MAFS 'sceptic' Eliot Donovan spotted at pizza dinner with Chris Nield

MAFS 'sceptic' Eliot Donovan spotted at pizza dinner with Chris Nield
Source: Daily Mail Online

They were compared by the Married At First Sight experts for their sceptical approach to the experiment - and now the two controversial grooms appear to be forming a friendship away from the cameras.

Eliot Donovan was recently spotted grabbing dinner with fellow MAFS groom Chris Nield at popular Gold Coast pizzeria Franc Jrs.

The pair were seen leaving the venue after their meal, joined by fellow reality TV personality Jake Vella and a mystery brunette companion.

In photos taken by Daily Mail, Eliot cut a casual figure in a loose black rugby-style shirt emblazoned with white lettering across the chest and light grey pants.

The groom carried a pizza box as he stepped outside the restaurant, appearing relaxed after the dinner outing.

Chris, walking alongside him, showed off his muscular build in a tight black sleeveless top paired with dark athletic pants.

The dinner outing comes just days after MAFS experts drew comparisons between Chris and Eliot during the latest episode of the Channel Nine dating experiment.

He appeared to be checking his phone as the group exited the venue together following their meal.

The dinner outing comes after MAFS experts drew comparisons between Chris and Eliot during the latest episode of the Channel Nine dating experiment.

During the discussion, the experts suggested Chris shared a similar sceptical mindset to Eliot, who became one of the most talked-about grooms during his own stint on the show.

Eliot's time on the experiment saw him question aspects of the process and clash with other participants before eventually experiencing a dramatic redemption arc with viewers.

Chris has similarly proven to be a polarising figure this season, with his blunt attitude and willingness to challenge the process sparking debate among fans.

Despite the drama unfolding on screen, the pair appeared in good spirits as they enjoyed their night out on the Gold Coast.

At one point, Eliot was seen holding the takeaway pizzas as the group left the restaurant together, while Chris lingered beside him checking his phone.

It comes after Daily Mail revealed that Chris quietly relocated to the Gold Coast following his dramatic stint on the show.

The pair were seen leaving the venue after their meal, joined by fellow reality TV personality Jake Vella and a mystery brunette companion.

Chris, walking alongside him, showed off his muscular build in a tight black sleeveless top paired with dark athletic pants.

The group were seen chatting before they went their separate ways.

The 31-year-old Australian footballer and construction supervisor, who was paired with bride Brook Crompton during filming, left Melbourne behind and is settling into a new life in Queensland.

Chris said he is currently travelling up the coast and looking forward to getting established in the area alongside close friends.

'Life's good at the moment,' he gushed to Daily Mail.

His comments come after Daily Mail revealed Brook had quietly reconnected with her ex-boyfriend Harry during the experiment.

Footage obtained by Daily Mail showed the pair kissing and cuddling while decorating a Christmas tree in October - just weeks after her on-screen marriage to Chris had imploded behind the scenes.

Looking back on the relationship, Chris said he believes Brook was never fully ready to start something new.

'I just don't think she was in the right place for a new relationship to form,' he admitted, claiming he later discovered she had slept with her ex just two days before their televised wedding.

Chris said the cracks in their relationship became more obvious as filming progressed, revealing Brook had threatened to leave the experiment multiple times and struggled with the intense environment.

The Australian footballer, 31, and construction supervisor, who was paired with bride Brook Crompton during filming, left Melbourne behind and is settling into a new life in Queensland.

'We were both very particular people. And I think the environment just got to us multiple times,' he said, adding that he also found the process extremely difficult.

'My personality doesn't suit it at all. I got frustrated all the time... being kept in my room without a phone... I was just spiralling.'

Despite the drama, Chris insisted he never joined the show seeking fame and revealed he was approached by producers rather than applying himself.

While he initially found Brook attractive and believed they shared a strong connection, he now believes unresolved feelings for her ex ultimately doomed the relationship from the start.

The groom also lifted the lid on their chaotic final week of filming, claiming both he and Brook had already booked flights to leave before their last commitment ceremony.

He alleged the final dinner party spiralled after Brook arrived 'blind' following several bottles of champagne, while he later admitted he regretted some of the comments he made during the explosive night.

Chris further claimed he has not spoken to Brook since a Channel Nine media day after filming wrapped, saying she cut contact shortly after.

Now that she has reportedly reunited with her ex, he believes any friendship between them would be inappropriate, adding that her new partner may not want her to have 'anything to do with it.'