Married At First Sight viewers were left stunned on Wednesday when tensions between Adrian Araouzou and Awhina Rutene came to a head during the final Dinner Party.
The pair had a huge blow up which ended in tears after they came under scrutiny from the other couples following their decision to participate in the Final Challenge and go on a date with their backup matches.
When Adrian, 31, returned from his meet-up with buxom blonde Maxine, the groom wasted no time bragging to his bride, 30, about her model good looks – and he had no problem talking her up again at the Dinner Party.
When he was asked if he felt he was more ‘compatible’ with Maxine, he said ‘no’, but then proceeded to explain all the ways they were more suited for each other.
‘She’s starting a business, I have my own business. She’s into the gym. Same as Awhina, but the difference is, [Maxine] lives in Sydney,’ Adrian said.
He went on to add that Perth, where Awhina currently lives with her family and son, ‘is the furthest state away from my family’s place’.
‘[Awhina and I] both said we were willing to do long distance. Prior to this commitment ceremony, last week, I was like, yeah, for a short period of time. Then we did this date thing and I asked myself why did I go?’ Adrian said.
At that point, bride Beth Kelly spoke up and asked Adrian if he is now considering he may ‘not have feelings’ for Awhina.
Again, Adrian appeared to confuse the other couples with his answer.
He began: ‘I do care for Awhina. I spent 12 weeks with her. It’s one of the best experiences of my life. I think when we’re good, it’s good. I think it’s great. We have fun.’
Then he added: ‘But do I care enough to pack up bags tomorrow and leave [for Perth]? No.’
Adrian later told producers he ‘came to the realisation’ during his date with Maxine that he didn’t want to maintain a long-distance relationship.
However, he went on to contradict himself when he told his fellow stars he might be willing to try ‘one-day’ with ‘the right person’.
It was then Awhina lost her temper and forced Adrian to confess the root problem of their tumultuous relationship.
‘Let’s not hide behind the f***ing challenge. Let’s not hide behind long-distance. I am not the right person [for you]. Say it,’ she told Adrian.
He countered with: ‘Would you move to Sydney?’
‘Absolutely f***ing not,’ Awhina immediately replied. ‘Do you see any point in going to Final Vows?’
‘No,’ Adrian finally admitted.
‘Absolutely, right this instance? No. A big no.’
Awhina then broke down in tears and said, ‘I don’t want to be here wasting my time anymore.’
To which Adrian told her: ‘Then go.’
Wiping away tears, Awhina stormed out of the Dinner Party as bride Jamie Marinos ran after her to offer comfort.
‘I feel like the reasons I’m here aren’t good enough to have given up what I have. I stayed for [Adrian], but it’s not been worth it the entire time,’ Awhina told producers.
Married At First Sight will return on Sunday at 7.00pm on Channel Nine and 9Now.