Married At First Sight groom Eliot Donovan has only appeared on one episode of the show and he’s already packing his bags.
The groom throws a tantrum in a trailer for an upcoming episode of the show, which premiered on Monday night.
The 25-year-old complained that his on-screen wife, Lauren Hall, at 37 was too old for him – and he wouldn’t be budging on his preferences.
In the clip, the Queensland business owner packs his bags after deciding the marriage isn’t for him.
‘There was definitely things on my non-negotiables, right?’ Eliot said.
‘I wanted someone that was younger than me, preferably someone under 30’ he added.
Married At First Sight groom Eliot Donovan (pictured) has only appeared on one episode of the show and he’s already packing his bags
The 25-year-old complained that his on-screen wife, Lauren Hall (pictured), at 37 was too old for him – and he wouldn’t be budging on his preferences
Eliot also complained that his new wife was a little too ‘superficial’ for his tastes due to her love of designer goods.
‘There’s some superficiality there, you know, I’m not into like luxury luggage’ the disgruntled groom said.
Lauren, also a business owner from Queensland, is two years older than her new husband – and that was too much for Eliot.
He added: ‘There’s just some things that I know I’m not willing to compromise on.’
Eliot has become the show’s biggest villain, before the 2025 season of the Channel Nine reality program properly kicked off on Monday night.
He enraged viewers during the first 20 minutes of the show when the ‘egotistical’ business owner outlined what he wants in a woman.
Several viewers said Eliot displayed ‘big red flag w**ker energy’ as soon as he said he didn’t want to be matched with a ‘judgmental control freak’ and does not condone ‘crass behaviour’ from women.
‘If this Elliot came in with all those high standards and controlling attitude. Why was he picked??’ one viewer wrote on X. ‘He’s going to be a nightmare.’
The Queensland business owner packs his bags after deciding the marriage isn’t for him
‘There was definitely things on my non-negotiables, right?’ Eliot said. ‘I wanted someone that was younger than me, preferably someone under 30’ he added, leaving his bride stunned
‘Eliot won’t find 20 housewife (sic) to his “standard” – he’s expecting a young Charlize Theron’ another said, referring to his match Lauren Hall.
‘Honestly Eliot should just identify as a woman at different points during the marriage ceremony and just marry himself… I can’t see this working any other way,’ one more remarked.
Several said Eliot perfectly fit the mold of a ‘finance bro’.
‘Co-owner is a number of small businesses. Say no more crypto boi,’ one said.
‘ELIOT: Hi, my name is Eliot. I’m 35 and I live on the Gold Coast. My main hobby is running my fingers through my hair,’ another joked.
Eliot’s time on the show has been nothing short of controversial.
He became a runaway groom when he famously walked out mere hours after his wedding to Lauren and then made a sensational comeback that left both his estranged bride and fellow contestants reeling.
The bombshell development came after his former bride, Lauren, was paired with a new partner, professional golfer Clint Rice.
Eliot also complained that his new wife was a little too ‘superficial’ for his tastes due to her love of designer goods
Insiders revealed that the cast and crew were left in a state of disbelief when Eliot suddenly reappeared on set, arriving late for the dinner party.
‘It was like the ultimate plot twist,’ a source close to the show dished.
‘Lauren and Clint had just started to get comfortable with each other when Eliot showed up out of the blue. The look on Lauren’s face was priceless – she was completely gobsmacked. And Clint? He was not impressed at all.’
‘Lauren’s new groom Clint let him absolutely have it.’
Eliot’s abrupt exit made headlines when he walked out just hours after his wedding to Lauren, citing a lack of connection.
His return, however, seems to suggest that he had unfinished business, not only with Lauren but with the other participants as well.
According to a well-placed insider, Eliot’s return wasn’t just about mending fences with Lauren.
‘Eliot feels like he was misunderstood,’ the source said.
Eliot’s abrupt exit made headlines when he walked out just hours after his wedding to Lauren, citing a lack of connection
‘He’s back to clear his name, but isn’t apologetic about his behaviour. Him and Lauren were a complete mis-match, and hasn’t changed his mind about wanting out of their romance.’
Lauren, who was left heartbroken by Eliot’s abrupt departure, has been navigating her new relationship with professional golfer Clint, a charismatic and successful golfer known for his cool demeanour under pressure.
‘Lauren and Clint were really starting to hit it off,’ the insider continued.
‘Clint’s been a rock for her, and she’s been enjoying the fresh start. Eliot’s return has definitely thrown a wrench in the works.’
Eliot’s reappearance sent ripples of tension throughout the cast.
‘There’s a lot of anxiety now,’ the source added. ‘Everyone has no clear what the f**k is going on.’
‘Eliot’s comeback has put everyone on edge, especially Lauren.’
According to the insider, many of the grooms didn’t get along with Eliot when meeting him at the buck’s party.
Lauren, who was left heartbroken by Eliot’s abrupt departure, has been navigating her new relationship with professional golfer Clint (right)
‘It’s going to be interesting to see how this plays out’.
Producers are reportedly thrilled with the unexpected drama, describing Eliot’s return as a ‘game-changer’ for the season.
‘This is the kind of twist that makes MAFS must-watch TV,’ another insider shared.
‘The love triangle between Eliot, Lauren, and Clint is going to keep viewers glued to their screens.’
It comes after Daily Mail Australia revealed that Eliot packed his bags and booked a return ticket home before the ink was even dry on their marriage certificate.
According to insiders, Donovan struggled with the pressures of the show and felt overwhelmed by the rapid pace of the experiment.
‘Eliot just wasn’t ready for the intensity of it all,’ a source close to the groom revealed.
‘He thought he was, but once they were on the honeymoon, it all became too much, and he decided to walk away.’
Photos taken by Daily Mail Australia on August 6 showed the MAFS crew frantically trying to shield Lauren as she arrived solo at the first dinner party.
The first commitment ceremony also saw a shocking mass exodus, with three couples calling it quits within the first two weeks of filming in an ‘unheard of’ twist.
‘We’re already down six people, and it’s only been two weeks. The pressure on the remaining cast is enormous, and it’s creating a lot of tension,’ an insider shared.
Joining newbie Clint and Lauren as fellow intruders to spice things up are couple Teejay Halkias and Bethy Kelly.
