EXCLUSIVE: In a surprise twist, Married At First Sight’s Eliot Donovan and Jamie Marinos have become a much-loved duo since the end of the experiment.

Speculation has swirled around their relationship with many fans questioning if romance is building between the pair.

Speaking to 9Entertainment, Eliot cleared the rumours once and for all: “Jamie is an absolute babe and I would be very, very lucky to be in a romantic relationship with her but at this point in time, we are just friends. I would say we are very close friends.”

The 35-year-old continued: “I’m not in any kind of position to be navigating a romantic relationship but I wouldn’t rule anything out and I am absolutely loving going on this journey with Jamie by my side.”

Eliot clarified that despite their closeness, he and Jamie are “just friends”. (Instagram)

Eliot spoke highly of his friendship with Jamie and reflected on just how it had grown since meeting during the filming of MAFS.

“We were sort of friends during the show but we were never really close,” he said.

Eliot explained that it was when MAFS began airing that they each empathised with each other’s position as they watched their respective marriages play out on TV.

“Watching the show made me feel for Jamie,” Eliot said.

Eliot revealed that it was Jamie that texted him and from there their friendship grew. (TikTok @not_eliotd)

“We actually didn’t have each other’s number, [Jamie] reached out to one of the other cast members and got my number.”

It was the text message that Jamie sent that spurred on the friendship to come.

“She kind of said the same thing to me. She really empathised with my situation in the experiment and we just struck up this friendship that was really natural.”

The former groom noted that a shared sense of humour and similar communication styles certainly helped things grow between them.

“She’s the first person I call if I have something come up or there’s some news,” Eliot added.

Eliot said Jamie is the first person he calls if he has news. (Instagram / @eliot.donovan)

While fans hoped to see Eliot and Jamie’s connection blossom into something more Eliot served a reminder that relationships aren’t always instant.

“Things need to grow organically and there are certain things to take into account,” he said noting the pair live in different states.

“Jamie isn’t really looking to move to Queensland, she’s got a lot going on in Melbourne and I’m very settled here in Queensland and am not looking to move.

“I have my family nearby, young nieces I want to see grow up. So [Jamie and I] are just being mature adults and taking things as they come.”
MAFS’ Jamie is asked if she’d ever consider a romance with Eliot during a cheeky interview on Today.
In Jamie’s own interview with 9Entertainment, she addressed rumours by explaining that her and Eliot’s relationship is “not a publicity stunt”.

“I hang out heaps with Eliot. He’s become a very good, very close person to my life so I’m really appreciative of Eliot,” she said.

Eliot certainly made his stamp on Season 12 of the experiment.

Eliot was first married to bride Lauren before he called it quits just two days into their honeymoon.

Eliot had two separate marriages to Lauren and Veronica while Jamie was married to Dave hand before splitting up. (Nine)

Then in an unprecedented move, Eliot returned to the experiment and wed a second bride Veronica. It was during this time that Eliot won audiences over with his sense of humour and softer side. Eventually, he and Veronica called it quits by the sixth Commitment Ceremony.