MAFS Couple Defies Critics to Celebrate Milestone Anniversary
In a triumphant post that silenced their doubters, Married At First Sight stars Jacqui Burfoot and Clint Rice have officially celebrated their one-year anniversary. The couple, whose relationship was met with intense scepticism during and after their time on the Channel Nine experiment, took to Instagram on Wednesday to share their joy and fire back at their detractors.
A Whirlwind Romance Documented
The New Zealand-born bride and her Tasmanian groom posted a heartfelt tribute to their relationship, accompanied by a gallery of loved-up photos documenting their first twelve months together. The carousel captured intimate moments from their whirlwind romance, ranging from romantic getaways and cycling trips to cosy nights in with their dogs.
One particularly telling photo showed the pair beaming beside a Christmas tree, while another captured a tender moment of Clint kissing Jacqui on the cheek during a date night. Jacqui, 30, a lawyer and former Miss New Zealand winner, captioned one image: '12 months today with the love of my life! This was taken a few days into our relationship on the 15th Nov 2024.'
Fiery Clapback to Sceptics
The reality star did not hold back in her candid post, directly confronting the critics and fellow co-stars who had labelled their connection as fake. 'Haters and jealous attention-seeking co-stars said it's fake, PR stunt, give it three months, performative or manipulative, just for attention,' she wrote with palpable defiance.
Her message to the naysayers was unequivocal: 'One year in today - please forward your apologies in writing because it looks like your three-month forecast aged like milk with your integrity.' She issued a further fiery warning, adding, 'Also ew, never project your gross expiration dates or beliefs onto me or Clint ever again. Good luck and good riddance, and keep our names out of your dirty, sad, depressing mouths.'
From Screen Controversy to Real-Life Love Story
The pair, who met during the filming of MAFS 2025, sparked headlines when their on-screen connection was immediately questioned by fellow participants. Jacqui was initially matched with Ryan Donnelly, 37, but ultimately left the experiment with Tasmanian golfer Clint.
Despite the drama and receiving a 'villain edit' on the show, the couple remained inseparable after filming wrapped. Their chemistry, though immediate, was constantly scrutinised, making their lasting bond one of the show's rare success stories. Clint, 34, showed his support by reposting Jacqui's anniversary message with a simple heart emoji, proving their bond is stronger than ever.
Now, twelve months later, their anniversary post stands as a powerful testament to a relationship that has weathered public doubt and emerged stronger, solidifying their status as one of MAFS's most talked-about couples.
