Nine Network is reportedly paying the rent on Married at First Sight Australia 2023‘s Duncan James and Evelyn Ellis‘ $3.2 million home.
For those who need a little refresher, Duncan and Evelyn hit it off — as friends, they’re quick to clarify — when she entered the experiment as an intruder last year.
However, things turned romantic after the 10th season finished filming, with the fan-fave couple quickly capitalising on their newfound fame with joint #sponsored ventures.
Some of Duncan and Evelyn’s co-stars even told So Dramatic! that “their entire relationship is orchestrated” so they can “build their profiles” and get “clout”.
Safe to say, it’s a tale as old as time.
However, showmance rumours were put on the back burner when the couple announced they were moving in together in August 2023. Because, duh, who wants to live with someone they’re just not that into?!
Turns out, anyone will if it means their rent bill is being covered!
As reported in episode 342 of the So Dramatic! podcast, one insider said Duncan and Evelyn’s luxurious pad in Balmain, Sydney, is being paid for by Nine.
Why is Nine allegedly paying for Duncan James and Evelyn Ellis’ house?
According to the source, the network is “footing the bill for Duncan and Evelyn’s rental for one year”.
“That’s why they moved in together so fast and that’s why they’re living in a $10k-a-week house,” they said.
When questioned why Nine would be so generous, the insider said the network “knew they could use them to promote [MAFS] because they were two of the most popular contestants from the series”.
“They need to have couples stay together so the show doesn’t look like a huge failure,” they added. “They are faking it and milking all the opportunities and benefits and have been promised to be looked after by Nine if they do.”
The spy added that the couple’s relationship with Nine is why Duncan and Evelyn reportedly applied for The Block 2024 — which was reported by So Dramatic! in late 2023.
“Nine promised them another show if they played along with their plan and did what they asked them,” the source said.
Nine responds to claims they are ‘footing the bill’ for Married at First Sight‘s Duncan James and Evelyn Ellis’ home
When contacted by So Dramatic! about the claims, a representative vehemently denied they were covering Duncan and Evelyn’s rent.
“Absolutely untrue,” they said.
Whatever the truth, if it means we get to see the duo on The Block in 2024… we’re kinda into it!
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