Drama is already brewing on the upcoming season of Married At First Sight, as one couple has been spotted storming out of their apartment at One Global Resorts in Sydney.
Awhina Rutene and Adrian Araouzou, who are tipped to be next year’s fan favourites, were spotted leaving with a suitcase in tow, holding hands before getting into an Uber together on Sunday.
Mother-of-one Awhina, known for her chaotic and unpredictable personality, has already garnered attention both on and off camera.
An insider from the production has told Daily Mail Australia ‘Awhina’s been stirring the pot since day one. She’s a rule breaker and not afraid to shake things up.
‘It’s no surprise she’s been spotted with other brides during filming breaks – she’s always been a bit of a wild card.’
Adrian, 31, who runs viral dessert Instagram SweetSundayz, is bringing his own brand of drama to the show.
Described as outspoken but reasonable, he’s not one to shy away from confrontation but prefers to hear all sides before forming an opinion.
A source close to the production shared, ‘Awhina has been a calming influence on Adrian, but even she has her limits. They had a massive row just before this incident, and it seems like it came to a head over the weekend.’
Meanwhile, another insider hinted at what’s been going on behind closed doors.
‘There’s been tension building for a while. Adrian’s been struggling to keep up with Awhina’s high-energy and spontaneous behaviour,’ they said.
‘This isn’t the first time they’ve clashed with production and have been probably the two that have been scolded by producers the most.’
Despite the outward appearance of unity, with the pair holding hands as they left, sources say there’s more to the story.
‘They’ve had their fair share of ups and downs. Adrian’s trying to stay level-headed, but Awhina’s not one to back down from a fight. It’s definitely putting a strain on their relationship,’ added the source.
‘They’re both strong personalities, and that makes for great TV. But it also means they’re going to butt heads – a lot,’ the insider teased.
It’s unclear if the couple have quit the show.
‘Kicked off the show’
The sighting comes days after the upcoming series’ oldest bride Morena Farina was also spotted with her suitcases waiting to be picked up.
The 57-year-old mother-of-two was spotted waiting to be picked up, sitting on a bench just metres away from photographers, leaving on-lookers stunned.
Daily Mail Australia can reveal that while producers typically go to great lengths to avoid spoilers, Morena’s exit seemed anything but discreet.
A paparazzi photographer, who has covered Married At First Sight every year, described the incident to Yahoo Lifestyle as ‘very strange.’
‘Usually when a couple or cast member leaves the show, they have to film a whole exit sequence in the underground car park and leave in private,’ the photographer explained.
‘They do this to avoid anyone taking any spoiler pictures of them leaving with their suitcases, as these pictures prove the couples split up – but this was so weird.’
Morena’s exit has been described as unprecedented, as if she had been abruptly ejected from the show.
The photographer added, ‘It’s like she was just kicked off the show, evicted from the building, and no one wanted anything to do with her anymore.
Producers didn’t even order her a car to take her to the airport or try to hide her from us [the press].’
In a move that has left fans questioning what happened behind the scenes, it appears Morena was left to fend for herself, a stark contrast to the usual secrecy and care shown by the production team when dealing with departing cast members.
The source hinted at possible friction between Morena and the crew, with locals suggesting that she was ‘rude’ to both production staff and local café workers.
Friends of the bride have vehemently denied these claims, insisting there was a misunderstanding.
Insiders have since told Daily Mail Australia that Morena wasn’t kicked off the show, in fact both her and her husband Tony Mojanovski left the show on their own accord.
‘They left following one dramatic commitment ceremony. There’s nothing more to it.’
Married At First Sight returns to screens in January 2025 after the Australian Open on Channel Nine.