Hello, reality TV fans! If you’ve been following Married at First Sight Australia 2025, you’re surely fascinated by the buzz around Jacqui Burfoot and Clint Rice.

These two have certainly deviated from the MAFS experts’ blueprint, sparking off-screen speculation with their romance: just when did they start dating? With whispers of partner swaps, subtle social media teasers, and ample drama, I’ve dug deep to bring you the exclusive details.

Let’s break it down step-by-step and find out how these two transitioned from co-stars to a couple.

When Did It All Begin?

So, when did Jacqui and Clint transition from friends to something more? There isn’t a precise moment highlighted in neon, yet hints began surfacing towards late 2024, following the conclusion of filming in November. On the show, Jacqui was paired with Ryan Donnelly, while Clint, who entered as a late addition, married Lauren Hall.

Both relationships hit some bumps—Jacqui and Ryan struggled with differing lifestyles, and Clint and Lauren’s ended in dramatic fashion during the couples’ retreat, leading to their departure in early 2025 episodes. However, behind the scenes, things were brewing. Reports indicate that Jacqui and Clint bonded during filming’s final days, although they didn’t officially start dating until after the season aired.

By December 2024, sharp-eyed fans noticed Jacqui sharing selfies from what appeared to be Clint’s stylish mansion in Tasmania—complete with fancy interiors and his adorable dogs in the background. Then, in early February 2025, sources revealed that Jacqui had packed up her life in Sydney and made the move to Tasmania to be with Clint, a big sign that their romance was picking up speed.

Paparazzi shots from late February, showcasing them sharing a kiss over coffee in Launceston, confirmed things for the public. So, while we can’t pinpoint an exact “first date,” it’s clear their relationship blossomed sometime between November 2024 and February 2025, with things getting serious early in 2025.

Jacqui and Clint weren’t exactly hiding their budding romance, even with MAFS’ strict no-spoiler policy. Jacqui, a former beauty queen now turned jewelry designer, started dropping hints on her business Instagram as early as December 2024.

She posted about being in a “loving long-term relationship” with someone “kind, considerate, and intelligent”—ring any bells? Meanwhile, Clint’s dog account (yes, his pups have their very own Instagram) showcased a sneaky reflection of Jacqui in a TV screen.

By March 2025, they were openly sharing loved-up photos, one even jokingly poking fun at the MAFS experts for missing their “perfect match.” It’s obvious they used these secondary accounts to navigate the show’s social media restrictions while still giving fans a peek into their romance. Pretty clever, right?

What They’ve Said About Each Other?

Since going public, both Jacqui and Clint have been quite open about their connection. In a TikTok video, Jacqui reminisced about meeting Clint at a dinner party during filming, sharing that she felt “good vibes” from him right off the bat. She called him “down to earth” and “level-headed,” hinting that he stood out amidst all the chaos of the experiment.

Later, she said, “I’m an 11/10 for life happiness and satisfaction” with someone who enjoys the outdoors—hmm, I wonder who that could be! Clint has kept it a bit more low-key, but he’s supported their story, telling Abbie Chatfield’s podcast that any messaging with Jacqui during filming was totally innocent and only turned romantic after the show wrapped. Their chemistry seems authentic, and they don’t hold back from showing it now that the word is out.

The Reunion Drama to Come

Now here’s where it gets interesting: the MAFS reunion is set to air soon in Australia (and a bit later for UK viewers), and it promises to reveal a lot more. A teaser trailer shows Jacqui and Clint embracing, confirming their relationship status to the cast—and apparently catching Ryan off guard, who’s reportedly feeling betrayed.

Sources say he accused Jacqui of being in contact with Clint while they were still “married” on the show, although insiders claim the romance only blossomed after filming ended.

Regardless, it’s gearing up to be a confrontation worth tuning in for. So, while we don’t have an exact start date, the timeline suggests a post-filming romance that’s blossomed into real love. What’s your take—did the experts miss the mark, or did Jacqui and Clint just create their own love story?