EXCLUSIVE: Maxine breaks her silence on rumours she’s now dating the controversial groom.

MAFS’ Adrian Araouzou went on a date with his ‘backup bride’ Maxine in Tuesday night’s episode. Photos: Channel Nine

Married At First Sight’s Adrian Araouzou was lost for words when he met his ‘backup bride’ Maxine in Tuesday night’s episode. The controversial groom agreed to meet his ‘Plan B match’ – who he was almost paired with in the experiment – to see if the grass is greener on the other side before heading to Final Vows.

While viewers only saw a few minutes of their ‘date’, it was clear that they shared a mutual attraction. The pair bonded over sunrises, living in Sydney and being each other’s physical type, and Adrian later admitted to his partner Awhina Rutene that he was “wowed” by how attractive she was.

It’s since been confirmed that Adrian and Maxine followed each other on Instagram after their date and have liked each other’s posts, with many fans speculating that they’re now in a relationship. However, Maxine tells Yahoo Lifestyle this isn’t exactly the truth.

“Yes, I talk to Adrian, but I haven’t seen him [since filming the ‘date’],” she reveals.

Adrian also tells Yahoo Lifestyle that he and Maxine exchanged a few messages after filming their ‘date’ but “that’s about it”.

“We had a lot in common, more than just living in Sydney,” he laughs. “She was cool. I think both our dates watching that back made more sense to have been paired considering the circumstances.”

Maxine says she’d be open to returning for MAFS 2026. Photos: Instagram/theblondegir1

Maxine spills on ‘date’ with Adrian

The South African model, who is also a mother-of-one like Awhina, says she enjoyed meeting Adrian on the show and could see why producers paired them together.

“My date with Adrian went well. I mean, it was pretty scary and unnatural for me to have a camera filming me, but Adrian seemed comfortable with it which helped,” she shares.

“I think they matched us because I said I liked dark features. I don’t know anything else [about Adrian] because I haven’t watched the show, but living with a stranger for three months, there would’ve been some butting heads!”

Would Maxine return for MAFS 2026?

When asked if she might return to the experiment as a bride next year, Maxine admits she would definitely consider the opportunity.

“I would return to MAFS, but it’s hard being a single mum and having to commit to living with a stranger and not seeing my daughter. I’d die of guilt,” she remarks.

Maxine isn’t the only ‘backup bride’ who fans might see in next year’s season, with Paul Antoine’s ‘Plan B’ Hannah Renee telling Yahoo Lifestyle she’d also be open to returning to MAFS.

“If the intention is a real connection and emotional maturity, then yes. But I’m not coming back to babysit grown men through basic respect and communication. The bar is low out there, but it doesn’t mean we have to step down to meet it,” she says.

“I’d love the opportunity to come back to find a genuine connection in future seasons. I also think they need me to call out people’s BS.”