However, Jamie’s had an epiphany since the final vows.
Married At First Sight Australia stars Jamie Marino and Dave Hand. Photo / Woman’s Day
She says, “I’m actually glad it didn’t work out. I’ve had time to process it and the relationship wasn’t right. When I interviewed initially with Daddy John [Aiken, the MAFS relationships expert], I said, ‘I want a husband and if that doesn’t work out, I want to learn something.’
“Well, I learnt you can’t teach someone how to love you. If you’re asking for someone to meet your basic needs to prove your worth, it’s not right. When you’re choosing someone who’s not choosing you, it’s taxing on your self-worth.”
After the show, Jamie found unexpected comfort with MAFS groom Eliot Donovan, who walked out on his original bride Lauren Hall, before returning as an intruder to marry Veronica Cloherty.
“I didn’t want to date anyone while MAFS was filming, but once the reunion screened, I finally felt single and free,” tells Jamie. “Eliot became my safe space. We had so much in common from being on the show – I formed a trauma bond with the other cast members.”
The couple were coy about whether they were really dating, but Jamie now confirms they did give it a go, but they’re no longer seeing each other.
“We did explore the potential of a romantic relationship and, yes, we played doctors and nurses! We had fun, but we love very differently and we’re both self-aware enough to admit it wasn’t meant to be. But I’ll always think highly of Eliot.”
Jamie confirmed she and Eliot gave it a go, but are no longer seeing each other. Photo / Woman’s Day
Before the show, Jamie had quit her corporate job and had no future plans.
“Two days before my last day at work, MAFS called and said they had a husband for me, so that was awesome,” she laughs.
The reality series has pushed her in an exciting new direction.
“It made me realise I love being in front of the camera, connecting with people and making them laugh. I’ve done a few presenting gigs and I just love it!
“What I’d really like is to join Daddy John and the experts on the show to provide commentary on the dinner-party behaviour – that would be right up my alley. I love analysing people.”
But Jamie wouldn’t return to TV for just any reality show.
She insists, “I’ll never be in the jungle, eating bugs and fighting for my life! I’m such a princess, I don’t even walk barefoot in my own house.”
Jamie is currently working as a supervisor at a nightclub. Photo / Woman’s Day
In the meantime, Jamie is working as a supervisor at a nightclub on Fridays and Saturdays, and doesn’t have any plans to launch her own business.
“I am the business,” she jokes. “I wasn’t on the show as a launchpad – I was looking for my husband. I gave the experiment a fair go. I cried real tears. Whatever happens afterwards, you may as well make lemonade out of lemons.”
She also only has positive things to say about Kiwi bride Jacqui Burfoot, who is making plans to marry MAFS groom Clint Rice.
“I’m happy for Jac,” Jamie insists. “I was shocked when they got engaged, but she got what everyone wanted – a real relationship – so good on her!”
Jamie confesses that MAFS stirred up her insecurities.
“Even when exploring things with Eliot, there was past trauma coming up. I knew Eliot was going to have to pay for Dave’s mistakes. I’ve got to work on that! I’m a ChatGPT therapy kind of girl – I’ll dump my feelings there and work through them.”
Yet despite her experience, Jamie is still hopeful when it comes to love.
“I’m chronically single, but I’d love to meet someone,” she smiles. “I want kids – like, yesterday! Maybe I’ll find a nice Greek man, but my Greek isn’t good enough. I’ll just have to let my body do the talking!”