Photos of the controversial groom competing in a bodybuilding competition have resurfaced online.

MAFS’ Paul Antoine.

MAFS’ Paul Antoine’s Instagram posts have resurfaced online. Photo: Channel Nine

It’s been one week since this year’s season of Married At First Sight concluded, and all eyes are now on the participants and what they choose to do with their newfound fame. While some have already signed with talent management and begun planning their next reality TV opportunity, others have been making changes to their looks and swapping careers.

Following Paul Antoine’s recent announcement that he’s stepping away from his career as a ‘wellness advisor’ to become an online strength coach, a surprising series of photos from his fitness Instagram account have resurfaced online. The French-born groom was previously a professional bodybuilder and competed in the International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness Professional League Australia championship in 2022.

Snaps shared on social media at the time show Paul looking barely recognisable with a dark tan and muscular physique.

“2nd place IFBB men’s physique first timer & novice,” he wrote in the caption. “So happy with the package I brought on stage.”

MAFS’ Paul Antoine in a bodybuilding competition.

Paul looks barely recognisable in the throwback snaps. Photo: Instagram/php__coaching
Paul also shared side-by-side photos of what his body looked like on the day of the competition, and what his body looked like two days later.

“Show day on left pic and 2 days post show on right pic. Crazy what carbohydrates and salt can do!” he said.

MAFS’ Paul Antoine showing how his body changed two days after his bodybuilding competition.

Paul shared a side-by-side showing how his body changed two days after his bodybuilding competition. Photo: Instagram/php__coaching

Paul recently shared a post on social media explaining that he decided to give up bodybuilding because of the impact it had on his health, relationships and love life.

“Bodybuilding was more than a sport, it was a way of life, a discipline that demanded everything from me, my time, my energy, my mental space,” he wrote. “And for a while, I thrived in that world. But what I once saw as the pinnacle of health, I now see as a paradox. I stepped away from bodybuilding competitions because I realised that when you take it to a certain level, it becomes, in my opinion, both physically and mentally toxic.”

The 30-year-old explained that his extreme dieting and eating habits were affecting his gut health, and his social life took a toll because he prioritised meal timing and training “above everything else”.

“The people who care about you get pushed to the side, even if that’s not your intention,” he added. “It’s a lonely journey not just for you, but for the ones who love you too. Beyond the physical and mental toll, bodybuilding at a high level is also incredibly isolating.”

Following a series of controversies on this year’s season of MAFS, Paul recently stepped away from his career as a ‘wellness instructor’. The Perth-based reality star previously worked in the mining industry, helping FIFO workers look after their mental health.

Yahoo Lifestyle understands that he will now be focusing on an online training business and creating personalised programs for clients and social media followers.

He recently shared a workout video to his business account @php__coaching, which currently has around 1000 followers, alongside the caption: “Big things incoming!”