logo
MAFS' Eliot Donovan reveals unexpected career pivot after the experiment: 'Like something out of a dream'

MAFS' Eliot Donovan reveals unexpected career pivot after the experiment: 'Like something out of a dream'

Daily Mail​22-05-2025

Married At First Sight's Eliot Donovan has seemingly achieved the impossible, earning both fame and public adoration after leaving the Channel Nine 'experiment '.
The Gold Coast business owner, 35, was billed as the 'picky' groom who skipped out on his honeymoon with bride Lauren Hall.
He later re-entered the experiment as an intruder when he was paired with bride Veronica Cloherty.
Eliot began season 12 of MAFS will all the makings of a classic MAFS villain but emerged like a phoenix from the ashes.
He has the largest social media following out of all his male co-stars, including 125,000 followers on Instagram and a further 284,000 on TikTok.
'My whole dream growing up was to be involved in comedy and that's always been a really positive outlet for me,' Eliot told 9Entertainment on Thursday as he revealed an unexpected career pivot.
Eliot began making humorous TikToks about events that played out on-screen as MAFS aired in Australia, making skits about his bride happily sharing a bed with Dave, while he sought out advice on how to be a better partner.
His lighthearted takes on a series of unfortunate events started to sway public opinion about Eliot, with viewers often commenting that they could scarcely believe his off-screen 'redemption' arc.
Eliot and fellow bride Jamie's will-they-won't-they dynamic has also helped to boost the groom's online profile, with both reality stars appearing in each other's videos since they shared a bed at Daily Mail Australia's cast reunion party in Sydney last month.
In a recent video, Eliot invited viewers to 'come with Jamie and I to an animal shelter in Queensland'.
'POV: You give her the adopt don't shop experience,' Eliot captioned the heartbreaking clip, which saw him meet-and-greet the dogs in need of a home.
The video has received 82,000 likes and counting, with fans commenting that Eliot is a 'soft king' and the kind of person who deserves to be an influencer.
'THIS is why we turn humans into influencers - for influence like THIS,' one viewer commented, while another wrote, 'I hate to admit it but I've become a big Eliot fan.'
Eliot revealed that he plans to continue pursuing his dreams of becoming a comedian on TikTok, while also using it to support the cause close to his heart.
'TikTok has given me this huge platform where we were able to get two dogs rehomed from my local Animal Welfare League shelter,' he told the publication.
'Both dogs had been in there for two months and couldn't find a home. We found a home for both of them within a week.
'That's the sort of thing that is like something out of a dream for me.'
It comes after Eliot and Jamie finally put fans out of their misery and confirmed their relationship status last week.
During an Instagram Q&A, Jamie, 28, shared a hilarious picture which captured her getting ready to shave Eliot's back.
'Seriously, tell us about you and Eliot, what's going on between the both of you?' one of her fans asked.
'Eliot and I are really good friends. He's been such a great support system. Always makes me laugh. I'm super grateful to have him around,' Jamie explained.
The account manager then clarified their close friendship was strictly platonic - for now.
'We are both single and focusing on ourselves at the moment. But who knows what the future holds?' she said.
Eliot added their relationship was so close that they were comfortable performing intimate acts with each other.
'Good friends shave each other's backs,' he said.
It comes after the couple exclusively spoke to Daily Mail Australia about their relationship while attending the annual fashion event at Sydney 's Carriageworks last week.
Jamie revealed she had actually gotten married at the location, wedding her TV husband Dave Hand at the beginning of the MAFS season.
Upon returning to the venue with Eliot, who was initially paired with Lauren and then Veronica on the show, the resident season 12 funny-girl said that it brought back memories of her nuptials - leaving a certain thought lingering in her head.
'I was hoping Eliot might propose,' she joked, which prompted fits of giggles from the pair.
But the TV groom was more than happy to play along with the jest.
'This will get some clicks,' he joked as he got down on one knee, reenacting an engagement on the Carriageways' railway tracks.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Fans slam Love Island as boring as they notice one major change in series' first week - and call for MORE bombshells as two new boys enter
Fans slam Love Island as boring as they notice one major change in series' first week - and call for MORE bombshells as two new boys enter

Daily Mail​

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mail​

Fans slam Love Island as boring as they notice one major change in series' first week - and call for MORE bombshells as two new boys enter

Love Island fans weren't hugely impressed with Wednesday night's episode as they slammed it as being 'boring'. Despite new bombshells Remell and Shea entering on the instalment for a racy game of truth or dare, many at home were left noticing one major change in the series' first week. Three episodes in and there haven't been any challenges yet - which often stir things up and create drama. During the episode fans penned on X: 'Uk love island is so boring my goodness #LoveIsland.', 'None of the contestants on love island interest me, They are all boring tbh.', From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Despite new bombshells Remell and Shea entering on the instalment for a racy game of truth or dare, many at home were left noticing one major change in the series' first week 'Hopefully these bombshells change the dynamics of this boring villa #LoveIsland #LoveIslandUK.', 'love island uk is so boring.', 'You know a season of Love Island is boring when the ads are more exciting then the show #LoveIsland.', 'Love island needs to go back to the first 5 series of the show or it's going to fail.. it's getting to that point where it might just need a few years off. It's getting boring! #loveisland.', 'UK Love Island is sooooooooo boring convos are so dry i cant wait until USA releases #LoveIsland.' On the episode Ben and Toni clashed in the fallout from Sophie's brutal elimination from the villa as he 'got the ick'. The ITV2 dating show returned to our screens on Monday night, with presenter Maya Jama welcoming 12 new Islanders to Mallorca to find love. But the dating hopefuls were left shaken on last night's show, only the second episode of this series, as Sophie was dumped from the Island. It came after bombshell Toni entered the villa on Monday and stole Ben from Shakira, leaving her single and at risk of being sent home. During the episode fans penned on X: 'Uk love island is so boring my goodness #LoveIsland...' A day later, Maya asked any boy interested in her to stand up, one of whom Shakira would couple up with - and she chose Harry, leaving Sophie single and heading home. In Wednesday's episode, new couple Toni and Ben clashed over Sophie's brutal elimination - leaving Ben unsure about their budding romance. Chatting in a small group, Toni reflected that the next Islander to go might be one of the lads: 'Boys, it's your turn, just saying - I don't think you're gonna be safe.' Ben replied sharply: 'Are you saying me in particular?' The American bombshell shoots back, 'No, it's about boys, not everything is about you' - which saw an irritated Ben storm off. His extreme reaction left the other Islanders shocked, with Meg later saying to him: 'That was a bit much... I don't get what she said that was really offensive?' Ben explained: 'She said, "Not everything is about you..." I just got the ick.' He then confessed this to Shakira too - who told Toni what he has said and suggested she pull him for a chat about it. Toni does not need to be told twice, sitting Ben down to ask: 'I've heard from people you said I'm giving you the ick?' LOVE ISLAND 2025: MEET THE CONTESTANTS Sophie Lee NAME: Sophie Lee AGE: 29 FROM: Manchester OCCUPATION: Motivational Speaker and Author WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is fun, spontaneous, who has a lot of jokes and who is attentive. At the moment I'm only finding ones draped in red flags and 'do not cross' signs IF YOU WERE THE CEO OF SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I'm the CEO of empowerment. I want women to feel beautiful and validated in themselves and feel their best self. NAME: Dejon Noel Williams AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Semi-pro footballer and personal trainer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is beautiful on the inside and out, looks after themselves and is healthy CLAIM TO FAME? My dad being an ex-professional footballer. I've met all kinds of famous people through him. When I was younger it was weird because he was just my dad, but we'd go to a game and fans were asking for photos. I've met David Beckham, he was really nice. Megan Moore NAME: Megan Moore AGE: 25 FROM: Southampton OCCUPATION: Payroll specialist WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'd like to meet someone who is tall, with a nice tan, nice eyes and a nice smile. He needs to have a good fashion sense and a really good, funny personality that I can get on with HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Bankrupt, right now. But we're going to make sales and get on that corporate ladder and be booming. Profits, profits, profits! NAME: Tommy Bradley AGE: 22 FROM: Hertfordshire OCCUPATION: Landscape Gardener WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A girl who is very ambitious, with a big personality, caring, but also someone that doesn't take themselves too seriously. I don't know if that's asking for too much, but I want a bit of everything. I haven't got a specific type in terms of looks, though. WHAT WOULD YOU BE CEO OF? Taking hours to do my hair NAME: Alima Gagio AGE: 23 FROM: Glasgow OCCUPATION: Wealth Management Client Services Executive WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A tall man with a handsome face. You know when you just look at a guy and they have that Disney prince look to them? That's it WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I think she'd hire me because I'm a good flirt. I always ask guys on a night out to guess which country I'm originally from. If they get it right, they can get my number. But they never guess correctly so it works really well if you don't want to give a guy your number. I'm originally from Guinea Bissau. If they're close and I really fancy them, I'll give them my number anyway. NAME: Ben Holbrough AGE: 23 FROM: Gloucester OCCUPATION: Private Hire Taxi driver WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone sexy, good looking, good chat, good vibes, nice teeth and good eye contact - they're all the traits I look for. Oh, and also a cute smile, I just look at you and know I can be around you all day, every day. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Bankrupt. I'd have been out of business a long time ago. That's exactly why I'm here. NAME: Helena Ford AGE: 29 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Cabin Crew WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Somebody funny or Northern. I feel like Northern people have much more banter than Southerners. If you look through my previous dating history, you'll see I clearly go for personality. You can pretty much laugh me into bed. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I would say hire but then quickly fire soon after. It would only be a temporary contract. NAME: Megan Forte Clarke AGE: 24 FROM: Dublin OCCUPATION: Musical theatre performer and energy broker WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously and has a sense of humour. If they're not bad looking, that's always a plus. I love a boy that's a bit pasty, like Timothée Chalamet. I don't mind scrawny, or a bit of a 'dad bod'. I'm 5ft1 so any height really. CLAIM TO FAME? Me and my friends made a Derry Girls TikTok for Halloween and it went a bit viral around Brighton. Sometimes I get stopped in the street about it. I've also done Panto. NAME: Blu Chegini AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is family oriented, has a lot of love to give and a lot of love to receive. Personality goes a long way. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? She'd fire me, but I've got the charm to smooth things over with a girl. The fact I speak fluent Spanish comes in handy when it comes to flirting! Shakira Khan NAME: Shakira Khan AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is tall, charming, witty, with big arms, a good smile and just really funny. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Booming, but they're all frogs. It's a busy love life but I've not found 'the husband', I'm looking for 'the one'. I'm looking for the ring. NAME: Harry Cooksley AGE: 30 FROM: Guildford OCCUPATION: Gold trader, semi-professional footballer and model WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? The girl next door that makes me laugh and can hold eye contact with me. I don't think I'd go for the most obvious girl, I like a real sweet girl. CLAIM TO FAME? I'm the body double for Declan Rice. So when he does a shoot, any body close ups will actually be me. You'll never see my face, but you'll see my shoulder or chest, that kind of thing. NAME: Conor Phillips AGE: 23 FROM: Limerick OCCUPATION: Professional rugby player WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?Someone who is really sure of themselves, ambitious, a bit of a go-getter and good craic. I like dark eyes and I don't mind a dominant woman. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? Definitely hire. I ask girls if they want to go halves on a baby. It doesn't work, but it gets them laughing. It's an ice-breaker, not a serious question of course! NAME: Toni Laites AGE: 24 FROM: Connecticut OCCUPATION: Las Vegas Pool Cabana Server WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm looking for darker hair, definitely muscular but not too muscular. Super fit. Clean hair cut. Someone that can make me laugh - I'm super outgoing. And someone that's quite active. Maybe one day we could start our own family together. I WANT TO DATE A BRITISH GUY BECAUSE... I've lived in three different states and I'm still single. It's time to try something new! I have some British friends and they're pretty charming. I think all Americans love a good accent. British men are just more polite, with better manners. NAME: Kyle Ashman AGE: 23 FROM: Stafford OCCUPATION: Water operative WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone that's fun, confident and just themselves. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I'd say I'd be hired. I just go with it, find something to compliment a girl on and go from there. NAME: Shea Mannings AGE: 25 FROM: Bristol OCCUPATION: Scaffolder WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? She needs to be bubbly and we need to have that initial spark. She needs to have a nice personality - like I think I have - so that we match together. Also, I have a little boy, so I'll be taking him into consideration with who I couple up with, too. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? Definitely hire. I'm confident to go up and introduce myself and say, 'You look beautiful', to get a conversation flowing. NAME: Remell Mullins AGE: 24 FROM: Essex OCCUPATION: Self Improvement Content Creator WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A bubbly, confident, ambitious and fun girl. One feature that stands out to me is a nice smile, nice teeth and someone that can keep me on my toes. IF YOU WERE THE CEO OF ANYTHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I'm the CEO of flirting. Sometimes it's just unintentional.

Love Island viewers blast 'man child' Ben for saying he's 'stuck with' Toni and has 'got the ick' before flirting with former flame Shakira as they rage 'who gave him the nerve?'
Love Island viewers blast 'man child' Ben for saying he's 'stuck with' Toni and has 'got the ick' before flirting with former flame Shakira as they rage 'who gave him the nerve?'

Daily Mail​

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mail​

Love Island viewers blast 'man child' Ben for saying he's 'stuck with' Toni and has 'got the ick' before flirting with former flame Shakira as they rage 'who gave him the nerve?'

Love Island viewers have blasted Ben for saying he is 'stuck with' Toni and has ' got the ick '. The taxi driver, 23, lost his temper during Wednesday night's episode and told the other Islanders he wasn't feeling a spark with American Toni. Tensions brewed between Ben and Toni when he randomly got annoyed at a comment she made about the prospect of the boys not being safe when male bombshells come in. He quickly ran over to the kitchen where he vented about how he had 'the ick' and was now 'stuck with a girl I don't want to be with'. But his reaction left fans more than unimpressed, as they slammed him for being 'rude' and one viewer raged: 'Who gave Ben the nerve, confidence and sheer AUDACITY????!!!!' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Sharing their thoughts on the moment, fans wrote: 'The way ben speaks to and about women is actually disturbing,'; 'Ben you've given the whole Uk the ick,'; 'Who does Ben think he issss. Seriously Toni is too good for him anyways,'; 'Ben you've given ME the ICK,'; 'Ben wants to be the main character so damn bad,'; 'How do we boot this big man child? I'm already sick of him,'; 'Ben is the type of person to be arrested for drunk driving and blame the manufacturer,'; 'Ben is so damn annoying. feels like i'm watching a 16 year old boy in a grown man's body,'; 'Why is Ben talking like a villain yeah,'; 'Why couldn't Ben just be like 'no hard feelings, I don't think we have a connection' instead of all this? And HE wants to talk about ick,'; 'Ben is the biggest walking ick I have ever witnessed on Love Island,'; 'Who gave Ben the nerve, confidence and sheer AUDACITY????!!!!'; '"I'm not feeling it" "'m stuck with a girl I don't wanna be with" "I've gotten the ick" Who gave Ben the confidence to be talking like this after two days?? 'I'm sorry didn't Ben his parents teach him some manners? How can you talk about somebody like that on live television,'; 'Ben is rude lmaoo, "I'm stuck with a girl I don't want to be with".' Tensions brewed between Ben and Toni when he randomly got annoyed at a comment she made about the prospect of the boys not being safe when male bombshells come in Ben then went on to flirt with his former flame Shakira, even taking her to the Hideaway, after she recoupled with Harry and didn't think he was interested in her - with Ben even saying she needed to be 'humbled'. New couple Toni and Ben clashed over Sophie's brutal elimination - leaving Ben unsure about their budding romance. Chatting in a small group, Toni reflected the next Islander to go might be one of the lads: 'Boys, it's your turn, just saying - I don't think you're gonna be safe.' Ben replies sharply: 'Are you saying me in particular?' The American bombshell shot back, 'No, it's about boys, not everything is about you' - which sees an irritated Ben storm off. His extreme reaction leftthe other Islanders shocked, with Meg later saying to him: 'That was a bit much... I don't get what she said that was really offensive?' Ben explained: 'She said, "Not everything is about you..." I just got the ick.' 'I'm tired. I don't appreciate comments like that,' before he added: 'Everything she's doing is p***ing me off. I just got the ick. At the end of the day if your'e not feeling something you're not going to pursue it. 'I can't physically fake something. If I'm not feeling something, I'm not feeling it. I'm not someone that can fake something. If I feel something I'll say it. But the dating hopefuls were left shaken on last night's show, only the second episode of this series, as Sophie (pictured) was dumped from the Island The American bombshell (left) shoots back, 'No, it's about boys, not everything is about you' - which sees an irritated Ben (right) storm off 'What it is though, I'm stuck with a girl I don't want to be with.' He then confessed this to Shakira too - who told Toni what he has said and suggested she pull him for a chat about it. Toni didn't need to be told twice, sitting Ben down to ask: 'I've heard from people you said I'm giving you the ick?' Toni wasted no time, soon exploring other options, as her head turned to Dejon - but his partner Meg didn't seem best pleased. The ITV2 dating show returned to our screens on Monday night, with presenter Maya Jama welcoming 12 new Islanders to Mallorca to find love. But the dating hopefuls were left shaken on last night's show, only the second episode of this series, as Sophie was dumped from the Island. Shakira (left) tells Toni (right) that Ben said he 'gave her the ick' and suggests she pulls him for a chat about it Tonight's episode also saw the arrival of two new bombshells: semi-pro footballer Shea Mannings and fitness influencer Remell Mullins. It comes after bombshell Toni caused a stir with her late entrance to the Love Island villa on Monday night's episode. Shea, a scaffolder from Bristol, revealed he has a young son and will be taking that 'into consideration' when coupling up. He added: 'She needs to be bubbly and we need to have that initial spark. She needs to have a nice personality - like I think I have - so that we match together.' Remell, meanwhile, is a self-improvement content creator with a massive 18million likes and half a million followers on TikTok. He shared he is looking for 'a bubbly, confident, ambitious and fun girl' with 'a nice smile, nice teeth and someone that can keep me on my toes'. When asked where he might be found in the villa in the morning, he replied: 'I might be cooking a nice high protein meal, I might be doing my skincare routine, something to level up.' Fans were confused at the Love Island producers' decision to dump Sophie right before bringing in two new male bombshells. One wrote on social media platform X: 'They shouldn't have sent Sophie home!! The producers are so cruel'; 'Two bombshells coming in tomorrow night - they should have just let Sophie stay. This is unfair.' Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX. Sophie Lee NAME: Sophie Lee AGE: 29 FROM: Manchester OCCUPATION: Motivational Speaker and Author WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is fun, spontaneous, who has a lot of jokes and who is attentive. At the moment I'm only finding ones draped in red flags and 'do not cross' signs IF YOU WERE THE CEO OF SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I'm the CEO of empowerment. I want women to feel beautiful and validated in themselves and feel their best self. NAME: Dejon Noel Williams AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Semi-pro footballer and personal trainer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is beautiful on the inside and out, looks after themselves and is healthy CLAIM TO FAME? My dad being an ex-professional footballer. I've met all kinds of famous people through him. When I was younger it was weird because he was just my dad, but we'd go to a game and fans were asking for photos. I've met David Beckham, he was really nice. Megan Moore NAME: Megan Moore AGE: 25 FROM: Southampton OCCUPATION: Payroll specialist WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'd like to meet someone who is tall, with a nice tan, nice eyes and a nice smile. He needs to have a good fashion sense and a really good, funny personality that I can get on with HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Bankrupt, right now. But we're going to make sales and get on that corporate ladder and be booming. Profits, profits, profits! Tommy Bradley NAME: Tommy Bradley AGE: 22 FROM: Hertfordshire OCCUPATION: Landscape Gardener WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A girl who is very ambitious, with a big personality, caring, but also someone that doesn't take themselves too seriously. I don't know if that's asking for too much, but I want a bit of everything. I haven't got a specific type in terms of looks, though. WHAT WOULD YOU BE CEO OF? Taking hours to do my hair NAME: Alima Gagio AGE: 23 FROM: Glasgow OCCUPATION: Wealth Management Client Services Executive WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A tall man with a handsome face. You know when you just look at a guy and they have that Disney prince look to them? That's it WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I think she'd hire me because I'm a good flirt. I always ask guys on a night out to guess which country I'm originally from. If they get it right, they can get my number. But they never guess correctly so it works really well if you don't want to give a guy your number. I'm originally from Guinea Bissau. If they're close and I really fancy them, I'll give them my number anyway. NAME: Ben Holbrough AGE: 23 FROM: Gloucester OCCUPATION: Private Hire Taxi driver WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone sexy, good looking, good chat, good vibes, nice teeth and good eye contact - they're all the traits I look for. Oh, and also a cute smile, I just look at you and know I can be around you all day, every day. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Bankrupt. I'd have been out of business a long time ago. That's exactly why I'm here. NAME: Helena Ford AGE: 29 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Cabin Crew WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Somebody funny or Northern. I feel like Northern people have much more banter than Southerners. If you look through my previous dating history, you'll see I clearly go for personality. You can pretty much laugh me into bed. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I would say hire but then quickly fire soon after. It would only be a temporary contract. NAME: Megan Forte Clarke AGE: 24 FROM: Dublin OCCUPATION: Musical theatre performer and energy broker WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously and has a sense of humour. If they're not bad looking, that's always a plus. I love a boy that's a bit pasty, like Timothée Chalamet. I don't mind scrawny, or a bit of a 'dad bod'. I'm 5ft1 so any height really. CLAIM TO FAME? Me and my friends made a Derry Girls TikTok for Halloween and it went a bit viral around Brighton. Sometimes I get stopped in the street about it. I've also done Panto. NAME: Blu Chegini AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is family oriented, has a lot of love to give and a lot of love to receive. Personality goes a long way. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? She'd fire me, but I've got the charm to smooth things over with a girl. The fact I speak fluent Spanish comes in handy when it comes to flirting! Shakira Khan NAME: Shakira Khan AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is tall, charming, witty, with big arms, a good smile and just really funny. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Booming, but they're all frogs. It's a busy love life but I've not found 'the husband', I'm looking for 'the one'. I'm looking for the ring. NAME: Harry Cooksley AGE: 30 FROM: Guildford OCCUPATION: Gold trader, semi-professional footballer and model WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? The girl next door that makes me laugh and can hold eye contact with me. I don't think I'd go for the most obvious girl, I like a real sweet girl. CLAIM TO FAME? I'm the body double for Declan Rice. So when he does a shoot, any body close ups will actually be me. You'll never see my face, but you'll see my shoulder or chest, that kind of thing. NAME: Conor Phillips AGE: 23 FROM: Limerick OCCUPATION: Professional rugby player WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?Someone who is really sure of themselves, ambitious, a bit of a go-getter and good craic. I like dark eyes and I don't mind a dominant woman. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? Definitely hire. I ask girls if they want to go halves on a baby. It doesn't work, but it gets them laughing. It's an ice-breaker, not a serious question of course! NAME: Toni Laites AGE: 24 FROM: Connecticut OCCUPATION: Las Vegas Pool Cabana Server WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm looking for darker hair, definitely muscular but not too muscular. Super fit. Clean hair cut. Someone that can make me laugh - I'm super outgoing. And someone that's quite active. Maybe one day we could start our own family together. I WANT TO DATE A BRITISH GUY BECAUSE... I've lived in three different states and I'm still single. It's time to try something new! I have some British friends and they're pretty charming. I think all Americans love a good accent. British men are just more polite, with better manners. NAME: Kyle Ashman AGE: 23 FROM: Stafford OCCUPATION: Water operative WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone that's fun, confident and just themselves. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I'd say I'd be hired. I just go with it, find something to compliment a girl on and go from there. NAME: Shea Mannings AGE: 25 FROM: Bristol OCCUPATION: Scaffolder WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? She needs to be bubbly and we need to have that initial spark. She needs to have a nice personality - like I think I have - so that we match together. Also, I have a little boy, so I'll be taking him into consideration with who I couple up with, too. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? Definitely hire. I'm confident to go up and introduce myself and say, 'You look beautiful', to get a conversation flowing. NAME: Remell Mullins AGE: 24 FROM: Essex OCCUPATION: Self Improvement Content Creator WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A bubbly, confident, ambitious and fun girl. One feature that stands out to me is a nice smile, nice teeth and someone that can keep me on my toes. IF YOU WERE THE CEO OF ANYTHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I'm the CEO of flirting. Sometimes it's just unintentional.

Morning Mail: Aukus in doubt as Pentagon reviews pact; Beach Boy Brian Wilson dies, Australia fight back at Lord's
Morning Mail: Aukus in doubt as Pentagon reviews pact; Beach Boy Brian Wilson dies, Australia fight back at Lord's

The Guardian

timean hour ago

  • The Guardian

Morning Mail: Aukus in doubt as Pentagon reviews pact; Beach Boy Brian Wilson dies, Australia fight back at Lord's

Morning everyone. The Pentagon dropped a metaphorical bomb this morning, with the news it is launching a review of the Aukus pact, central to Australia's defence policy for the next 50 years, to check whether it is 'America first'. Meanwhile the mayor of Los Angeles has accused the Trump administration of provoking six days of unrest as part of an 'experiment', as other American cities prepare for protests. And the world is mourning the death of Brian Wilson, the creative force behind the Beach Boys. At home, Choice has exposed the shortcomings of some suncreen brands, and research shows we're listening to less homegrown music. Plus: Australia's men's cricket team fought back strongly at Lord's. Tuned out | The international success of acts such as the Kid Laroi and Amyl and the Sniffers (pictured) is not translating into more listens for homegrown talent, new research shows, with only 8% of the top 10,000 artists streamed in Australia in 2024 from these shores. AI push | Australia must 'lean in hard' to the benefits of artificial intelligence or else risk ending up 'on the end of somebody else's supply chain', according to the new industry and science minister, Tim Ayres. Methanol hope | Australian researchers have developed a prototype methanol 'breathalyser' capable of detecting small concentrations of the toxic substance in alcoholic drinks or on someone's breath. Zero sum | The financial cost to reach net zero by 2050 may shape the Coalition's decision on whether to retain or abandon the target, says the new shadow minister, Dan Tehan. Screen test | Some of Australia's most popular sunscreens, including some made by Bondi Sands, Banana Boat and the Cancer Council, are falling short of the level of skin protection on the bottle, a Choice investigation has found. Vale Brian Wilson | Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys musician, songwriter and producer who created some of the greatest pop music ever made, has died aged 82. Wilson was the creative force behind songs such as California Girls, Good Vibrations and God Only Knows. Aukus review | The Pentagon has launched a review of the Aukus submarine and defence agreement to make sure it is aligned with Trump's 'America first' agenda, throwing the $240bn defence pact with Britain and Australia into doubt. Trump 'experiment' | US immigration officials have increased 'enforcement activity' in California's agricultural heartland and the mayor of Los Angeles accused the White House of trying to test federal power as the conflict between the state and Donald Trump's administration intensifies. Follow developments live as other US cities brace for protests. Trump's show of force in LA was years in the making, experts have claimed, while the rightwing media has stepped behind the administration to attack the protesters as 'invaders'. China deal | Donald Trump has endorsed the US-China trade deal struck in London that will ramp up supplies of rare earth minerals and magnets needed for the automotive industry, saying it will take total tariffs on Beijing to 55%. Gaza tragedy | A Palestinian doctor whose husband and nine of her 10 children were killed by an Israeli strike has been evacuated from Gaza, bound for Italy with her only surviving child. The shocking death toll from inaction in prisons Ariel Bogle and Christopher Knaus speak to Reged Ahmad about why warnings about ligature points in prisons are still being ignored and what it will take to stop preventable deaths. Sorry your browser does not support audio - but you can download here and listen $ In today's Grogonomics column, Greg Jericho delivers an impassioned plea that Labor's attempts to change superannuation tax concessions should be just the start of a concerted effort to reduce wealth inequality. With his illuminating graphs, Jericho argues that wealthy people oppose the changes because they're worried the rest of us will realise the system is rigged. When he became involved in setting up an animal sanctuary in the Indonesian jungle, Warren Ellis was a bit concerned he might come across as a 'Bono-like, grandstanding' figure. But the legendary musician need not have worried as a new film about the project reveals his life from Ballarat to sanctuary in Sumatra. Sign up to Morning Mail Our Australian morning briefing breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion Cricket | Australia endured a topsy-turvy opening day of the World Test Championship at Lord's after they were skittled for 212 in two-and-a-half sessions before Mitchell Starc helped reduce the Proteas to 43-4 in reply. Football | The expansion of the World Cup means more teams from the Asian section in the US – and, as Australia's dramatic run shows, it has made for a more exciting qualifying competition. Plus, how Jordan qualified for the first time. Rugby union | The British & Irish Lions are confident the veteran tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong will be fit for their Australian tour despite some injury concerns. Investors, lawyers and governance experts say three major issues at Monash IVF require answers from management, the Age reports. A pizza maker in western Sydney can claim to be the best in the world after wining an international competition, the Telegraph reports. The city of Adelaide claims there is more parking than ever, but traders tell the Advertiser they think the council is waging a 'war on cars'. Business | Asic chair Joe Longo gives a speech and Q&A to the American Chamber of Commerce in Sydney at 12pm. Prisons | ABS figures on adult prisoners and community based corrections. Sydney | Speech on 'Trump and the West' at the Lowy Institute by John Hamre of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. If you would like to receive this Morning Mail update to your email inbox every weekday, sign up here, or finish your day with our Afternoon Update newsletter. You can follow the latest in US politics by signing up for This Week in Trumpland. And finally, here are the Guardian's crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow. Quick crossword Cryptic crossword If you have a story tip or technical issue viewing this newsletter, please reply to this email. If you are a Guardian supporter and need assistance with regards to contributions and/or digital subscriptions, please email

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store