The Married At First Sight 2025 cast has kept fans on their toes with swirling romance rumors, but Awhina Rutene’s recent social media activity has taken the drama to new heights. The 31-year-old bride was recently spotted in Perth, hand-in-hand with fellow groom Dave Hand, igniting a firestorm of speculation about a potential post-show couple swap. However, Awhina has now set the record straight, addressing the viral moment and her relationship status with a candid Instagram post.
In a video that sent the internet into a frenzy over the weekend, Awhina appeared smitten, strolling alongside Dave in a casual white tank top and high-waisted jeans. The footage, capturing the pair’s undeniable chemistry, led fans to speculate that Awhina may have moved on with her best friend Jamie Marinos’ TV ex-husband. Social media erupted with theories, with some pointing to behind-the-scenes clips that hinted at a growing connection between the two during filming.
Taking to her Instagram Stories to clear the air, Awhina firmly shut down the romance rumors. “Guys, Dave is a friend, this is a TT trend where it emphasizes height difference,” she wrote. “I think everyone knows how much I valued Dave during filming, but just so we’re all clear, I am single, and currently content not being in a relationship right now.” Her statement put an end to the whispers of a post-show fling, emphasizing that her bond with Dave is purely platonic.
The sighting comes amidst a tangled web of MAFS drama. Awhina’s rumored flirtation with Billy Belcher, another groom from the experiment, has also kept fans guessing. The English tradie, who bonded with Awhina over the show’s infamous “wife swap” scandal involving her partner Adrian and Billy’s spouse Sierah, recently stirred the pot with a cryptic social media post. Just days after Awhina’s video with Dave surfaced, Billy shared a photo of a mystery brunette strolling along a Perth beach, accompanied by a poll asking, “Soft launch? Yes/No.” Fans were quick to interpret the post as a subtle jab, especially given its timing.
Adding fuel to the fire, Billy was recently spotted in Bali, locking lips with a busty blonde at a nightclub just days after Awhina returned to Perth from the island. The pair had been staying together in a luxury villa to celebrate Billy’s birthday, but footage obtained by Daily Mail showed him getting cozy with a new woman. Dressed in a red and white oversized jersey with the number “07” and a backwards cap, Billy was seen dancing, holding hands, and sharing a kiss with the mystery blonde in a revealing backless black dress. An onlooker told Daily Mail, “They were all over each other. No attempt to hide it.”
Despite their close friendship and undeniable chemistry, Awhina has consistently downplayed any romantic connection with Billy. When approached for comment, she told Daily Mail that they were “just friends,” and the pair later released a video confirming their “close friendship” with no romantic ties. Their bond deepened post-show, particularly after the emotional fallout of the “wife swap” scandal. They were even photographed holding hands during a Valentine’s Day beach walk and spent time together at Awhina’s 31st birthday celebration alongside her twin, Cleo. Awhina also introduced Billy to her son, Landon, a significant step given their meeting during filming.
However, Awhina has repeatedly described their relationship as “purely platonic.” In early June, the pair briefly sparked romance rumors with a cozy Instagram carousel captioned, “I’ll keep this one,” before officially going public. Yet, Awhina’s latest comments suggest she’s embracing single life and focusing on herself.
Fans have long speculated that the MAFS experts missed the mark by not pairing Awhina and Billy from the start, with many pointing to their natural chemistry. For now, though, Awhina seems content to keep her friendships in the spotlight while navigating the whirlwind of reality TV romance rumors. Daily Mail has reached out to Awhina, Billy, and Dave for further comment.