Married At First Sight was back on Monday night, and the first wedding of the season left viewers reeling.
David and Alissa left fans at home covering their eyes and cringing after high-energy nurse and social media manager Alissa, 33, refused to say 'I do' before David got down on one knee and proposed.
That led to a protracted segment in which David, a 31-year-old rapper and e-commerce manager from Brisbane, tried to tactfully refuse the wild demand.
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 did what she asked.
'I can't marry you until you drop to one knee and propose to me,' she then told the stunned groom.
David and Alissa (pictured) left fans at home covering their eyes and cringing after high-energy nurse and social media manager, 33, refused to say 'I do' before David got down on one knee and proposed
That led to a protracted segment in which David (pictured), a 31-year-old rapper and e-commerce manager from Brisbane, tried to tactfully refuse the wild demand
However, he ultimately relented - but later admitted that Alissa's behaviour at the wedding ceremony had been a 'red flag'
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, he ultimately relented - but later admitted that Alissa's behaviour at the wedding ceremony had been a 'red flag'.
Viewers tuning in at home agreed, with many declaring that it was the most awkward wedding in the show's history.
'The second hand embarrassment is real. I would leave if I were him,' wrote one person on X.
Another said: 'This is the most awkward and vile viewing I think I've ever seen.'
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Viewers tuning in at home agreed, with many declaring that it was the most awkward wedding in the show's history
'Alissa carrying on like this - David should just leave,' wrote someone else.
'Right so Alissa is a bit bonkers,' commented another viewer, with one more writing, 'Jesus this is awkward...'
'I wouldn't commit to this crazy either,' said someone else, with another saying, 'Alissa is a massive red flag... demanding and doesn't trust anyone.'
'The reason his friends look like they're at David's funeral is because metaphorically they are. Dude's cooked,' wrote a concerned viewer.
One more said: 'She's such a walking red flag and the producers couldn't have given us any better for the first episode back!'
'This woman should be so embarrassed by her behaviour,' insisted someone else.
Married At First Sight continues Tuesday at 7.30pm on Channel Nine
