NARRATOR: Six weeks ago...
Oh, dear. What am I doing?
..22 strangers married at first sight.
Oh, wow!
Today we begin a journey with the potential of finding love.
(CHEERING)
Through the experiment, they've forged strong bonds.
(YELLS) That was unbelievable.
It's one of those moments where it's like lightning strikes.
As couples...
Wifey gave it up!
Team Trashley!
..and as a group.
Telv and I had sex.
(CHEERING)
ALL: Cheers!
I said, "Bullshit!" (LAUGHS)
But last night, Charlene let loose...
Can we talk about the boring boys' night?
..at an explosive dinner party, calling out Dean...
What are you talking about?
'Who wants a go of Tracey?'
Excuse me?!
..for his bad behaviour at the boys' night.
No. I didn't say anything like that.
Well now I just think you're a liar.
And sending Carly and Justin's marriage...
You can't even look at me? Why are you so weak?
..into freefall.
This is not good enough for me, and you can get (BLEEP). Goodbye.
Tonight...
NASSER: The decision is very, very serious.
..it's the final commitment ceremony...
If you were really concerned, why didn't you say it on the night?
..as the fallout from the dinner party...
Why do I need to? You're not my mate.
I'm here for this and that's all I care about at this stage.
..continues to rock the experiment.
So why did you decide to just give up?
Passions will spill over...
..as our couples face...
There's continual bombs going off.
No-one won in that situation.
..their toughest decision yet.
I don't know why you couldn't have just sat there neutrally.
I don't know why you couldn't have sat there neutrally either.
(CHURCH BELLS)
(PIANO MUSIC)
It's a crucial day for our seven remaining couples.
It's the final commitment ceremony
before they had home to decide whether or not to renew their vows.
JOHN: Want a cuppa? MELISSA: I'd love a cuppa!
I'll make you one.
Thank you so much!
It's also their last opportunity to discuss their relationships
with our experts.
(MUSIC)
Last night was just...
Brutal. It was just...
I mean, I feel quite exhausted. Yeah.
It was full on, wasn't it?
Yeah, it was. Yeah.
Everyone is still reeling from Charlene's revelations
about what went on at the boys' night.
And speaking on behalf of all women -
Yes?
I wouldn't be comfortable if someone was offering my wife
to the rest of the men at the table.
Are you (BLEEP)ing kidding me?!
Wow.
"Who wants to go, who wants a go of Tracey?"
I did not say that!
Did you not offer Tracey up?
Last night, Dean denied Charlene's accusations.
But this morning he is defending
his right to say anything he wants with the boys.
Men, we get around other men, that's our time to let loose.
That's our time to say crazy things
and, you know, we shouldn't have to apologise for that.
There's nothing wrong with that.
Would you swap right now?
I'm more attracted to girls like Ash.
I'll say it straight up, at the start, no disrespect Justin,
I said Carly.
Wife swap!
Did you say anything that you wouldn't say in front of me?
As far as I'm concerned, it's a boys' night.
Some crazy stuff's going to get said.
You know what boys are like. That's what we're like.
(TO CAMERA) He just keeps stuffing up.
And it's like we can't move forward because you have to deal with
this crap!
And it's just pissing me off.
Like, I'm trying to make the right final decision for me
and when this stuff keeps happening I'm just two steps back again.
You know, I hope you understand that the context that it was said in
and it's all joking.
It's just the boys being boys
and talking about you know, all that kind of stuff.
Like, I never meant any disrespect to anyone
that I said anything about and I respect all the women in the group.
And in general. So...
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)
At some point, Dean, in our relationship,
I have to trust you again.
And take your word for it.
And if you're telling me that there
is nothing you would have said if I wasn't there and you haven't
disrespected me, then at some point I've got to take your word for that.
Good. Thank you. I hope you do.
Maybe this situation is more like,
"This is Charlene's opinion, this is Dean's opinion,"
and truth is somewhere in the middle.
So, it's a lot to get my head around,
and I'm just worried it's too overwhelming at this point in time.
(MUSIC)
One couple that has bonded over last night's events
is Charlene and Patrick.
It'll be interesting to see everyone after last night.
It wasn't the most harmonious of dinner parties, was it?
No, not really.
Feel like we did the right thing by everyone.
You know, we brought these things to light.
It's the truth. It is the truth.
We were strong enough as a couple to bring it up
together and we backed ourselves and...
Yeah, and they tried to wear us down.
But you know what?
They picked the wrong girl!
Because if stuff like that happens I call it out.
Like, you know, and you're the same.
You call them as you see.
Yep.
It's that weird men's pack mentality.
Yeah. It's just disgusting.
Not into that at all. Nah.
Not into that.
There's no swaps.
I'm here for a reason.
Yeah? We move on.
(TO CAMERA) Being at boys night,
the guys were bagging out their partners.
I didn't want to be part of it.
Talk about some normal shit.
If someone was to talk about my mum I'd kick the shit out of them.
So, yeah. being honest with your partner,
I think that's more important than the bro code.
You know, last night at the dinner table,
there were times when it was really, it was heated.
People were attacking us,
but she was holding my hand, I was holding her hand.
It's really comforting to have that person next to you.
Are you feeling alright now?
I feel fine.
I did nothing wrong. That's right, you didn't.
(INTENSE MUSIC)
Last night's dinner party has pushed Carly and Justin even further apart.
CARLY: So, I was really nervous about seeing Justin last night
at the dinner party.
I feel like we took some time apart to think about our relationship.
And you know, I took that really seriously.
And I've been thinking a lot about us.
And I don't think he's gone away and done the same.
Whenever I tried to speak to him he just gave me nothing.
It has been so hard for me over the past few days,
and I'm so pleased that you've had such a great time.
But I haven't.
And I don't really think that you get it.
I probably don't.
Do you know how frustrating that is?
No, I don't.
I don't get it.
(MUSIC)
Couldn't even respond to anything that I was asking him.
I wanted him to go in there and fight for me.
Make me feel like I'm actually worth it.
And he didn't.
So, at the moment, I'm quite angry...
..about the situation.
And if Justin sits there tonight
at the commitment ceremony and says nothing, I will be furious.
Because I deserve someone who is willing to fight for me
and is willing to give me more than just silence.
Hopefully he has something to say for himself,
because I think he owes that to me.
After a couple of rocky weeks,
Ashley and Troy's relationship had started to improve.
But last night's dinner party has set them back again.
Last night I found out everything that happened at the boys night.
It turned to Ashley's mum.
And you said "Oh, is Ashley's mum hot?"
And Troy said something like "Oh, I don't know,"
and then he said "Oh come on, is Ashley's mum hot?
"Is she young, hot, whatever."
ASHLEY: (TO CAMERA) I do believe that Troy's been disrespectful
to my mum for some god knows reason.
And the one thing I didn't want
was to be blindsided at the dinner table.
And I got blindsided.
It's embarrassing, I'm not happy.
I don't want to sugar-coat anything,
but we have had a very solid week until last night.
You look stunning.
(TO CAMERA) It is bad timing
that we've got the final commitment ceremony
fresh on the heels of this fight we're having.
And I was just hoping she might be able to sleep it off...
..but tense. It's been tense.
So, I hope Ashley is able to move on quickly.
The stakes are high. The stakes are high.
You know, I love you.
I care for you. You know that.
Yep.
I know I shouldn't make this
decision when I'm super angry right now.
But I don't have a choice.
And now I really don't know what I'm going to write
for the commitment ceremony.
Just gonna have to make it hard every week, don't you?
Let's not throw it away. Let's keep going.
There were some solid days, but it's just not a good feeling.
I'm like, "Am I giving up on something?
"Or have I stayed for too long already?"
(MUSIC)
The couples will now separate.
Alright, see you later on. OK.
This is their chance to lean on other members of the group
and gain perspective on their relationships.
Alright, you better go. You'll be late.
Talk to you later. Mwah. Bye!
The next time these couples see each other
will be at the final commitment ceremony...
See you later. Bye.
..where they will reveal their most important decision yet.
They must choose whether they want to stay one last week
and potentially renew their vows
and embark on a life together outside the experiment.
Don't be late!
I'll try not to, but you know me.
Mwah! See ya.
Bye-bye.
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)
The only thing that got brought up about me was about my mum
and about a wife swap, so I'd say that whole boys' night -
It's not a joke. No.
It was not respectful at all.
Then he doesn't get that what he's done has upset me.
He does give you a lot of good times doesn't he, as well?
Yeah, but he annoys me!
How are you and Telv?
You seem to have been totally fine last night.
Throughout the whole drama.
Yeah, well, we made a big effort because we had the really bad fight.
Telv and I have had a massive blow up.
Really scared that bejesus out of me.
Because it shone a light on a side of Telv that I didn't like.
We're in an experiment to be together.
And not for you to be on Snapchat and (BLEEP) Facebook all the time.
You're not engrossed in what's happening with us!
(MUSIC)
After that pretty rough patch,
obviously heated, I was angry, but we've come out learning a lot
more about each other and yeah, hopefully no more silly arguments.
DEAN: There's always going to be a few, mate,
there's always going to be a few. Yeah.
That's normal, man.
I'm not a quitter, never have been, never will be.
The last few days we've really got back on track
and hopefully we can just move on.
And I need to make up because I'm the one who stuffed up,
so I went to her to try and get back in the good books with her.
Because I think outside the experiment there's absolutely
a future because I am falling for her.
One couple that has struggled to get on the same page is Gab and Nasser.
You know, it's come to a time where you have to think forward,
and I'm thinking, "Can I see myself with Gab?"
In the future?
And we are good friends,
but can that be enough for me to continue?
It's a very, very strange love.
I care for her very much, and she cares for me too.
But you know, the romance, it's still not there.
So, it is a big decision.
Try to start all over again, man.
You've got a good lady there.
And that's a big thing. Because you're a stubborn guy.
I'd like Gab to do the same. I am stubborn, mate.
You know, I'm old and stubborn.
I'm a cranky old man.
But you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Yeah, I probably can, you know.
MELISSA: How do you feel about tonight?
We've had a lot of ups and downs.
And a lot of you know, butting of heads.
Last week's commitment ceremony
certainly saw Gab and Nasser push each other's buttons.
I know that Nasser is very, very stubborn, but I'm also stubborn.
Didn't see that coming.
Bad luck, Donald Duck.
Just hop in.
Don't make me feel like you have been a monumental waste of my time.
I will. I'll jump in, I promise you.
110 percent.
Do you feel like he's trying?
No. Mmm.
There hasn't been sort of any leaps of effort that's come from him.
(MUSIC)
Something I came into this experiment with was
a very solid vow to myself that I would be here...
..until I have an ability to say "This isn't for me."
And if I'm able to say it with conviction.
Nobody calls the shots on me.
I won't quit until I'm ready.
Coming up...
The crucial final commitment ceremony.
It is the home stretch before you make the final decision.
I actually have the possibility of having my heartbroken.
Our couples lay it all on the line.
It was probably the most embarrassing moment
of my whole life.
Why did you decide to just give up?
I'm falling for Tracey, yeah.
Are you falling for Dean?
As the fallout from the boys' night...
Like a nuclear bomb.
There is tension here as we speak.
He doesn't even get it.
..continues to rock the experiment.
There were disrespectful things said about me.
That's just what boys do. It's all fun and games.
That's not OK. You don't speak about girls like that.
I don't really regret anything that was said.
(CHURCH BELLS)
(ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)
JOHN AIKEN: Tonight is the final commitment ceremony.
It's the last opportunity for our couples to bring up any issues
that they may have before making the ultimate decision.
Whether or not to renew their vows and embark on a life together.
(MUSIC)
This is the last commitment ceremony,
so the decision is very, very serious.
This is a relationship, this is emotions.
This is people's dignity.
This is everything.
(MUSIC)
I feel like I've given this experiment
100 percent and then some.
I have been trying to discover
whether Nasser is someone I want to be friends with,
want something more with,
and at the moment I think there is a sense of peace and conviction
with my decision.
I came to this experiment for a husband,
for love, the whole package,
and I just got absolutely blindsided.
But I don't want to give up hope.
So, it's a really tough situation I'm in.
TROY: Our relationship does have its ups and downs.
After the dinner party last night,
Ash got stuck into me for a couple of hours.
It's been tense.
Don't know if me and Ash will get past this.
It's the end of the experiment basically.
That's what we're faced with.
I'm just not sure if we're on the same page.
(MUSIC)
At this point in the experiment, every decision we make is huge.
To say 'stay' is a massive statement.
To say 'leave' is a massive statement.
I feel like I've come around 180.
I really hope she decides to stay.
(MUSIC)
I've admitted that I have worn rose-coloured glasses.
At times.
And what I have to decide is what I'm willing as my standard
to put up with in my partner or not.
And has Dean crossed that line or not.
(INTENSE MUSIC)
With deliberations done and decisions made,
it's time for our couples to face the experts for a final time.
Tonight's ceremony is make a break for Carly and myself.
And I am nervous.
Last night, Carly was quite aggressive.
But to be perfectly honest,
I don't have much to say at this point in time.
So, it wouldn't surprise me to see a little bit of drama for sure, yeah.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC)
It's definitely like getting blood out of a stone,
but I deserve some answers from Justin.
And I deserve that respect.
Welcome everyone to the final commitment ceremony.
Now, this will be the very last opportunity that you have to decide
whether you want to stay or leave the experiment.
Before you go away to decide whether or not you want to
continue on as a couple outside of the pressure cooker
of this experiment.
We, the experts, want to commend you on how well you've done
and how far you've gone.
We've thrown all sorts of challenges that you that couples would normally
experience over several years in a very short, pressured time.
This week is no exception.
You've met family members and have had a very explosive dinner party.
Tonight, we want to find out where you're at as couples
as this experiment nears its end.
So, let's get underway.
Let's bring our first couple up.
Telv and Sarah.
(APPLAUSE)
SARAH: (TO CAMERA) We're on the home stretch now.
I've been in two minds thinking what the future may hold
with some of the things that I've seen out of Telv the past week.
I actually have felt really confident the whole way through
and this is the first week that I felt a bit off.
(MUSIC)
Last time we saw you at the previous commitment ceremony
you are loved up, you were in a bubble, everything was great.
However, things took a turn and we met during the week
because you guys had kind of had a falling out, a big blow-up.
Um, yeah.
We had our dinner party with our family.
For me that was probably the most embarrassing moment
of my whole life.
To argue in front of my parents and in front of her brother.
One of the worst moments in any relationship I've ever had
in me life.
I've never really even said the F word in front of my mum
and here I am arguing with my wife in front of her.
It was pretty heavy.
I didn't think I could ever come back from that,
but I basically took everything you said on board.
You know, plan out your day.
Since we met you it's been pretty good.
It's going in the right direction?
When Sarah told me that I had...
..a house brick had more romance than what I did,
I took that on the chin.
And yeah, the next day we sort of went out for dinner
and I could see the difference just in doing something like that.
She was a different woman.
Like, she was so happy, and you could see
the appreciation just in that small little bit of effort that I did.
I was proud of him.
I'm proud that he stepped up and took the initiative
and listened to everything.
Sort of scared me a little bit. Sort of felt like, "Ooh, OK."
I didn't like where it was going
and I dunno, I think that you know, he understands
a lot more about how freaked out I get about that sort of stuff.
More empathetic to how she's feeling.
Like, I can put myself in her shoes a little bit more.
That's what I want. You know?
Just to be heard, to be understood.
Well, it's certainly good to see you in this light.
Now, however...
..we need to know what your needing to do in terms of stay or leave.
(MUSIC)
Telv.
What are you going to do?
I do care about you a lot, so, I'm not a quitter and I'm staying.
Excellent. We like to see that, don't we, Sarah?
What about you? What have we got?
Stay or leave?
What a nightmare week we had.
It's a rollercoaster. It really was.
(MUSIC)
But yeah, we're moving forward, and I've said 'stay'.
Oh, nice.
TRISH: Good on you.
I'll be back. Where are you going?
Where's Telv gone?
He did say stay, didn't he?
Yes, 'stay'.
(MUSIC)
Ah!
The house brick. There you go.
(SQUEAL OF DELIGHT)
JOHN AIKEN: Very nice, Telv! (CLAPPING)
My god!
Wow!
Telv one, house brick none.
My god, this is very nice.
Keep those romantic vibes coming.
Thank you.
I'm so proud my husband has progressed
from romance levels of a house brick.
TRACEY: Well done!
I just thought, I've really got to get rid of that stigma.
And hopefully I can just prove that
you know, I want her and I'm committed to this.
Coming up...
Last night's dinner party was somewhat explosive.
And yeah, he really manned up.
Dean, you're shaking your head there.
I disagree.
..Charlene takes aim at the boys' club.
There is a level of respect
for the opposite sex held by some men in this room.
And there is a level of respect held by the rest.
That's not OK.
(CHURCH BELLS)
(MUSIC)
Alright, let's get our next couple up.
Patrick and Charlene.
(APPLAUSE)
CHARLENE: (TO CAMERA) Pat's quite emotional,
he's very sensitive, and in the past it's been difficult for me.
But I think seeing how Patrick stood up against all the other boys
last night, he is definitely the most genuine, honest guy
of all the boys taking part in this experiment.
So, let's go back to last week on the couch.
And you guys were talking about how
Charlene that you really weren't in the mood for intimacy with Patrick
because he was quite emotionally needy and you needed him to step up.
Yep. And you wanted your man to be solid
and that just wasn't happening for you. So, has that changed?
We're definitely not rooting like rabbits.
But we've honestly had probably our best week.
You know, our most honest and real week.
Obviously last night's dinner party was somewhat explosive.
(MUSIC)
And yeah, he really manned up.
And you know, he had my back and like, I had his and you know,
that's a pretty great way to feel I guess, at this point.
Dean, you're shaking your head there.
What's going on for you?
Yeah, I wasn't impressed with anyone's behaviour last night.
And for Charlene to say that Pat manned up...
I disagree.
If you were really concerned about the women being disrespected -
Yeah.
- you should have said something on the night.
If you really wanted to man up, you should have said something...
Yeah, OK.
..at the boys' night. Are you finished?
Not waited till the next day
and had your wife step up and say something on your behalf.
Why didn't you say it on the night?
Why do I need to? You're not my mate.
So you don't care about anyone here.
I don't know you, mate. I don't know you.
I'm not here to make mates.
I'm here for this and that's all I care about at this stage.
Charlene, can I ask you...
..why you were so passionate about speaking up last night?
I mean, it hit some buttons.
Yeah. I saw red for a bit there, didn't I?
It's just about the level of respect that you should have for women.
I think what was very clear last night is there's a level of respect
for the opposite sex held by some men in this room
and there is a level of respect held by the rest.
And I thought what was really clear last night
was that some men get together and they have this pack mentality
and go 'boys' club' -
There's different people. - but as I said,
I came here to marry a man.
The world is full of different types of people.
There's all different kinds of people.
Would you have these discussions in front of the ladies or...
No, that's why you have them at the boys' night.
Oh, mate. Sorry, I don't know what to say now.
They're completely different conversation.
I'm not sure what to say. I don't know what to say.
As I said, I came here to marry a man.
Each to their own.
So did last night bring you guys closer?
Yeah, after last night we're even stronger.
It was a really nice feeling
to know that she is by my side and she can hold her own.
It's really nice to have someone who can do that.
I was proud.
I was really proud of her.
(MUSIC)
Well, look. Feelings are still pretty raw in here right now.
But I think what's really come through is that
you two really present a united front.
So, let's find out whether you've decided to stay or leave.
So, let's go with Patrick.
So, last week I wanted more, you know, more warmth from Charlene.
And I've got that.
And I know that she's got my back and that's all I need in a woman.
Yeah.
Mmm-hmm! Mmm-hmm!
(LAUGHS) You know, so, there you go.
Boom. Yeah.
And for you, Charlene?
Same.
We like that.
So, you can head back to the group -
Thank you. And good luck with the week to come.
Thank you!
(APPLAUSE)
(TO CAMERA) In this late stage of the experiment,
I'm surprised at how content I am and how much and just enjoying
how it's building.
Next up...
..Justin and Carly.
(APPLAUSE)
(TO CAMERA) I do feel like I've given my everything
to this experiment
and all he has done is just be here.
Welcome, you two.
Thank you.
(TO CAMERA) So, I feel like
I deserve so much more than silence at this point.
Now, last time we saw you,
you were starting to get a little bit of momentum.
In terms of affection.
And that's where we kind of left you.
What's been happening since then?
So, I guess since the last commitment ceremony,
we had a session with Trish
and you know, Trish gave us some tasks to help us with intimacy.
And it was a really, really good session.
And then I don't know, I just felt like Justin shut down from me again.
And yeah, I did ask for us to have some time apart
and Justin and I haven't been living together since then.
So, it's been a rough time, these last few days?
Yep.
Justin, is that how you see it?
That the walls have kind of gone back up?
First of all, we're grateful for what you taught us, Trish.
It just didn't create that spark
or ignite what we've been looking for this whole experiment.
But we had momentum.
And we felt so positively about our relationship.
So, why did you decide to just give up?
(DRAMATIC MUSIC)
Like, we were given the tools
to build intimacy in our relationship,
and hopefully get that spark,
and you just completely ran in the opposite direction.
Do you have a response for her now, Justin?
I was there with you with Trish last week
and I'm really not up to being attacked.
I have so much more of a willingness to try
and put my all into this and you just give up.
If I wanted to leave, I would have left weeks ago.
Well, maybe you should have.
(CHURCH BELLS)
(INTENSE MUSIC)
If I wanted to leave, I would have left weeks ago.
Well, maybe you should have.
I'm sorry, I can't make myself feel a certain way,
I can't make myself be somebody I'm not.
If I could flick a switch
in my head and create those feelings I would do it.
Yeah, but I don't feel those feelings either, Justin.
Justin, do you feel you've given 100 percent to the experiment?
It's been very up and down.
Yes or no, hundred percent?
For the whole experiment? No.
You're 41 and single, Justin.
Don't you think you needed to come here
and maybe try and do something differently?
I went into the dinner party just thinking,
"You know, Justin might actually say something to me.
"Like how he's feeling or there might be some kind of fight
"left in you." And there was nothing.
(MUSIC)
And then for me to hear that you know,
there were disrespectful things said about me at the boys night...
..it's extremely insulting.
I do not know why you would do that.
It was not like that, Carly.
I thought it was quite a boring night, to be honest.
We joked around.
If you had to choose somebody else, who would it be?
Justin, it's all just really not good enough.
At this point, Justin, I don't know what to say to you anymore.
Like...
I feel like I'm beating my head up against the wall.
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)
(HEAVY SIGH)
Well, guys, this has been a very difficult week for you.
You seem deflated.
Guess what we need to do now is really find out
what your final decision is, whether you want to stay or leave.
So, let's start with you, Justin.
Sure.
I've made the decision for myself this week and that's to leave.
You're going to leave? OK.
(MUSIC)
And for you, Carly?
Well...
..I don't want to give up.
But I think there's one thing that I have learned from this experiment
and that's what I deserve.
And what I deserve is a lot more than what you can give me.
So, I would like you to take this ring back.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC)
And I will be leaving tonight.
OK.
Well, it's very disappointing
when we see couples fall over in the experiment.
Thank you for opening yourselves up to this process.
We know it hasn't been easy,
there's been a lot of challenges along the way for you.
I mean, it's obviously for us,
you know, it's disappointing when a relationship doesn't work out.
There were a lot of strong things
about your match that we were excited about.
But we hope that you take home with you some lessons
that change the way that you look at yourself and also
how you look at relationships.
But for now, wish we all the best.
Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you very much. See you, Carly.
All the best. Thanks.
I really felt for Carly. I could see that she was hurting.
I don't show my emotions that much
but I was hurting equally as much as Carly was because it's sad.
You know, I came here hoping to find the right person
and it hasn't happened.
I think it's just made me realise, like...
that I do have a lot of patience and tolerance
and I do have so much to give.
I've realised throughout this experiment
how strong I am and what I deserve.
I just feel really sad that this hasn't happened for me here
because I was really hoping that it would.
And it's gonna be sad to leave tonight.
OK, let's get our next couple up.
John and Melissa. Oh!
Melissa, we didn't see you last commitment ceremony
because you were otherwise occupied. I was.
Can you fill us in on what's happened?
My daughter, Chloe, gave birth to a little girl.
So I got to spend time with my family and my new granddaughter.
Do you think absence made the heart grow fonder for you?
Without any hesitation, I totally feel like that.
I hadn't really given a great deal of thought to kind of reuniting.
Like, it was just like, yeah, we're gonna go and have lunch.
And then, all of a sudden, seeing John again, and it was...
I felt... I don't know, just a massive attraction.
So, are we talking butterflies and little firework there?
Yeah, it was like that.
I suddenly started to realise
that I'm feeling emotional about this now.
And I didn't expect to be.
And with it coming rapidly to an end, it actually made me realise
that I actually have the possibility of having my heart broken.
I didn't have any idea that that was the case.
I did not know I felt that way.
And what about for you, John? What was it like seeing Mel again?
Yeah, well, it's funny.
When I saw her there, I just thought, wow, I really missed her.
I don't know... I thought, gee, I, yeah...
"You're a spunk!" (LAUGHS) I did say that, yeah, yeah.
And I did, yeah, I had missed her.
So, John, when was the last time you felt that way about a woman?
Oh, it's been a long time, John, yeah,
so...it was rally nice to feel that way.
It was great, yeah.
Oh, this is good.
(LAUGHS)
Yeah, yeah, it was good. It was great. Really was.
And we brought the families together. How did it go?
Yeah, I first want to thank you guys for bringing my daughter over.
Getting her tick of approval, I think, was really important.
Yeah. Yeah, for sure.
What did she think?
I don't know.
I can tell you.
Please.
She said, "Dad, if you're not happy with Melissa...
"you're never gonna be happy in your life
"and you'll die a sad and lonely old man."
Oh, that's harsh. Yeah, I know.
Words to that effect. It wasn't as harsh as that.
That was her advice.
I actually hit it off really easily with Jessie.
In fact, I think, at the dinner,
there was just those two talking the whole lunch.
Yeah, we did. We hit it off. Yeah.
Alright, guys, well, let's not wait any longer.
We are going to find out whether you're going to stay or leave.
And we'll begin with you, John.
It's pretty much a no-brainer as I see it.
Thought you might go that way. Thank you.
Yeah. Very good.
That's very good. And what about you, Melissa?
Yeah, there's really, it's just...
I'm not gonna prolong it, obviously, the agony of it.
I'm going to 'stay'.
How glad are you that you gave the experts a second chance at this?
I'm very, very glad that I did, yeah.
Alright, guys, great to see you.
Well done. Yeah, cheers.
Well done, guys. Congratulations. Thank you.
It feels very nice to know
that we're both developing feelings for each other.
I'm happy. Are you happy?
Definitely. Yeah.
NARRATOR: Coming up...
I don't know why you couldn't have like just sat there neutrally.
I don't know why you couldn't have sat there neutrally, either.
..Ashley and Troy struggle to find common ground.
Talk away, Troy.
Plus...
People make wife swapping and all kinds of jokes all the time.
..Dean comes under fire.
That's not OK.
That doesn't wipe out everything that you said.
While Nasser... You know, it's hard, you know.
..buckles under the pressure.
Babe, we... Oh, babe, babe, babe...
(BELLS TOLL)
Next up...Dean and Tracey.
TRACEY: My decision this week was really difficult.
It is coming down to the wire
and I have been upset on a few occasions
at Dean's behaviour through this experiment.
And I do need someone that has a bit of maturity.
Now, last time at the commitment ceremony,
you guys were really strong, going in the right direction.
Would you say you're going from strength to strength as a couple?
Yeah, look, um... I'm really, really happy with Tracey.
I've had a huge turnaround since the first couple of weeks.
And I've just grown even fonder and fonder of Tracey every week.
Dean, for you this week,
what have you learnt about Tracey and the relationship?
One of my reservations was that we had a bit of a gap in lifestyle
and I felt like we were a bit out of sync by 10 years or whatever.
And Tracey's jumped into learning about my lifestyle.
I've jumped into learning about her lifestyle.
And that gap is getting smaller and smaller.
Are you falling for Tracey?
I am falling for Tracey, yeah.
So how does it feel on an emotional level for you?
(EXHALES) It's a little bit scary, to be honest.
It can make you feel a bit vulnerable, can't it?
Yeah, it can make you feel a little bit vulnerable.
It's a big thing.
It means I've let her in.
Like, I've let her in a lot more.
I was resisting her a lot at the start.
But I think I've just opened my mind to her actually being someone
that adds a lot to my life.
How does that feel, Trace?
It's nice to hear, finally.
So, Tracey, we've heard Dean say that he's falling for you.
Are you falling for Dean?
It has been hard because of the challenges that we've had.
There's continual bombs going off.
Even last night at the dinner party, the bombs haven't stopped.
And that's what really hit home for me.
I can't deal with an emotional roller-coaster all the time.
And for me to continue in this experiment,
and in a relationship, I need stability in my partner.
Now, that dinner party.
Dean, you were right in the thick of it.
Mm-hm.
And you've been in that position before.
Dean, if you can help us understand,
what was it that was revealed at the dinner party last night
about the boys' night that really got under your skin?
Oh, look, some of the conversation at the boys' night
maybe was a bit...
I'm not gonna say disrespectful or inappropriate, but it was extreme.
There was a lot of talk of wife swapping and all kinds of things.
Some of the things that were said, were said by me.
I personally think that stuff happens at a boys' night
or a mans' night.
Men talk about this stuff.
Regardless it's boys' night, girls' night,
if we wouldn't say it with each other there in the room,
then don't say it.
Any regrets about anything that was said at the boys' night?
Um...look, not really.
We'd all had a few drinks.
And that's just what boys do, that's what we chat about.
In that situation, we all say a lot of crazy things.
It's all fun and games. No-one got hurt.
And, yeah, I don't really regret anything that was said.
So, in terms of the group's reaction,
some people did get offended.
What do you think about that?
Um...well, I just think, you know,
people make wife swapping and all kinds of jokes all the time.
It happens all the time in all different places.
Um...you know, whether that's appropriate or not
is up to each different person's opinion.
And in the context of the night,
I don't think there was any disrespect.
Charlene, there's a lot of head shaking over there.
Oh, I mean, as I said, there is different standards
and different qualities of men in the room.
I'm glad I've got the one that I've got.
I won't sit there and listen to that stuff.
You know, talking negative ways about women,
and then go, "Let's just remember to respect the women," that's not OK.
That doesn't wipe out everything that you said.
I'm glad I spoke up.
I heard that people were spoken about disrespectfully.
And I stood up and I said something.
And I have nothing to apologise for
because I spoke on behalf of all women,
because you don't speak about girls like that.
And if you think it's OK to say stuff at a boys' night
that you wouldn't say in front of your partner,
well, that's your relationship, not mine.
(BELLS TOLL)
If you think it's OK to say stuff at a boys' night
that you wouldn't say in front of your partner,
well, that's your relationship, not mine.
Tracey, how did he handle himself?
You know, I don't blame Dean for defending himself in that situation.
I just think it could have been handled better.
No-one won in that situation.
So, let's see now what you've decided to do.
Stay or leave?
Let's go to...Dean.
Alright.
Well, I don't think it's a big surprise to anyone,
but I'm saying 'stay'.
And for you, Tracey?
I'm hoping that Dean is learning from this.
But definitely the trust is being rebuilt, for sure.
Good stuff. Good stuff.
Can you guys believe that we were only talking three weeks ago
that you were really at that point
where you were hanging on by a thread.
The trust had blown up in the relationship,
and now look at you.
Mate, yeah, I gotta say, I am surprised by the whole thing.
I said you guys totally messed up and totally got it wrong.
And, you know, I apologise.
I can admit when I'm wrong. And I was wrong.
She's actually a really good match for me.
And yeah, we're just... we're killing it.
It's going good. Yeah, it's lovely to see.
Alright, well, keep on the journey. This is fantastic.
And we'll see you next time.
BOTH: Thank you. WOMAN: Thanks, guys.
Obviously, I'm going with my gut feelings for Dean
to stay another week.
Because no-one's perfect. I'm not perfect.
I don't expect my partner to be perfect.
I just want to focus on the future now and building our relationship.
That's what I'm here for.
OK, let's get our next couple up.
Troy and Ashley.
ASHLEY: Troy and I always go through our ups and downs.
But this is the last commitment ceremony and this is serious.
This is someone I could possibly spend the rest of my life with.
That's why this decision is so hard.
Where should we begin?
Um, I think me and Ashley had a fantastic week, until last night.
And that's the bottom line. That's where we're at right now.
That's why I think there's tension here as we speak.
Yeah.
We started off with family meetings
and they got on like a house on fire.
And then we had some good days.
And then, last night, at the dinner party,
it came crashing down.
There was a setback. Yeah, a big setback.
Ashley, tell us about the setback.
I gave him the chance to tell me what happened at boys' night.
And I said, "Don't let me get blindsided at the dinner table."
So when I heard my mum was brought up in conversation,
and the wife swap, and he didn't tell me,
I thought, well, that's a joke.
Troy, how does it feel to hear that?
Um...
I think... So, Ashley's issues...
I couldn't exactly pinpoint them at the start
because her mother had come up in a conversation at the guys' night out.
But it was sort of like an off-hearted comment.
And I just sort of shot it down and we moved on.
I didn't think it was necessary to tell Ashley
because it was gone in one second.
It was a long guys night.
Ashley, you don't look too impressed.
You needed to turn around to me and say,
"Your mum got brought up.
"I shut it down straightaway and it wasn't disrespectful at all."
But I didn't know that because Troy didn't do that to me.
Instead, I got blindsided.
So you were embarrassed? Yeah.
I think I'm at my wit's end.
Because we were absolutely not a team at all last night.
And that's so annoying
because you're always banging on to me about being a team
and having each other's backs.
And that's not what that was last night.
Mmm, OK.
I don't know why you couldn't have like, just sat there neutrally.
I don't know why you couldn't have sat there neutrally, either.
OK... OK, talk away, Troy.
OK, well, here's the thing.
You can get into toxic old patterns.
And one of the keys about this experiment
is that you learn what they look like
and then you disarm them and do it differently.
And you guys can do it.
You've just got to have that commitment.
But before we see what happens to that,
we need to find out whether you're gonna stay or leave.
The first one that's going to tell us their decision is Troy.
Yep, well, the last 24 hours are unfortunate.
We had basically a really solid two weeks.
And I would definitely like to see this out with Ashley
as far as it can go.
Hopefully we can learn from this, move forward.
So I'll say 'stay'.
Ashley, what have we got from you?
Yeah, I didn't appreciate any of last night.
It's not the best feeling in the world.
So, yeah, and not even 100% sure of this decision after this couch sesh.
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)
(BELLS TOLL)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)
So, yeah, and not even 100% sure of this decision after this couch sesh.
The last 24 hours were bad.
But...
the last two weeks were good.
So, I said 'stay' too.
Alright, guys, you've got to pick yourselves up
and you've got to repair here,
'cause that's what couples that are doing well together,
that's what they do.
They're still gonna fight but they repair fast.
And you guys have got to get on board.
So this week will be the biggest one for you guys yet.
'Cause you've got no time left, alright?
Good luck, guys.
Thanks, guys. Thanks.
I came into the experiment for love and marriage,
and it's been such a struggle so far.
I would have never pictured me with someone like Troy.
I do know he is a really good guy but he just band-aids everything.
So, I don't know what I'm gonna do
because, at the moment it's just not good enough.
And now our final couple, Nasser and Gab.
NASSER: The last few days have been good.
But I've got to look at the future too.
It's been a long road.
Gab came into this experiment full-heartedly and so did I.
So, it's a huge moment.
It's overwhelming.
How are you doing? Not bad.
Yeah.
The last three days has been OK.
Tell me about what does that look like.
The last couple of days have seen us very cruisy.
But what does that mean - doing yoga? What...
No, no, just no...
A little bit more mellow. Um...
No sweating the small stuff?
No, we didn't talk about any of the small stuff.
So you were kind of polite with each other.
Yeah, we were very polite with each other.
And civil, is that right?
Very civilised with each other. Yeah.
OK, so, if we rewind back to the last commitment ceremony,
you said 'leave', Nasser, didn't you?
And you said, "You know what, I want to stay."
Yep.
"I want to see Nasser step up 110% and really make this work."
How has the heavy lifting been, Nasser?
Did you give that 110%?
No.
It was just back to flatmates, like, back to we're just living, you know.
We're just sharing an apartment and that's really honestly, that's...
OK, so, I'm confused.
It doesn't sound like there was a lot of heavy lifting done.
Why not?
I just can't bring the relationship forward.
I just can't bring it forward.
And I haven't checked out.
It's just I've just gone, like, flat.
Gab, how does that make you feel?
Well, I suppose I've struggled with what to try next.
You know, Nasser's wanted to take the space back.
So, I wanted to maybe show him it's OK.
So, kind of just pull back and gave him some space.
Yeah.
I let go of the reins, I guess.
And how did that work out?
Well, it made for a really lovely couple of days.
It really gave me a chance to sort of just be reminded
of the lightness that can be found between us.
And I think this extra week gave me a chance
to be able to just celebrate us with wherever we're at right now.
I guess what we need to do now is really find out
what your final decision is,
whether you want to stay or leave.
And let's kick it off with you, Nasser.
Stay or leave?
Look, you know, it's hard, you know.
I came in this to find love.
I know.
Babe...
Honey, babe... Oh, babe, babe, babe...
(SOMBRE MUSIC)
(BELLS TOLL)
So it's over to you, Nasser.
Stay or leave?
Look, you know, it's hard, you know.
I came in this to find love.
I know.
Babe...
Honey, babe... Oh, babe, babe, babe...
(SOMBRE MUSIC)
(NASSER SOBS)
(SOMBRE MUSIC CONTINUES)
(WHISPERS) It's OK, babe.
(KISSES)
Cheers, babe.
We understand, by no means, this experiment is easy.
You get thrown all sorts of challenges
in a very short period of time,
that frankly,
couples normally wouldn't experience over several years.
You've done it very hard.
It's over to you, Nasser.
Stay or leave?
I think we both realise that it is what it is.
And I think we're both being adult about our decision.
And I would like to 'leave'.
(SOMBRE MUSIC)
Gabrielle?
I have me the most amazing man
that I do hope to have a relationship with in the future.
Not in a romantic sense
but I do hope, one day, as a friendship.
So, while I am 'leaving', it is with love.
(SOMBRE MUSIC)
OK.
It's been huge for the both of you, hasn't it?
It definitely has. It definitely has.
I think it starts now, to be honest, the good friendship.
And um...as I said, I'll always be there for you.
Mmm.
We are incredibly proud of what you've done.
Because everyone feels a lot of what
the couples sitting on that couch feels
at various times during this experiment.
But, for now, you can go back to the group
and know that you gave it a really good crack.
Thank you. Thank you. Thanks, guys.
I was really, really touched by Nasser's reaction.
You know, what has been very evident
between Nasser and I since the beginning
is this friendship that was instantly created between us.
There's a lot of love there.
It's just not the love that either of us wanted.
We both came in to find love.
I'm very sad leaving, to be honest.
But it's time to move on to a new chapter.
(SOMBRE PIANO MUSIC)
Thank you for participating in
what was a huge commitment ceremony tonight.
But unfortunately, along the way, we've lost two couples -
Gab and Nasser, and Justin and Carly.
That leaves us with five couples
who now have a huge decision to make as they go through this week -
whether they want to renew their vows
and see their partner long term in the real world
or whether it's time to finally say goodbye.
This week is all about immersing yourself in the romance.
So, brides, I can now reveal that your grooms have been planning,
behind your backs,
extremely romantic dates for this final week.
TELV: I think you'll be very, very happy.
This is the new Casanova.
Telvanova.
(LAUGHS) Yeah.
Telvanova - I can't wait to see you in action, mate.
This is the time to dial it up
because we want to create
an even stronger bond between the two of you.
However...
before you go on your final dates,
we've planned one last task.
Tomorrow...
we are splitting up each couple...
and pairing you with someone else within the group.
(LAUGHTER)
What?
What do we do -
just go for lunch or dinner with somebody else's...
Is it a guy? Is it a girl? I don't know.
What we want you to do is to share your opinions
and your insights into each other's relationships.
Give each other an outsider's point of view.
So, not only will you be giving out opinions,
but you'll also be receiving them.
And tomorrow, you will find out just who you've been paired with.
CHARLENE: I just know I'm gonna get Dean.
(LAUGHS)
Dean has got away with so many things through this experiment.
And if I get matched with him, I'm not afraid to ask a question.
So that'll be interesting.
We can't wait to see what happens.
All the very best. Goodnight.
Probably gonna get matched with Charlene. I'm sure of it.
I know she hates me, so it should be fun.
ASHLEY: Paddy, we're gonna get paired together, I just know it.
You reckon? Absolutely.
NARRATOR: Tomorrow night, it's time to switch things up,
with our couples getting advice...
What do you think about Dean and I?
You probably don't want to hear it.
..from the people who know them best.
I can see there's a huge amount of pressure on you.
I know.
DEAN: Look who it is. And the with Charlene on the case...
I bet you were glad you got me.
I'd love to ask him what advice would you give Pat and I,
so then I could shit down all over it.
..Dean is about to cop a mouthful.
You're not ashamed of anything you've said?
No, I'm not ashamed of it.
Charlene wants to demonise me.
If you screw her over again, I will lose my mind.
Plus, the final dates before our couples make the ultimate decision...
Oh my god!
This is a very big leap of faith.
..whether or not to continue their relationships outside the experiment.
Are you nervous, dear?
I'm (BLEEP) shitting myself.
But not every outing goes to plan.
Do you want me to be really honest?
No, just do it.
Like, be a frickin' man!
But you're still not saying that you really want to be with me.
I never thought we'd actually move straight in together.
That is married to you.
I want to live like a married couple.
I just don't know if I could do that straight away.
Captioned by Ai-Media ai-media.tv