He’s a self-proclaimed gentle giant with a goofy side.
But Married At First Sight star Dave Hand isn’t the man he appears to be on the show, according his ex-fiancée’s friend.
Stephanie Jaksch dated Dave for almost four years and they became engaged in late 2022.
But the pair ended their engagement just 12 months later and he is believed to have applied to star on dating show FBoy Island Australia not long after their split.
‘They split, and as we all found out, he went straight on to apply to go on reality TV,’ a close friend told New Idea.
The source claimed his application was unsuccessful but he was later offered a position on MAFS.
Married At First Sight star Dave Hand’s ex-fiancée has claimed he isn’t the man he appears to be on the show. Pictured Dave and Jamie
‘She’s had enough of his “good guy” narrative. Dave wasn’t ready for a serious relationship with Steph,’ they added.
‘That was very clear when they broke up. It is hard to imagine much had changed in the months between separating from her and going on.’
Dave has been paired with Jamie Marinos on the Channel Nine dating show.
Dave and his bride Jamie faced their biggest challenge yet at the fifth dinner party.
Jamie arrived ready for a fight, still reeling from what she saw as a betrayal by Carina and Rhi at the Couples Retreat.
She had expected their support, but instead, they had comforted Lauren following an argument, leaving Jamie feeling abandoned and blindsided.
Before stepping into the chaos, Jamie confided in Dave and their close ally, Teejay Halkias, making it clear she wasn’t backing down and wanted an apology.
But Carina and Rhi were not about to roll over, believing Jamie had been unfair in how she treated Lauren.
Stephanie Jaksch (pictured) dated Dave for almost four years and they became engaged in late 2022
But the pair ended their engagement just 12 months later and he is believed to have applied to star on dating show FBoy Island Australia not long after their split
As the dinner party began, Jamie wasted no time confronting Carina, accusing her of siding with Lauren and failing to have her back.
But Carina’s response only poured fuel on the fire – calling Jamie’s behaviour at the Retreat ‘mean girls antics.’
Jamie was furious. A heated argument erupted, and while most of the room watched in stunned silence, Dave stood firmly by Jamie’s side, offering quiet support.
It was a stark contrast to other couples crumbling under pressure as Dave’s unwavering loyalty proved once again why he and Jamie have been dubbed the strongest couple of the season.
With emotions running high, Jamie turned her attention to Rhi, making it clear she felt hurt and let down.
Unlike Carina, Rhi apologised, and Jamie accepted – but not without making it clear that Carina wasn’t getting the same grace.
The night ended with Carina storming away in tears, while Jamie and Dave remained united, proving once again that while friendships may fall apart, their relationship is only getting stronger.
Married At First Sight AustraliaDave Hand
