Here’s how the cast reacted to Jacqui Burfoot and Clint Rice’s huge announcement on Sunday night.

MAFS’ Jacqui Burfoot and Clint Rice got engaged at a reunion viewing party on Sunday night. Photos: Instagram/jacquelineleejewellery / sodramaticpodcast_

Not only did they steal the spotlight at the Married At First Sight reunion dinner party, but Jacqui Burfoot and Clint Rice upstaged the entire series on Sunday night with a major announcement. The controversial couple, who only began dating after the show wrapped filming in November last year, have gotten engaged.

Clint proposed to Jacqui at a MAFS viewing party in Sydney on Sunday night hosted by So Dramatic!, with fellow co-stars Billy Belcher and Dave Thomas Hand also in attendance. The couple were taking part in a Q&A with fans who had bought tickets to attend the event when Clint popped the question.

“We signed up for Married At First Sight to get married and find a lifelong partner, so I’ve got one question for you,” he asked before getting on one knee and pulling out a box.

The couple later confirmed the exciting news on social media and shared close-up photos and videos of the custom-made 5.08ct oval diamond solitaire ring set in platinum and 18ct yellow gold from Simon Curwood Jewellers.

Rochelle Edmonds, head of marketing at Simon Curwood Jewellers, tells Yahoo Lifestyle that Clint was an “amazing client” and reached out a couple of weeks ago to custom make Jacqui’s “one of a kind” ring.

“Clint sent us a picture of a ring he thought she liked and our design team custom made her ring within the week,” she details. “We had a member of our dream team hand deliver it to a secret location so as not to ruin the surprise. It was the best-kept secret!

“We absolutely loved watching Jacqui’s reaction when she saw the ring for the first time! We’re beyond excited for Jacqui and Clint and are so grateful we could be a part of their love story.”

Jacqui and Clint’s co-stars have had a mixed response to the news. Photos: Instagram/jacquelineleejewellery

MAFS co-stars react to bombshell announcement

While those at the So Dramatic! viewing party were thrilled for Jacqui and Clint’s engagement, their co-stars had a rather mixed response when they saw the news online.

Daily Mail was also hosting a MAFS viewing party on Sunday night with 13 participants in attendance, including Rhi Disljenkovic, Jeff Gobbels, Awhina Rutene, Carina Mirabile, Paul Antoine, Beth Kelly, Teejay Halkias, Eliot Donovan, and most notably, Jacqui’s ‘ex’ Ryan Donnelly.

One anonymous participant tells Yahoo Lifestyle that rather than celebrating the announcement, the cast burst into laughter and began poking fun at the “publicity stunt”.

“Everyone laughed and thought it was ridiculous,” they remark. “I think it’s a joke. If it was a real engagement, why do it at a MAFS fan event in a room full of people?

“I think it’s all for show, but good luck to them, they seem happy.”

Ryan’s surprising reaction to Jacqui and Clint’s engagement

Speaking to the MAFS Funny podcast, Ryan joked that he was “so happy” for Jacqui and Clint and offered to be the celebrant at their upcoming wedding.

“I am ecstatic, over the moon. True love prevails, baby!” he said sarcastically. “It’s gotta be [legit], they’ve told nothing but the truth the entire time! They’ve been so honest!

“Listen, I’m not going to stand in the way of anybody’s happiness. No matter how cooked it is, no matter how fried it is, no matter how publicity hungry it is, I’m happy if they’re happy, baby. Let’s keep rolling!”

Former MAFS participants have also weighed in on the announcement, with 2021 bride Jaimie Gardner commenting: “Getting engaged at an event where ‘fans’ have paid to come. Top tier romance!”

Meanwhile, 2023 bride Alyssa Barmonde wrote: “Never seen so many haters in a comment section before lol y’all are cooked. Congrats Jac and Clint!”

Morena Farina also commented on Jacqui’s post saying she “couldn’t be happier” for her and Clint’s engagement.

“You both deserve every bit of happiness coming your way,” she shared. “You’ve been through so much – so unfairly – but the universe came through with something greater, and it was all worth it in the end, darling. So happy for you both, so much love!”