MAFS Australia viewers already furious over ‘toxic’ detail in new series

Last night (3 March) saw reality show Married at First Sight Australia return to our TV screens and viewers are not happy about one 'toxic' detail they've spotted in the new series.

Like its British counterpart, MAFS Australia sees a group of singles take part in a bold social experiment, saying 'I do' to partners they'd met for the very first time mere moments before.

While the show has certainly had its success stories (hello Jules and Cam), it's become more known over the years for its unhinged drama and toxic participant behaviour. And it doesn't look like that's going to change anytime soon.

The latest series of the show, which airs Monday through Thursday at 9pm on E4, kicked off with the traditional hens and stags nights, where the lads and ladies meet up in two separate groups to get to know each other and talk about their hopes for the experiment.

And comments made by one of the grooms-to-be have left people concerned.

'Toxic' comments made by MAFS Australia groom Eliot have left viewers of last night's show furious (Channel 4)

During the evening, 35-year-old entrepreneur Eliot reeled off an endless list of 'non-negotiables' for his future wife.

"I have very high standards. The way I see it is high standards are you protecting against wasting your time with the wrong person," he said.

He also made it clear to his fellow stags, the production crew and viewers at home that would not accept anybody he considered 'trashy' or 'obnoxious', and would would bail on the wedding if he wasn't immediately attracted to his wife.

Eliot also locked horns with fellow stag Tim, 38, over the latter's comments about being the type to 'over-care' for his partner, saying that it was a massive turn-off.

"That to me is a bit of a red flag. I think it can be an ick if you are over-caring... Tell her she looks awful, trust me," he told Tim.

The 35-year-old, who married Lauren, 37, later in the episode, said he would bail on his wedding if he wasn't immediately attracted to his wife (Channel 4)

And the comment has proven controversial, with viewers of last night's show taking to social media to share their fury over Eliot's controversial views.

One person wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "Eliot needs to be careful with his words as saying stuff like that can be hurtful and have really bad consequences to someone."

Another said: "The fact that the experts would allow someone like Eliot into the experiment speaks volumes."

And others shared their appreciation towards the other men for calling him out, with one user commenting: "The men calling Eliot out on his misogynistic bulls**t immediately is what we love to see, toxic masculinity free zone! Green flags all around."

The show saw the experts pair Eliot up with 37-year-old business owner Lauren, who shared many of his beliefs about traditional gender roles.

But, with a preview for tonight's episode showing the groom packing his bags and threatening to leave the honeymoon, it seems like things have already gotten off to a rocky start...