MAFS 2025: Miss Universe Australia finalist Veronica Cloherty signs on as an intruder bride and is paired with runaway groom Eliot Donovan
A former Miss Universe Australia finalist and actress has joined the cast of Married At First Sight 2025.
Ny Breaking Australia can reveal that Veronica Cloherty has signed up to be an intruder bride and it is expected to cause plenty of drama in the experiment.
The 30-year-old actress is dating runaway groom Eliot Donovan, who abruptly quit the show on the second day of his honeymoon after initially being paired with Lauren Hall.
Veronica has already made a name for herself in the Australian film industry, with roles in films such as Streets of Colour and the miniseries RIFK.
Sources close to the production say that Veronica has already made a strong impression during the recordings.
“She’s not afraid to speak her mind,” a show insider revealed. “She brings a lot of personality, and let’s just say she doesn’t let anyone walk all over her.”
Her fiery nature has reportedly caused some friction with other brides and grooms on the show, with rumors circulating that several explosive confrontations have already taken place.
“The other brides didn’t expect her to be so candid,” another source claimed. “But that’s what makes her journey so interesting to follow.”
Former Miss Universe Australia finalist and actress Veronica Cloherty has joined the cast of Married At First Sight 2025 as a packed intruder
The 30-year-old actress will be paired with runaway groom Eliot Donovan (pictured), who abruptly quit the show on the second day of his honeymoon after being linked to Lauren Hall
Producers are reportedly delighted with her casting and are confident that Veronica’s outspoken and confident personality will make her a must-see television series.
“She’s definitely going to shake things up,” the source added.
As Ny Breaking Australia previously revealed, the cast and crew couldn’t believe their eyes when Eliot suddenly reappeared on set last week, arriving late for dinner.
“She’s not afraid to speak her mind,” a show insider revealed. “She brings a lot of personality, and let’s just say she doesn’t let anyone walk all over her.”
Her fiery nature has reportedly already caused some friction with other brides and grooms on the show, with rumours circulating that several explosive confrontations have already taken place
Veronica has already made a name for herself in the Australian film industry, with roles in films such as Streets of Colour and the limited series RIFK. (Veronica pictured above left)
“It was the ultimate plot twist,” a source close to the series said.
‘Lauren and Clint had just gotten used to each other when Eliot showed up out of nowhere. The look on Lauren’s face was priceless – she was completely stunned. And Clint? He wasn’t impressed at all.
‘Lauren’s new groom Clint has let him have his way.’
Eliot’s sudden departure made headlines when he left just hours after his wedding to Lauren, citing a lack of connection.
As previously revealed by Ny Breaking Australia, the cast and crew were left in disbelief when Eliot suddenly reappeared on set, late for last week’s dinner. Pictured: Eliot’s original match Lauren Hall
However, his return seems to indicate that he still has some unfinished business, not only with Lauren, but with the other contestants as well.
According to an insider, Eliot’s return isn’t just about patching up the rift with Lauren.
“Eliot feels he has been misunderstood,” the source said.
Eliot’s former bride Lauren has also returned to the series and is now paired with a new partner, professional golfer Clint Rice (Lauren and Clint pictured)
“He’s back to clear his name, but he’s not apologizing for his behavior. He and Lauren were a complete mismatch, and he hasn’t changed his mind about wanting to move on from their romance.”
Lauren, left heartbroken by Eliot’s sudden departure, struggles with her new relationship with professional golfer Clint, a charismatic and successful golfer known for his calm demeanor under pressure.
“Lauren and Clint were really starting to hit it off,” the insider continued.
“Clint has been a rock for her and she’s enjoying the fresh start. Eliot’s return has definitely thrown a spanner in the works.”
Insiders have revealed that the cast and crew were left in disbelief when Eliot suddenly reappeared on set, arriving late for the dinner party
Eliot’s reappearance caused tensions within the cast.
“There’s a lot of fear right now,” the source added. “Everyone doesn’t know what the hell is going on.
“Eliot’s comeback has everyone on edge, especially Lauren.”
According to the insider, many of the grooms didn’t get along with Eliot when they met him at the bachelor party.
“It was like the ultimate plot twist,” a source close to the show said. “Lauren and Clint had just gotten used to each other when Eliot showed up out of nowhere.”
Lauren, left heartbroken by Eliot’s sudden departure, has been navigating her new relationship with Clint, a charismatic and successful golfer known for his cool under pressure.
“It will be interesting to see how this turns out.”
Producers are reportedly thrilled with the unexpected drama, describing Eliot’s return as a “game-changer” for the season.
“This is the kind of twist that makes MAFS a must-see TV show,” said another insider.
‘The love triangle between Eliot, Lauren and Clint keeps viewers glued to their screens.’
This comes after Ny Breaking Australia revealed that Eliot had packed his bags and booked a return ticket home before the ink on their marriage certificate was even dry.
According to insiders, he struggled with the pressure of the show and felt overwhelmed by the fast pace of the experiment.
“Eliot just wasn’t ready for the intensity of it all,” a source close to the groom revealed.
‘He thought so too, but once they were on their honeymoon it all became too much and he decided to run away.’
Photos captured by Ny Breaking Australia on August 6 showed the MAFS crew desperately trying to protect Lauren as she arrived alone at the first dinner party.
The first commitment ceremony also came as a shocking mass exodus, with three couples calling it quits within the first two weeks of filming, in an “unprecedented” turn of events.
“We’re already down six people, and it’s only been two weeks. The pressure on the remaining cast is immense, and it’s creating a lot of tension,” an insider shared.
Along with newcomers Clint and Lauren, couple Teejay Halkias and Bethy Kelly are also adding some extra excitement. They tied the knot on Tuesday.
Amid the casting chaos, Ny Breaking Australia recently revealed that the new batch of intruders were brought in under one strict condition: they must cause some drama.
After three couples stopped filming, Ny Breaking Australia revealed a new batch of intruders have been brought in to stir up the drama (pictured: intruder couple Teejay Halkias and Bethy Kelly)
An insider revealed that they were all carefully chosen for their potential to cause a stir among the existing couples, after six candidates abruptly dropped out.
“They were told from the beginning that they had to create tension and keep the drama going,” they said.
Last season, two of the three intruder couples didn’t last. They continued working on the experiment for a few days before sensationally quitting.