He came into the Married At First Sight experiment looking for love – but Eliot Donovan’s reality TV journey has ended in heartbreak for a second time.
The Queensland businessman, 35, was spotted making a sensational exit from the show, storming out with his luggage in tow after his turbulent second marriage to actress Veronica Cloherty imploded.
Photos taken by Daily Mail Australia, show Eliot looking every inch the action hero as he strode down the street, flexing his bulging biceps in a fitted white singlet while wheeling two suitcases.
Sources close to production reveal that Eliot’s dramatic departure came after a fiery confrontation with Veronica during Feedback Week, which saw the couples swap partners for a fresh perspective on their relationships.
Tensions boiled over when Veronica admitted she felt more connected to Dave Hand, the ‘TikTok tradie’ she was paired with for the swap, rather than her own husband.
He came into the Married At First Sight experiment looking for love – but it seems Eliot Donovan’s reality TV journey has ended in heartbreak for a second time
The Queensland businessman, 35, was spotted making a sensational exit from the show, storming out with his luggage in tow after his turbulent second marriage to actress Veronica Cloherty imploded. (Eliot pictured with bride Veronica)
She gushed over Dave’s small but meaningful gestures, including clearing her plate after meals, while taking a thinly veiled dig at Eliot.
In a brutal honesty letter, Veronica laid bare her doubts about their marriage, confessing she was questioning whether she should have been matched with Eliot in the first place.
The final straw came when Eliot attempted to show his softer side by offering Veronica bone broth – only for her to dismiss the gesture and storm out of their apartment in frustration.
Insiders say Eliot was left ‘stunned’ by Veronica’s reaction, with one source revealing: ‘He tried to take Rhi’s advice from the partner swap and make an effort, but Veronica wasn’t having any of it. He felt completely undermined.’
It’s understood that following the explosive row, Eliot made the decision to pack his bags and leave the experiment for good.
His departure comes after weeks of turmoil in his on-screen marriage, which has been plagued by a lack of chemistry and Veronica’s growing doubts.
Viewers first suspected cracks in their relationship when Veronica was spotted looking visibly happier with Dave during the partner swap, confessing she felt more like ‘herself’ around him.
Photos taken by Daily Mail Australia show Eliot looking every inch the action hero as he strode down the street, flexing his bulging biceps in a fitted white singlet while hauling two suitcases
The tattooed groom cut a ruggedly stylish figure, pairing his singlet with khaki cargo pants and a cream jumper tied casually around his waist
Sporting a backpack and a wristwatch, Eliot exuded an air of cool confidence – looking very relaxed and happy
Sources close to production reveal that Eliot’s dramatic departure came after a fiery confrontation with Veronica during Feedback Week, which saw the couples swap partners for a fresh perspective on their relationships
Meanwhile, Eliot’s attempt to bond with bride Rhi Disljenkovic, his swapped partner, seemed to give him newfound optimism about relationships – but it was too little, too late for his marriage with Veronica.
Fans will have to wait to see how his exit plays out on-screen, but judging by these exclusive photos, Eliot isn’t looking back.
As he walked away from the show, the reality star looked like a man on a mission – strong, determined and ready to start a new chapter.
The sighting comes just weeks after Veronica hit back at speculation her appearance on the show was anything but genuine.
‘I actually found being in the experiment so much easier and so much less pressure than performing as an actor because I didn’t have to hit any lines or marks,’ she explained.
‘It was very confusing for me at first. I remember asking where I should stand, and they told me, “Wherever you want to be.” I was like, “What do you mean?!”‘
The glamorous bride also reflected on watching her wedding to business owner Eliot unfold on screen, admitting it was a surreal experience but one she was grateful to share with her close friends.
However, their first encounter took an unexpected turn when Eliot seemed to expect Veronica to recognise him on their wedding day.
In an interview with Daily Mail Australia, the former Miss Universe contestant, 32, turned reality star hit back at speculation that her appearance on the show was anything but genuine. Pictured with Eliot Donovan
‘I could see his disappointment when I said no,’ she recalled.
‘I was thinking, “Who is this guy?” I was genuinely trying to figure out if I’d seen him in something, like a movie.’
While Eliot may not have been her usual pick, Veronica was pleasantly surprised when she walked down the aisle.
‘I remember thinking I was really grateful that he had a full head of hair and beautiful big blue eyes,’ she laughed. ‘I wasn’t necessarily hoping for my usual type – I wanted something different.’
Despite her undeniable beauty, Veronica admitted that her dating history had been challenging, leading her to take time for self-reflection before reentering the dating world.
‘I took time off to figure out what I was doing that put me in relationships that weren’t healthy for me,’ she revealed.
‘And when I came back to dating, I realised—it’s slim pickings out there! I needed as much help as I could get.’
Her bridesmaids, protective as ever, had doubts about Eliot, but Veronica remained unshaken on her wedding day.
‘They were looking out for me. That’s just the nature of my friendship group,’ she said.
‘I actually found being in the experiment so much easier and so much less pressure than performing as an actor because I didn’t have to hit any lines or marks,’ she explained
‘I had my rose-coloured glasses on and was just happy to have met him and that we were getting along.’
As an intruder bride, Veronica didn’t have the luxury of knowing much about the other contestants before joining the experiment.
She also chose not to dig into spoilers about Eliot’s previous MAFS match, who he had left early in the season.
‘I appreciated that he had the conviction to follow through with what he said he would do,’ she explained.
‘I wasn’t fazed—I trusted him and gave him the benefit of the doubt, just as I would with anyone I meet for the first time.’
Veronica made it clear that one thing is a dealbreaker for her. ‘I absolutely won’t tolerate disrespect. Full stop. Period,’ she declared
When asked if she did any research before entering, Veronica admitted she preferred going in blind.
‘There were rumours, but I told my housemates, “Don’t tell me! I don’t want to know.” I wanted to have an authentic experience.’
And as for whether she’ll be taking a stand at the dinner parties, Veronica teased: ‘I definitely hold my own, but it’s a challenge in an environment where everyone is so outspoken. It makes for fantastic television!’
Veronica made it clear that one thing is a deal-breaker for her.
‘I absolutely won’t tolerate disrespect. Full stop. Period,’ she declared.
While physical attraction is important, she values deeper connections.
‘For me, it’s about someone who takes care of themselves, inside and out. That’s what really matters.’
