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Married At First Sight returned to television screens on Monday night, and the show wasted no time plunging right into controversy.
Episode one delivered a steamy PDA, an awkward altar power play and a kiss that instantly divided the nation.
The episode centred on newlyweds David and Alissa, whose first meeting culminated in what many have branded the most uncomfortable kiss in the show's history.
High-energy nurse and social media manager Alissa made a bold entrance, describing herself as a 'slay queen' who wanted a fairytale romance and unwavering commitment.
She was paired with David, a 31-year-old rapper and e-commerce manager from Brisbane, known for his calm demeanour and strong Christian faith.
Just moments into the ceremony, as the celebrant asked if there was any reason the couple should not be joined in marriage, Alissa abruptly interrupted proceedings.
'I'm really, really sorry,' she said, before announcing she could not marry David unless he first got down on one knee.
The episode centred on newlyweds David and Alissa, whose first meeting culminated in what many have branded the most uncomfortable kiss in the show's history. Both pictured
After being pronounced husband and wife, the couple sealed the deal with an unusually intense kiss, locking tongues for several seconds in front of their guests
The moment quickly sparked backlash online, with viewers labelling it 'too much' and 'hard to watch'
'I can't marry you until you drop to one knee and propose to me,' she then told the stunned groom.
The unexpected demand left guests visibly confused and David unsure whether the moment was part of the experiment.
'I can't tell if you're being serious,' he admitted, as murmurs spread through the crowd and friends questioned the painfully awkward scene unfolding at the altar.
Alissa insisted she needed the gesture to feel chosen and secure, explaining it was something she had waited for her whole life, and that she wanted a man who would fully commit to her.
David hesitated, later admitting the situation was uncomfortable and triggered old wounds about being 'too nice' in relationships.
However, after glancing toward Alissa's family and noticing their concern, he ultimately relented.
Dropping to one knee, David formally asked Alissa to marry him, prompting cheers and applause from the guests and allowing the ceremony to continue, albeit with lingering awkwardness.
While the proposal appeared to smooth things over, David later described the moment as a potential red flag, admitting it made him uneasy and questioning how demanding the relationship might become.
The moment quickly sparked backlash online
The cringe factor did not end there.
After being pronounced husband and wife, the couple sealed the deal with an unusually intense kiss, locking tongues for several seconds in front of their guests.
The moment quickly sparked backlash online, with viewers labelling it 'too much' and 'hard to watch'.
Alissa later joked that while she was annoyed David took so long to get on one knee, the kiss made up for it.
At the reception, David's friends warned him that Alissa's dominant personality could overpower his laid-back nature, while David privately questioned whether the altar stunt was a sign of deeper issues ahead.
Alissa apologised for how the moment unfolded and revealed she shared David's Christian faith, a confession that appeared to ease his concerns and bring the pair back to steadier ground.
Despite the rocky start, both agreed to continue with the experiment, though David conceded the wedding day had already raised serious questions about what lay ahead.
Married At First Sight continues Tuesday at 7.30pm on Channel Nine
