Married At First Sight contestant Luke Fourniotis shares why he stayed in the experiment despite Melissa Akbay’s public rejection during Sunday’s episode. The 30-year-old farmer faced a blunt declaration of ‘no spark’ in front of the group, yet chose to continue.
Decision to Persist Despite Humiliation
Luke seriously considered quitting but opted against it to avoid ending on a negative note. “It didn’t feel right to leave the show without even giving the experts a chance,” he states.
The rejection stung deeply due to its public nature. “Hearing it in front of the whole group makes you feel even more vulnerable,” Luke explains. “It’s almost embarrassing being on the receiving end of that.”
Impact on Confidence and Self-Perception
The experience eroded his confidence significantly. “I’d become an absolute shadow of myself. I lost my confidence and I just really didn’t like it,” he reveals. Luke refused to depart amid animosity toward Melissa, aiming for a more positive reflection on the journey.
Plan for Relationship Reset
Looking ahead, Luke proposes rebuilding from friendship basics. “Forget about intimacy, forget about romance, even physical touch – none of it,” he says. “We just need to work on becoming friends first because up until now we’ve never been able to do that.”
He anticipates a distinct Intimacy Week for them compared to other couples and expresses hope following the experts’ feedback to Melissa at the Commitment Ceremony. “I never want the experts to come for Mel,” Luke notes. “But it was beneficial that they were able to call out some of the things that were actually hindering progress. It gave me a sense of hope.”
Reactions from Brides and Behind-the-Scenes Shifts
Scenes showing Melissa critiquing their dynamic to other brides blindsided him. “I was putting my best foot forward and trying the best that I could,” he says. “It was so upsetting. It hurt more than anything.”
After those discussions aired, Luke noticed cooler treatment from some brides. “I remember walking down the corridor and a few of the girls kind of brushed me off. I was thinking, ‘What have I done wrong?'” he recalls. “It all made sense when I saw what had been said.”
Addressing Rumors and Speculation
Luke denies encouraging his sisters to post negative online comments about Melissa. “The comments had already been deleted before she even brought it up,” he insists. “I asked my sisters to delete them because it reflected poorly on me. I haven’t been talking badly about her. That’s just not fair.”
He also refutes claims of coordinating media coverage. “That’s completely not true,” Luke states.
Though romantic feelings have not developed, he seeks basic connection. “I wouldn’t say I had feelings for Mel,” he admits. “But I really wanted to break through and just get along, have some laughs and chill out. I really wanted to form some sort of connection.”
Married At First Sight continues Tuesday at 7:30pm on Channel Nine.
