After struggling to find chemistry during Married At First Sight, grooms Michael Felix, 34, and Stephen Stewart, 26, have left the experiment separately.
WATCH NOW: MAFS’ Stephen finds out he is Michael’s “fill in” groom. Article continues after video.
It was a mutual decision for both men to write ‘Leave’ during Sunday night’s commitment ceremony. After all, the pair’s relationship hadn’t been the same since Michael caught his husband “flirting” with a complete stranger.
“Today was meant to be a fun day. We had a publicity shoot, and Stephen was getting his hair done and I could see my husband flirting with the hairdresser,” Michael told the camera at the time.
“On the ride home, I could see him sitting back texting, smiling and I was like ‘Oh who are you talking to?’ and he was talking to the hairdresser.”
When confronted by Michael, Stephen confessed he was worried that he hadn’t found a “sexual spark” with Michael yet. He admitted that having had an “instant attraction to someone [else]” was a “lightbulb moment” for him, realising that their relationship was more of a “friendship.”
It certainly seems like the two men could remain friends, particularly as they share similar family values.
“I need a man who wants a family, who loves his family, who is here for love,” Michael said upon entering the experiment.
Originally from Ohio, USA, the salesperson now resides in Melbourne.
Having been single for five years, the 34-year-old explained that he is tired of the inconsistency of dating and is ready to settle down.
In a similar circumstance, Stephen came into the experiment having been single for four years after his ex cheated on him.
The Perth-based groom values serious and monogamous relationships, explaining upon entering that he “wants a man who is family orientated with a good sense of humour and killer smile”.
Both valuing family, Stephen was delighted to learn that his new spouse was a sperm donor for his friends, Nathalie and Nicole, so they could have children of their own.
“It takes a pretty special person to be able to do that,” Stephen said. “That’s a huge tick in my box.”
The first bump in the road came when Michael revealed that Stephen was not his first match, and that his original groom pulled out of the experiment.
“Instantly I felt sick,” said the 26-year-old. “I felt like this is not a genuine match; this is a really last minute, slap dash, you’ll do. That’s a red flag. Am I just his fill in?”
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