Earlier this year, UK viewers watched as Sam Ball commented on his on-screen wife's weight after meeting her for the first time on their wedding day. Now, two years after the comment was initially made, he's taken to social media to defend his actions.
Revealing a series of BTS Married At First Sight Australia titbits on his Instagram Story, the tradesman told followers that, prior to the remark in question, he had already told producers that 'wife' Elizabeth Sobinoff had 'a great smile, good eyes and good energy' when they then allegedly urged him to 'give [them] something more.'
Recounting what he said next, he recited 'Sure she's got a lovely family, can't wait to meet her more and spend time with her, and then they f---ing go off track, they manipulate you, they tell you what to say.'
Sam, who lives Canberra, explained that producers would keep asking the brides and grooms questions until they answered them 'the way they want you to answer.' He continued, 'I thought Lizzie was a lovely girl, I was trying to give her positive compliments until they told me to say what was said.' After meeting Lizzie at the altar, viewers watched as Sam told the cameras, 'I've never really dated girls as big as Elizabeth in the past.'
When their marriage inevitably flopped several weeks later (after Sam's affair with Ines Basic ), the pair went their separate ways but, in 2020, Lizzie took to Instagram to address comments - including Sam's - about her weight.
Underneath some of her social media snaps, fans remarked on the reality star's weight loss, with rude comments including, 'Eat a burger lovely. That is not a good look,' and 'You're fading away, you're so tiny now...'
In response, putting a stop to the commentary about her weight, the 29 year old wrote, 'You know the story of me being body shamed, cheated on etc. A lot of the comments I receive or dms are weight related. I’m just going to put a reminder out there... I’m Lizzie Sobinoff, not only did I participate in a show. I’m an actual person. Stop glorifying a f---ing "transformation" that is assumed to be from the result of a loser.'
Now, with her marriage to Sam and a second stint on MAFS behind her, Lizzie is currently dating her 'husband' from the show's seventh season, Seb Guilhaus.
READ MORE: Married At First Sight Australia: What Happened To The Couples From Season Six?
What Happened To The Couples From Married At First Sight Australia Season Six?
1 of 12Sam Ball and Elizabeth Sobinoff
Sam and Elizabeth might not have lasted, as Sam seemed far more interested in Ines. But Lizzie was the true winner - she was so popular with viewers she appeared on the next series of the show, finding love with Seb Guilhaus. But, sadly, they split earlier this month after a year together.
2 of 12Cyrell Jimenez and Nic Jovanovic
'Cyclone Cyrell' and Nic's tumultuous relationship was, sadly, not to last. But prepare for another reality TV crossover, as Cyrell now has a baby with Love Island runner-up Eden Dally, and Nic has just been praised for posting a sweet tribute to his ex.
3 of 12Lauren Huntriss and Matthew Bennett
One of the biggest storylines this season was about Matthew and his virginity, as he was repeatedly labelled as 'virgin'/'ex-virgin' Matt by the narrator. Anyway, Matthew was matched with Lauren - who, yes, he lost his virginity to - but it all went horribly wrong when Lauren heard Matthew telling the other guys at dinner that he wasn't sexually attracted to Lauren. AWKWARD. Lauren is still a make-up artist, we don't know if she's dating anyone. But on the other hand, self-confessed fitness enthusiast Matthew is loved up with a new girlfriend - who he met at a wrestling tryout.
4 of 12Mike Gunner and Heidi Latcham
Mike and Heidi's relationship was one which could have gone either way, but after the show, the pair split - announcing the sad news at the post-finale reunion special. 'Right after the final vows, Heidi and I went back to the Gold Coast together but it didn't take long and the wheels started coming off,' Mike explained. Heidi has said she hasn't spoken to her former husband since. From the looks of their Instagram pages, they still look single.
5 of 12Cam Merchant and Jules Robinson
Oh, Cameron and Jules. From the minute Jules and Cam had their first wedding dance without any music, we had an inkling they were in it for the long haul. And we were right! The pair now have a baby together, who was born in October last year, and tied the knot properly after the show. So, yes - sometimes this wild experiment does work.
6 of 12Melissa Lucarelli and Dino Hira
Probably the worst matched couple on the series, it isn't shock the pair called it quits on the show after Dino allegedly recorded a conversation Melissa was having with her sister about the wedding day. It appears both are still single.
7 of 12Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli
Martha and Michael were an extremely drama free pair (in comparison to everyone else) so it's no shock that they have actually managed to stay together. Yay!
8 of 12Ning Surasiang and Mark Scrivens
Eek. Another very up and down pair, Ning and Mark's relationship dissolved during the final commitment ceremony - with Mark dumping Ning, much to her shock. Following the show, Mark moved on with another former reality star, Bianca Chatfield – who appeared on home renovation show The Block. Ning also has a new partner, and has become a grandmother aged 35: her daughter has just given birth!
9 of 12Susie Bradley and Billy Vincent
Susie and Billy were one of the couples who married later in the experiment. From the get go, Susie kept on calling Billy awkward - even calling him a deeb at one point on their honeymoon. They split before the final commitment ceremony. Susie is now dating former rugby pro Todd Carney and they have a baby on the way. However, Billy appears to be single.
10 of 12Ines Basic and Bronson Norrish
We knew this relationship wasn't going to last from the moment Ines asked Bronson to take out his eyebrow ring. Ines went on to have an affair with Sam, which Sam has since claimed was faked by producers, and it all came out during an explosive commitment ceremony. Bronson is now a lot happier with girlfriend Hayley Wallis. And from her Instagram, Ines looks to be single at the moment.
11 of 12Jessika Power and Mick Gould
Major cracks started to show in Mick and Jessika's relationship, then Jessika went after one of the newly weds, Dan. Not a shock that Jessica and Mick didn't survive then…(Neither did her affair with Dan, btw.)
12 of 12Dan Webb and Tamara Joy
After these two fell apart thanks to Jessika and Dan's affair, Tamara was linked to Jessika's ex, Mick. The drama never stops.
READ MORE: How Much Are The Married At First Sight Cast Making On Instagram?