By ALI DAHER, SENIOR SHOWBUSINESS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA

Published: | Updated:

Married At First Sight is officially back.

And if Monday night's premiere episode is anything to go by, viewers are in for another season of second-hand embarrassment, emotional oversharing and one laugh that may haunt the nation for weeks.

Second to walk down the aisle were Rachel Gilmore and Steven Danyluk, a pairing that somehow managed to be sweet, sincere and deeply awkward all at once.

Rachel, who proudly announced she has been single for 14 years, arrived buzzing with nerves, optimism and an energy level normally reserved for people three coffees deep at 7am.

Steven, meanwhile, presented as the self-described 'lovable idiot' who has also spent over a decade on the singles bench and was hoping that, just maybe, nice guys wouldn't finish last this time.

From the moment Rachel appeared at the end of the aisle, it became clear this wedding was not going to be a quiet affair.

Second to walk down the aisle were Rachel Gilmore and Steven Danyluk, a pairing that somehow managed to be sweet, sincere and deeply awkward all at once. Both pictured

Second to walk down the aisle were Rachel Gilmore and Steven Danyluk, a pairing that somehow managed to be sweet, sincere and deeply awkward all at once. Both pictured 

Rachel, who proudly announced she has been single for 14 years, arrived buzzing with nerves, optimism and an energy level normally reserved for people three coffees deep at 7am

Rachel, who proudly announced she has been single for 14 years, arrived buzzing with nerves, optimism and an energy level normally reserved for people three coffees deep at 7am

Her laughter kicked in almost immediately - loud, uncontrollable and relentless. 

She warned Steve early that if he was trying to compose himself, he should not look at the front row.

Within seconds, the officiant was pausing the ceremony, guests were staring into the middle distance and social media was reaching for the mute button.

'I hope that's just a nervous laugh and not a day to day thing, that would be annoying AF,' wrote one person on X. 

Another said: 'Breathe Rachel. This laugh has to stop and the eyes rolling backwards need to stop more!'

'I wonder if they are nervous giggles or her regular laugh? Oh dear,' someone else asked, while one more added, 'Rachel's laugh could give aspirin a headache.'

Rachel herself later described her laugh as a 'gateway sound', explaining that one giggle inevitably leads to another, possibly a snort, and before you know it everyone is 'in stitches'. 

Still, beneath the giggles and apologies, there was genuine vulnerability. 

Rachel spoke openly about rejection, dating apps and feeling overlooked, admitting she had almost given up on love entirely before standing at the altar.

Steven, clearly smitten, seemed relieved to find someone equally open, if slightly louder. Their vows were surprisingly heartfelt.

Rachel leaned into her self-awareness, acknowledging she is 'a lot' but insisting it's in the best possible way.

Her laughter kicked in almost immediately - loud, uncontrollable and relentless

Her laughter kicked in almost immediately - loud, uncontrollable and relentless

Rachel herself later described her laugh as a 'gateway sound', explaining that one giggle inevitably leads to another, possibly a snort, and before you know it everyone is 'in stitches'

Rachel herself later described her laugh as a 'gateway sound', explaining that one giggle inevitably leads to another, possibly a snort, and before you know it everyone is 'in stitches' 

Steven followed with a speech that won over many viewers, describing himself as messy, clumsy and emotionally generous, with romance defined as sharing his last chicken nugget.

For a brief moment, it actually worked.

The pair shared an enthusiastic kiss, Rachel declared herself attracted and optimism bubbled over. 

Even the officiant seemed keen to wrap things up before another laughter-induced delay.

But then came the first crack.

As they posed for photos and soaked up the moment, Rachel noticed something missing. Compliments. Specifically, compliments directed at her.

She had repeatedly told Steven how handsome he looked in his blue suit and pink tie, yet felt the praise wasn't being returned. On her wedding day, no less.

While Steven eventually commented on her 'beautiful dress', the damage was already done.

What should have been a blissful newlywed bubble turned into the first hint of insecurity and unmet expectations.

And so, in true MAFS fashion, a wedding that began with laughter, tears and nervous charm ended with mild disappointment and a lingering question mark.

Married At First Sight continues Tuesday at 7.30pm on Channel Nine 

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