Married At First Sight Australia fans were left stunned when one of the season’s most promising couples, Rachel Gilmore and Steven Danyluk, parted ways just weeks after leaving Final Vows hand-in-hand. While they appeared stronger than ever at the commitment ceremony, the relationship crumbled once real life intervened. Now, Steven has broken his silence, offering a candid update that reframes their entire post-experiment journey.
Speaking exclusively to Chattr at the MAFS after-party, Steven revealed that despite the breakup, he and Rachel have maintained a respectful and supportive connection.
“We’re good friends, we’re cordial, everything is good,” he shared. “We still talk almost every day and we’re working with each other to get through this.”
The admission stands in contrast to the dramatic split that unfolded when Steven visited Rachel in Melbourne. During that pivotal trip, he told her he didn’t believe he was the man she needed and encouraged her to find someone better suited. The moment marked the emotional end of their romance, but apparently not the end of their communication.
Steven admitted that watching the season back has been a deeply emotional experience. He also confessed to occasionally wondering “what if,” acknowledging the lingering sense of lost potential. However, he was quick to clarify that reconciliation is unlikely.
“That ship has most likely sailed which sucks, had my chance though,” he reflected.
Rachel has been equally clear on the matter. In a recent Instagram Q&A, she directly addressed fan speculation, shutting down rumors of a reunion — including claims that Steven had proposed.
“No. Steven and I are not back together,” she stated firmly. While she expressed “the utmost respect and care” for Steven, Rachel made it evident that the romantic chapter is closed.
The Real-Life Pressures Behind the Breakup
Steven’s update sheds new light on the practical realities that doomed the relationship. Upon returning to everyday life after filming, he found his business had been left “stagnant” for three months. As the busy season approached, he threw himself back into work to stabilize his finances.
“We spoke every single day,” Steven explained. “However, I did have a little bit of a mess with my business… Coming into the busy season, I sort of dove headfirst into it.”
It was during his visit to Melbourne that the weight of these competing priorities became clear. Steven realized he couldn’t give Rachel the commitment and presence she deserved. For her part, Rachel maintained that Steven simply “wasn’t ready for a relationship” and was unwilling to make the necessary adjustments to his life.
This behind-the-scenes context changes how many viewers will perceive the couple. What looked on-screen like a classic case of mismatched timing or emotional unreadiness now appears as a collision between the intense, accelerated world of MAFS and the demands of real-world responsibilities — particularly for an entrepreneur rebuilding momentum after months away.
While Stella Mickunaite and Filip Gregov remain the other notable couple who exited Final Vows together, Rachel and Steven’s story stands out for its bittersweet evolution. Their continued daily contact and mutual respect suggest a mature handling of the split, even as both acknowledge the pain and what might have been.
As more MAFS alumni continue to share their post-show truths, Steven’s interview serves as a reminder that the experiment’s real test often begins once the cameras stop rolling. For Rachel and Steven, friendship and closure may ultimately be the most honest outcome of their journey.
