Married At First Sight 2025 has started with an unprecedented mistake.
What was supposed to be a show about marriages between complete strangers took a chaotic turn when a bride and groom realized they had already met… at the altar.
Daily Mail Australia can reveal that Melbourne-based business owner Jeff Gobbels and fitness influencer Rhi Disljenkovic were left in shock when they unexpectedly reunited on the set of the reality show last Thursday.
According to Yahoo, the couple had been dating around this time last year after being introduced by Australian Survivor star and football presenter, Abbey Holmes.
Sources have since told Daily Mail Australia that the pair “dated for several months” before things fell through and they each went their separate ways.
As for them meeting on MAFS, a source revealed: “This was definitely not part of the plan.”
‘Producers were as surprised as anyone when Jeff and Rhi recognized each other. But they’re hopeful that this unexpected twist might work in their favor.
‘Sometimes a past connection can be a solid foundation to build on, and experts believe they can help Jeff and Rhi rekindle their relationship.’
Married At First Sight 2025 has begun with an unprecedented blunder. What was supposed to be a show about marriages between complete strangers took a chaotic turn when a bride and groom realized they had already met… at the altar.
Daily Mail Australia can reveal that Melbourne-based business owner Jeff Gobbels and fitness influencer Rhi Disljenkovic were left stunned when they unexpectedly reunited on the set of the reality show last Thursday.
Photos from their past shared on Instagram show Jeff interacting with Rhi’s stunning selfies, suggesting a previous connection between them.
Despite splitting up, the duo have “stayed in touch” and still attend the same group classes at Hurt Locker Richmond gym.
His family and friends were seen bursting into laughter as they too acknowledged the hilarious mistake.
Sources have since told Daily Mail Australia that the pair “dated for several months” before things fell through and they went their separate ways.
Despite the highly unlikely start, the newlyweds walked away hand in hand after exchanging vows, which seemed to be a pleasant surprise for the couple.
Rhi currently works as an IT Account Manager at Seisma Group, having previously held similar management roles at other companies.
Meanwhile, Jeff is the third TV star cast for the 2025 installment of the dating show, prompting backlash from fans because producers chose well-known names.
He made his debut on the long-running Australian soap opera Neighbours in 2017 as police officer Kurt Bridges and later appeared in three episodes of the show.
He has also racked up other minor acting credits in the television miniseries The Warriors, the 2018 film Undertow, and the 2019 Chinese drama The Whistleblower.
He Bachelor Star Sierah Swepstone and Perth-based fitness trainer Paul Antoine, who previously appeared on The Real Love Boat, will also be part of the new season.
Despite the highly unlikely start, the newlyweds walked away hand in hand after exchanging vows, which seemed to be a pleasant surprise for the couple.
For the ceremony, Rhi looked every bit the blushing bride in a gorgeous strapless gown adorned with stunning embroidered details.
She styled her brunette locks into an elegant updo as her long veil billowed behind her as she looked ready for her big moment.
She showed off her stunning features with a high-glam makeup palette as she posed for gorgeous portraits from her wedding day.
From Sierah elimination of The Bachelor went down in reality TV The story made for one of the best exits when she hilariously confessed that Jimmy didn’t like “tall, horny bogans” after he sent her home.
Despite her genuine search for love on her previous reality show, many believe that her participation in MAFS is a strategic move by the producers to attract viewers rather than focusing on authentic matchmaking.
Some fans have even threatened to boycott the 2025 series following the casting of well-known reality stars including Jeff, Sierah and Paul.
Fans of the show vented their frustration on social media, accusing producers of recycling reality TV personalities instead of giving ordinary Australians a chance to find love.
Rhi currently works as an IT Account Manager at Seisma Group, having previously held similar management roles at other companies.
Jeff made his debut on the long-running Australian soap opera Neighbours in 2017 as police officer Kurt Bridges and went on to appear in three episodes of the show.
Jeff is the third TV star to be cast on the 2025 dating show, prompting backlash from fans because producers chose well-known names, including The Bachelor star Sierah Swepstone.
Perth-based fitness trainer Paul Antoine, who previously appeared on The Real Love Boat, will also be part of the upcoming series.
“MAFS has lost its authenticity,” wrote one disgruntled viewer on Instagram.
‘It’s supposed to be about genuine people finding love, not about giving more airtime to people who are already famous.’
Another fan commented: “I’m sick of MAFS. Bringing in people like Paul and Sierah just shows how desperate they are for ratings. I will definitely be boycotting this season.”
“For the last time Australia wants to see some real ordinary people… not these kind of people! For God’s sake!” wrote a third.
“Why can’t they find people who actually want to find a partner, not just looking for fame on social media? So they’re overlooking all those people who are just social climbers,” another questioned.