Seven’s reality TV hit Farmer Wants a Wife has endured a rocky return, with two potential cousins matched on a very awkward date and six women abruptly sent home during the chaotic season premiere.

Farmer Wants A Wife got off to a shocking start on Monday evening, as an awkward conversation led to one farmer and his potential suitor desperately attempting to dispel the idea they could be cousins.

Australian farmers Corey, Tom, Thomas and Jarrad speed-dated 32 women from cities to select a group to spend time on their farms across Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia.

Jarrad, 21, and Brianna, 22, had their date derailed when they wondered if they were related.

“I grew up in Coffs…,” the jewellery store manager told the farmer from Stanthorpe, Queensland, during their date in a paddock.

Jarrad said he has “a lot of family down in Coffs Harbour.”

Brianna asked him for the names of his relatives, thinking she might know his cousins.

She didn’t expect to question whether she might, in fact, be that cousin.

“The Page family,” Jarrad said, to which Brianna responded, “But … I’m (a) Page…”

Farmer Jarrad went on speed-dates. picture: Seven Network/FWAW

Brianna wondered if they were related. Picture: Seven Network/FWAW
After rattling off a list of family relatives the two potential suitors might have in common and coming up empty, they optimistically chose to believe they were unrelated.

“OK, we’re not cousins!” Jarrad said.

It comes as no less than six women vying for the hearts of the four eligible bachelors were dumped.

Farmer Thomas sent Sophie, Edwina, and Ashleen packing before his dates with the women even really started.

The 35-year-old from Kimba, South Australia, failed to form a connection with the three, who were on their way back to their respective cities at the end of the episode.

Farmer Thomas, Farmer Wants A Wife. Picture: Seven Network/FWAW
Thomas’s surviving matches Clarette, Claire, Rachel, Nat and Ellen, will now compete for his heart.

However, his turned-down suitors weren’t alone, as farmer Corey also sent three women home.

Corey picked Jadee, Keeley, Hunter, Rosie, and Chelsea over Millie, Jamie, and Ellie to live on the farmer’s property in Biloela, Queensland,

At this season’s finale, he and the three other loveable larrikins will ultimately choose one woman as their potential spouse.

Natalie Gruzlewski, 47, returned to host Network Seven’s Farmer Wants A Wife after a two-year hiatus.

L-R Farmer Tom, Farmer Corey, Farmer Thomas and Farmer Jarrad with Farmer Wants A Wife host Natalie Gruzlewski. Picture: Seven Network/FWAW
Fans were left scratching their heads when Samantha Armytage suddenly took over hosting the show from its long-time star Gruzlewski in 2023.

Gruzlewski originally starred as host from season one in 2007 until 2012 before returning in 2020, with Australian singer Sam McClymont hosting in 2016.