In a revealing conversation with Daily Mail Australia, Ryan Donnelly’s friends, Adam and Karla, disclosed their ongoing efforts to intervene during his participation in “Married at First Sight Australia 2025.”They documented a disturbing decline in Ryan’s mental health with thoughtful phone calls and messages while he was engaged in filming, especially as his relationship with Jacqui Burfoot began to unravel.
Reportedly, production staff dissuaded Ryan from leaving when he expressed a desire to quit, according to The Daily Mail. Adam and Karla remained in constant contact with Ryan throughout the show, meticulously noting instances where he felt trapped amid the pressures of the reality TV environment. They ended their comments by touching on Ryan’s preparations for the upcoming reunion episode.
Concerns Emerge for Ryan Donnelly’s Well-Being on Set
Adam and Karla’s concern escalated as they observed Ryan’s struggles while filming “Married at First Sight Australia 2025.”In their conversation with Daily Mail Australia on March 19, 2025, they voiced alarm over his well-being, which motivated them to suggest a weekend getaway from the high-pressure environment of the show.
Adam recounted a pivotal moment when he urged Ryan to prioritize his mental health over the constraints of the show.
“Forget the curfew; just take the weekend for yourself. What could they possibly do? Kick you off? You’re the star of this show,”Adam advised Ryan.
The friends encouraged Ryan to spend his weekends at home in Sydney rather than with Jacqui Burfoot. Karla pointed out that Ryan’s emotional struggles stemmed from his genuine attachment to Jacqui, even while she often made him feel inadequate. She reflected:
“He truly cared for her, despite how often she made him feel worthless.”
Adam added that the production team often employed encouraging sentiments to keep Ryan engaged in the show, which only exacerbated his emotional downturn. He remarked:
“Every day felt like a new layer of depression. You could hear it in his voice; he was deteriorating.”
Friends noticed a significant shift in Ryan’s reactions, particularly after fellow contestant Katie Johnston reached out to him post-elimination.
“She told me, ‘I feel so sorry for you. I can’t believe you lasted through all that!'”Ryan recounted to Daily Mail Australia.
A Tumultuous Relationship
Ryan Donnelly’s relationship with Jacqui Burfoot underwent several tumultuous phases during their time on “Married at First Sight Australia 2025.”A significant clash arose surrounding Ryan’s appearance when Jacqui, 29, insisted he shave his beard. An innocent joke from Ryan about cleaning duties spiraled into a fierce argument.
Jacqui remarked that Ryan’s beard was unmanly, even joking about taking matters into her own hands and shaving it off while he slept. Ryan firmly communicated that such an action would end their relationship immediately, though he offered to trim his beard as a compromise. Despite this gesture, Jacqui remained adamant in her request.
To mend the rift, Ryan attempted to win Jacqui back with flowers bought in Manly, Sydney, yet the underlying tension lingered throughout their participation in the show.
Background on Ryan Donnelly
According to his official bio, Ryan Donnelly, a 36-year-old project manager hailing from New South Wales, entered “Married at First Sight Australia 2025″with clear dating preferences and relationship ambitions. His past experiences dating in Sydney laid the groundwork for his reputation as a considerate partner known for planning thoughtful dates.
Before joining the show, Ryan maintained strong personal values that guided his romantic interactions. While filming, he exhibited a protective nature and actively sought to uplift his partner’s aspirations.
Leveraging his project management skills, Ryan was meticulous in selecting ideal venues for dates and prioritizing structured communication in his relationships. He valued emotional connections, emphasizing the importance of physical chemistry as well.
Don’t miss “Married at First Sight Australia”on 9Now.