her nurturing personality is one of her greatest strengths, Awhina is no pushover.
Insiders suggest her quiet resilience will emerge when faced with challenges, surprising both her groom and fellow participants.
Lauren Hall, 37 – QLD: Business Owner (Corporate Gifts)
Fiercely independent with high standards, Lauren knows what she wants and won’t settle for less.
A successful business owner running a corporate gift company, Lauren describes herself as an ‘old-school romantic’ who longs for the days of chivalry and traditional courtship.
But Lauren isn’t one to back down, and her dramatic mid-season return is bound to shake things up.
Resilient and ambitious, she’s ready to prove that setbacks won’t derail her quest for love.
Fans can expect Lauren’s story to be filled with twists and turns.
Her ability to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of MAFS will make her one of the season’s most intriguing participants.
Carina Mirabile, 31 – WA: Digital Marketing Manager
Hailing from a large Italian family, Carina is the only unmarried sibling and her mother’s checklist for the perfect son-in-law looms over her.
Her dream man is tall, handsome, European and educated – someone who can hold their own amidst her loud and loving family.
While co-stars have questioned whether she’s here for love or exposure, Carina insists she’s ready to find a genuine connection.
Bubbly, glamorous, and unafraid to tell it how it is, Carina isn’t one to shy away from confrontation.
Jacqui Burfoot, 29 – NSW: Consultant
Describing herself as having ‘beauty and brains,’ Jacqui is a high achiever with a double degree in law and finance, first-class honours and the title of Miss New Zealand 2012.
She’s worn many hats, including yoga teacher and model, but now she’s ready to settle down.
After splitting from her partner of seven years, Jacqui moved to Australia and is searching for a man who’s her intellectual and physical match – ideally, a tall, blonde, open-minded version of herself.
Her academic accolades are complemented by further studies at the College of Law Australia and Harvard Business School Online.
Colleagues describe Jacqueline as ‘hardworking, dedicated, and intelligent’, with a peer noting her potential to ‘excel wherever she is and at whatever she applies herself to’.
Morena Farina, 57 – VIC: DJ and Fitness Instructor
At 57, Morena is the oldest bride to date, bringing a wealth of life experience to the table.
A vivacious and larger-than-life personality, Morena proves that age is just a number.
After her 29-year marriage ended, she reinvented herself as a DJ at 53, finding joy in music and meeting new people.
The single mum of two teens is looking for a ‘king’ who will treat her like a queen and match her vibrant energy.
Morena’s mature and pragmatic approach could make her a grounding force amidst the drama, but she’s not one to tolerate nonsense.