Not because of his tumultuous on-screen relationship with Jacqui, but rather because of his rumored romance with a woman named Jennie, Ryan Donnelly, a standout cast member from Married At First Sight Australia 2025, has swiftly gained renewed public interest. Ryan and Jennie were seen holding hands on the dance floor in a set of remarkably candid pictures taken at a reunion after-party in Sydney that was organized by Daily Mail Australia. Their chemistry was evident. Throughout the night, the two made loving gestures, seeming incredibly at ease and in sync with each other’s emotions.
Insiders described them as close friends, but their body language gave a very different impression. In one, they were seen holding hands tightly, and in another, Jennie was seen gently putting her hand on Ryan’s chest as they leaned in, as if they were about to kiss. Just that photo caused a stir on MAFS fan forums, with many speculating that this connection might have started before the drama on the show had even subsided.
Ryan Donnelly – Profile Snapshot
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ryan Donnelly |
| Known For | Contestant on Married At First Sight Australia 2025 |
| Show Partner | Jacqui Burfoot |
| Rumored Girlfriend | Jennie (full name not confirmed) |
| Social Handle | @its_ryandonnelly on Instagram |
| Public Attention | Dating rumors post-MAFS, controversial split with Jacqui |
| Occupation | Reality TV personality, model, influencer |
| Key Event | Reunion party appearance with Jennie |
After a tumultuous TikTok Live involving Jacqui and her new fiancé, Clint Rice, the drama surrounding Ryan’s dating life took an especially heated turn. There was instant outrage when Jacqui made a crude comment about Ryan’s romantic life during the livestream, saying that he was most likely in Campbelltown “f**ing some slt.” Clint attempted to ignore the remark, but the moment was already recorded, circulated, and examined on the internet.
By the beginning of March, Jacqui had written a long apology. Even her supporters thought the explanation was insufficient, despite her assertion that the slur was intended sarcastically. Social media was inundated with criticism, pointing out how problematic her remarks were and casting doubt on how sincere her apologies were. One especially strong response called her statement “just gross” and urged her to “be better.”
According to reports, Jennie adopted a firm stance in the face of this mounting tension. Fans of the “So Dramatic!” podcast claim that she specifically addressed the disparaging remarks made about her, denouncing them as needless and damaging. Her response, which was particularly composed and unapologetic, received a lot of support from people who were sick of being publicly humiliated in the name of comedy.
Indirectly denying rumors that they were “just friends,” Jennie seemed to make their relationship official on Instagram by sharing a picture of herself with Ryan at a MAFS viewing party. Days after Jacqui’s apology, the timing of that post seemed especially deliberate, almost representing Ryan’s gradual transition into a more emotionally supportive relationship.
The way this story reflects larger reality TV trends is what makes it so captivating. Cast members of shows like Love Island and The Bachelor usually manage their post-show fame by carefully selecting which personal details to share. Ryan’s handling of the controversy and his alleged relationship has been particularly tactful. Ryan’s respectful silence, broken only by moments of genuine joy captured in photographs, has struck a deep chord with viewers looking for sincerity beyond screen editing, whereas Jacqui publicly and occasionally aggressively expressed his grievances.
Ryan’s storyline is remarkably similar to that of other cast members who have experienced post-show metamorphoses in the larger context of reality dating television. Similar to Thomas Hartley of MAFS UK, whose vulnerability off-camera sparked a wave of support, Ryan seems to be navigating celebrity by relying more on authenticity than reaction. His Instagram, which is full of unscripted captions and unstaged moments, contrasts sharply with the staged glamour that characterizes show alumni.
Nevertheless, controversy persists. While some fans on social media accuse Ryan of using his new romance to create curiosity, others see it as a logical progression—a step toward recovery following a particularly public breakdown. Whatever the interpretation, his public image has significantly improved. His most recent appearances show a man who is becoming more at ease with himself, whereas earlier in the season he was perceived as emotionally reserved.
The distinction between one’s private and public identities has long been muddled by reality television. Regaining control over his story is incredibly empowering for someone like Ryan, who joined the show in search of love and left amid internet controversies. Without confessionals or press tours, he is reclaiming intimacy in a spectacle-driven setting by spending time with Jennie.
More significantly, the story highlights how reality stars’ responses to criticism are evolving. Jennie’s refusal to keep quiet about what she referred to as “sl*t-shaming” is especially representative of a generation that is less tolerant of offensive speech. Even though the backlash against Jacqui was severe, it might be a turning point because it shows that people are paying attention and holding people responsible for their words, even if they cause actual harm.
One thing is very evident as the MAFS 2025 season comes to an end and more information surely comes to light: Ryan Donnelly’s post-experiment trajectory reflects a larger cultural shift toward emotional honesty and respectful connection. The relationship they have already changed public opinion, regardless of whether Jennie ends up being a permanent presence in his life or merely a formative period.
