reality tv

Jamie was the breakout star of MAFS. She told us exactly how her life has changed since.

If you want to support independent women's media, become a Mamamia subscriber. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE.

There's no denying that Season 12 of Married at First Sight Australia wouldn't have hit quite as hard without scene-stealer, Jamie Marinos.

The tiny bride with the big personality quickly became a fan favourite. Her relationship with Dave Hand began as a fairytale romance, but ultimately ended shortly after their final vows.

And now, Jamie has been spotted rubbing shoulders with AFL star, Mate Colina, attending Richmond's Jack Dyer Medal event in Melbourne as his date.

Is Jamie in her WAG era or is there more to this appearance than meets the eye? We asked Jamie to give us all the deets.

"I had a lot of fun at the Jack Dyer Medal event. It was a really fun night. I'm grateful to have experienced something a little bit different," she said.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Mate and I, we are friends — there's no romantic relationship there. We had mutual friends, and he asked me to attend with him, and so I thought, why not? That's a fun Tuesday night."

As for her relationship status, Jamie confirmed she is single.

"I am currently chronically single. At the moment, I'm actually enjoying this peaceful era. I obviously went on Married at First Sight to find a husband, and I do still want to settle down and have children, absolutely," she continued.

"But I think things are falling into place one step at a time, and I'm kind of happy at the pace it's going. It's allowing me to continue to work on myself in the meantime."

But wait, weren't Jamie and MAFS groom Eliot Donovan a thing for a hot minute there? The reality star told Mamamia exactly what happened between them.

"Elliot and I are friends. We did explore something more, however, I think we both were quite self-aware when we realised what wasn't working, and what was working was a friendship — what wasn't working was anything more," she said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Watch Jamie and Eliot enjoying Queensland together. Post continues after video.


Video via Eliot Donovan/IG.

But rest assured, there are no bad vibes between them. "We've remained good friends and we value our friendship. We're in a good spot."

In fact, Jamie has maintained many wonderful friendships with her co-stars.

"Obviously, I'm quite close to Eliot, Awhina, Rhi, Jeff, Ash, TJ, Tony… even Carina, we resolved our issues as well," she said.

"I'm actually quite fortunate that I've walked away with many friends from MAFS. I'm super grateful for that."

However, the same can't be said for her MAFS partner, Dave Hand.

"Dave and I no longer speak. We stopped speaking midway through airing, not long after our relationship fell apart on national television. This was about the same time our friendship in the real world also dissolved," Jamie told us.

"It wasn't on great terms when we ended it. However, I feel more at peace [now], and I hope he does too. Sometimes, you just know when someone's not meant to be in your life. Unfortunately, I don't think we're going to see eye to eye on things, and that's OK."

ADVERTISEMENT

Where is Married at First Soght bride Jamie Marinos now?Image: Nine.

Regarding her time in Australia's wackiest love experiment, she has no regrets and shared the lessons she learned from MAFS, like gaining "confidence" and "reassurance" to keep being her uncensored self.

"MAFS taught me to be myself no matter what. I came in and was unapologetically, 100 per cent, authentically me, and having the audience respond in such a positive way was the most validating moment ever for me — just to know that I am enough," she said.

ADVERTISEMENT

"I don't regret the heartache, I don't regret the tears, I don't regret the mistakes or the yelling — that's just a part of life and I'm human."

The warm reception Jamie received from the MAFS audience is something that provided her comfort when she felt "isolated" on the show.

Where is Married at First Soght bride Jamie Marinos now?Image: Nine.

ADVERTISEMENT

"I was not expecting to be a massive fan favourite. I really didn't. I honestly thought, I was just so controversial and different to a lot of the typical reality TV personalities," she said.

"But obviously, Australia really valued a breath of fresh air, which was amazing. I've met so many awesome people since then. My favourite part has been connecting with the audience.

"The kindness from strangers, and the kind messages I receive — they make everything worth it, and they mean so much."

Jamie has been a busy bee since the reality show ended in April, travelling the world to connect with her fans in the UK, where the show is hugely popular.

"Post-MAFS, I have absolutely loved having the opportunity to travel as much as I've been able to. The cast members have been fortunate to have had a lot of trips together, which has been so much fun," she said.

"One of the highlights would have to be doing a press tour in London. That was incredible. Going on Lorraine — one of the UK's biggest talk shows — was amazing. And going to movie premieres where Pamela Anderson is on the carpet at the same time as me — those were very pinch-me moments."

ADVERTISEMENT

As for the year ahead, Jamie has big plans. "In 2026, I don't see myself staying put for too long. I definitely know there's a lot more to do across the globe, and I'm open to seeing where life takes me."

Jamie does have some advice to share for the 2026 contestants, with the next season's filming set to wrap soon.

"My advice will always be to be yourself. Don't try to fool the public. Don't try to fool your partner. You're not there to win an experiment. You're there to grow, to learn and to try to make something work with someone," she said.

"Your partner deserves someone authentic, and the public deserves someone authentic. I think that's just the best way to be."

Feature image: Getty/Instagram/@jamiemarinos_.

Calling all women aged 30+! We want to hear how you take care of yourself! Complete our 3 minute survey for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!

00:00 / ???