MAFS' Jesse weighs in on Jono and Ellie's cheating scandal: 'Silly'

He found himself at the centre of the drama last season when his bride Claire Nomarhas kissed another groom in the experiment, and now Married At First Sight’s Jesse Burford has shared his thoughts on this year’s ‘cheating scandal’.

It was revealed during the recent commitment ceremony that Jono McCullough had been secretly texting Ellie Dix multiple times a week behind his partner Lauren Dunn’s back.

While Jono insisted nothing was going on between them and they were simply messaging as ‘friends’, it’s since been revealed that Jono and Ellie entered into a romantic relationship shortly after he left the show and are still together now.

During an appearance on Yahoo Lifestyle’s Behind the Edit podcast, season 10 groom Jesse Burford unpacked the scandal and revealed whether he thinks Jono actually ‘cheated’ on Lauren by texting Ellie.

“It definitely doesn't classify as cheating in the traditional sense of how we know it where you either kiss or sleep with someone. But are you technically doing the wrong thing by the experiment? I would say yes,” he shared.

“I think a lot of cast members go into the show not realising you need to go at this experiment like it truly is a bonafide legit marriage. And if you behave outside of the confines of what we describe the healthy suitable marriage to be, then you're done.”

RELATED:

• MAFS’ Jesse reveals X-rated DMs from fans: 'Pretty crazy'

• MAFS: Truth about Jono and Ellie's 'cheating scandal' as production timeline leaks

• MAFS' Jack drops huge bombshell about Jono and Ellie's cheating scandal

Jesse added that if you do anything against your partner on the show, the cast and production crew will “jump on that and make you out to be a worse person for doing that than you truly are”.

“So I wouldn't hold it against Jono for texting what he describes as a ‘friend’, but I would say it was a silly thing to do because you know the environment of this show is looking to nab you any chance they can,” he continued. “So just don't do it. Save yourself.”

Ben speaks out about Ellie and Jono’s romance

This comes shortly after Ellie’s on-screen ‘husband’ Ben Walters told Behind the Edit that he always thought there was a “vibe” between Ellie and Jono during filming.

“I’m not sure if Ellie was aware of it, perhaps she was, perhaps she wasn’t, but I just knew that Jono completely had eyes for Ellie. I had no doubt whatsoever,” he shared.

“I had no way of knowing, but I called it in my voxxies [piece-to-camera interviews]. I predicted it about a month [earlier]. I said it wouldn't surprise me because there was something there. I didn't think they would have the courage to do it, so bravo for doing it.”

SHOP:

• The steroid-free eczema range that gets rid of itchy, inflamed skin

• The booty-sculpting pants that have sold over 10 million pairs

• New 'fun and delicious' Swisse gummy vitamins loved by popular Aussie duo

Ben went on to say that while he was “a bit hurt” that his ex had moved on with someone else from the cast, he is ultimately happy for them.

“I knew that I wasn't a great match for Ellie,” he reflected. “When you actually look at them on paper it actually makes good sense, so I do wish them well, seriously.

“You’re on there for genuine reasons, you want love, and if you found it, that's fantastic. But it did start, especially from Jono’s side, prior. I have no doubt in my mind and I picked it before it even happened.”

Love MAFS? Don't miss our new vodcast Behind the Edit - available wherever you get your podcasts.

Subscribe to our MAFS newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Got a story tip? Email us now.