My Kitchen Rules' most talked-about contestants, cousins Jacinta and Mel, have opened up about their unexpected 'villain' portrayal and are already planning their next television venture.
The 'Sassy Villains' Speak Out
In an exclusive chat with the Daily Mail on SeaDeck, the self-proclaimed 'sassy villains' admitted they never anticipated being cast as the troublemakers on Channel Seven's long-running cooking competition. "Absolutely not," Jacinta laughed when questioned if they predicted the edit. "I thought we'd be the funny ones. We genuinely thought we were hilarious."
Mel concurred, adding their own perspective. "We're sassy, sure, but we thought we'd be the jokers. Call us villains, call us whatever." Despite their fiery on-screen reputation, the cousins insisted they had an incredible experience and are eagerly looking towards their next TV project.
Dreaming of a New Reality Show
When asked about future television plans, Mel confirmed without hesitation, "Yes, we'd do another reality show. We love it." Jacinta elaborated on their specific ambitions, stating, "We want to do something travel-based. Travel Guides, maybe even The Amazing Race. Something fun, chaotic and wild. We love chaos."
The pair revealed their bond has strengthened significantly, particularly after enjoying the Sydney social scene together in recent weeks. "We always end up at the parties," Mel laughed. "We've had a lot of fun." Their interview concluded in characteristic cheeky fashion, with the cousins hopping onto a boat mid-conversation and shouting, "We might've lost on MKR, but now we're on a boat, so we're all winners!"
Life After MKR: FHM and New Projects
The duo's profile has soared since their time on MKR, capped by a glamorous debut in the reimagined FHM's Woman of the Year issue. The pair featured in an exclusive, sun-drenched bikini shoot for the magazine, formerly known as the MAXIM Hot 100, at Sydney's Milk Beach.
Jacinta showcased her toned physique in a teal bikini from Ark Swimwear, while Mel turned heads in a chocolate string two-piece. Inside the magazine, they discussed fitness, confidence, and owning their femininity. "Confidence is the most attractive thing that comes from looking after your body and feeling radiant," Jacinta told FHM.
Since leaving the cooking show, Jacinta has launched her own YouTube channel, Radiance Kitchen with Jacinta, where she shares recipes, wellness content, and lifestyle videos. Mel has also teased that more projects are on the horizon. Reflecting on their newfound fame, the cousins maintain that viewers only saw a fraction of their true personalities. "They painted us as fiery, but we're actually just cheeky and love to laugh," Mel previously explained. With their new magazine spread, YouTube ventures, and clear ambition for more reality TV, Jacinta and Mel are proving they are here to stay.
