The premiere episode of Married At First Sight ignited instant controversy on Monday night, with bride Alissa Fay finding herself at the centre of

a social media firestorm after a jaw-dropping wedding moment left viewers stunned, uncomfortable, and deeply divided. What was meant to be a romantic

introduction to one of the season’s new couples instead spiralled into accusations of performative behaviour, questions about authenticity, and a tidal wave of

advice for groom David Momoh — most of it blunt, urgent, and unanimous.

Alissa Fay (pictured) has come under fire after her wild display at her wedding to David Momoh on Monday’s premiere episode of Married At First Sight

From the moment Alissa, a 33-year-old Adelaide-based nurse and aspiring influencer, stepped into the experiment, viewers sensed she would be anything but low-key. But few expected her wedding to unfold the way it did. As the ceremony reached its most pivotal point, Alissa abruptly halted proceedings, delivering a demand that instantly rewrote the tone of the episode: she would not agree to marry David unless he dropped to one knee and formally proposed to her at the altar.

The unexpected interruption sent a visible ripple of confusion through the room. Guests exchanged glances, the celebrant paused, and David was left standing at the altar, unsure whether he was witnessing a deeply personal boundary — or a dramatic performance crafted for maximum impact.

Online reaction was swift and unforgiving. Within minutes of the episode airing, viewers flooded social media with accusations that Alissa was “acting” rather than participating authentically in the experiment. Comments on the official MAFS Instagram page branded her a “paid actress,” with one viewer sarcastically declaring, “And the Golden Globe goes to… good actress. Run, man, run.” Others echoed the sentiment, questioning whether reality television had once again crossed the line between real emotion and rehearsed theatrics.

“I swear this show only finds wannabe actresses,” one fan wrote, while another bluntly asked, “Where do they find these girls?” The reply came just as fast: “Talent agencies. Good for a laugh though.” The speculation only intensified as viewers began drawing parallels between Alissa’s dramatic delivery and the heightened performances often associated with scripted television. One comment even joked that her next stop would be Home and Away, while another insisted the wedding scene felt less like a social experiment and more like an acting audition.

Even former Married At First Sight groom Ryan Donnelly weighed in, offering a cautionary take drawn from his own experience. Posting on Instagram, he warned that trying too hard to be “iconic” or to play a role rarely ends well on the show, adding that such behaviour is often met with a swift dose of “humble pie.”

But while viewers debated Alissa’s motives, their advice to David was strikingly consistent. Across X, Instagram, and Facebook, one word appeared again and again: “Run.” The consensus was clear — fans believed David had just encountered a major red flag, and many felt the discomfort on his behalf.

The 33-year-old Adelaide nurse and aspiring influencer has been branded an ‘actress’ by fans of the show after she refused to marry David until he got down on bended knee and proposed to her at the altar

The fans had some advice for David (right) after the disastrous wedding – with dozens of comments across social media on Tuesday consisting of one word: ‘Run!’

‘Great actress,’ commented one person on the official MAFS Instagram page, while another agreed, ‘And the Golden Globe goes to… Good actress’

David, a Brisbane-based rapper and e-commerce manager, appeared visibly rattled by the demand. As murmurs spread through the crowd, he admitted he couldn’t tell whether Alissa was serious or joking. The uncertainty only deepened the awkwardness, transforming what should have been a celebratory moment into one of the most uncomfortable wedding scenes the show has ever aired.

Alissa attempted to explain her stance, telling David that the gesture was essential for her to feel chosen and secure. She spoke of waiting her whole life for a man to commit to her fully, framing the proposal as a non-negotiable symbol of devotion. While some viewers empathised with her desire for reassurance, many argued that the timing — at the altar, under pressure, and in front of cameras — made the demand feel manipulative rather than romantic.

For David, the moment struck a nerve. He later revealed that the situation triggered past experiences of being “too nice” in relationships — a pattern where he felt pressured to accommodate others at the expense of his own comfort. Although he ultimately relented and dropped to one knee, the decision came with lingering doubts. In post-ceremony reflections, David admitted that Alissa’s behaviour had raised concerns and felt like a warning sign he couldn’t ignore.

At home, viewers were cringing along with him. “The second-hand embarrassment is real,” one person wrote on X. “I would leave if I were him.” Another went further, calling the scene “the most awkward and vile viewing” they’d ever experienced on the show.

Whether Alissa’s actions stemmed from deep-seated insecurity, a desire for control, or a calculated bid for attention remains a matter of debate. What’s undeniable is the impact her wedding moment has had. In a single episode, she has become one of the season’s most polarising figures — and placed her marriage under a microscope before it has even begun.

As Married At First Sight continues, the pressure on both Alissa and David will only intensify. For now, viewers are left questioning where authenticity ends and performance begins — and whether this controversial first impression is a glimpse of genuine vulnerability, or the opening act of a carefully crafted role.