With the 12th season underway, Married At First Sight’s drama levels have reached new heights. Of course, the twists and turns on the dating show explain why it’s one of the most-watched shows in Australia. It also means that its immense popularity is all the more reason we need to see further diversity on the show. 

In the past, the likes of Sandy Jawanda, Collins Christian and Dino Hira have been examples of South Asian representation on MAFS. This year, Teejay Halkias has garnered a big fanbase – particularly amongst brown viewers who resonate with him (he’s proud of his Indian and Greek heritage). 

Having previously starred on Big Brother Season 15 in 2023, Teejay has now dived into the MAFS experience and been paired with Beth Kelly on the show.

Today, our Founder Alicia chats to Teejay to hear more about his connection to his cultural heritage, and his views on role models, family and relationships. 

Teejay, congrats on Married At First Sight! What are you looking for in a partner? 

I’m looking for someone that stimulates parts of me that have been neglected in past relationships, so mental and emotional stimulation is super important for me. Family is super important for me too, so having someone with the same morals there is a non-negotiable. And someone that wants kids!

MAFS has been known for showcasing greater cultural representation over the years, and I’m stoked to see you on the show this year. Are you able to share a more about your cultural background and how it has potentially shaped who you are? 

Yes, so my Dad is Greek and we have ties to Athens and Zakynthos in Greece and my Mum is Indian and our family is from Chennai in Southern India. If I am completely honest, growing up and having Indian heritage was usually never a ‘glamorous’ thing to other people unfortunately – due to stigmas that surround it – however, I am super proud of both my Greek and Indian heritage and wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s taught me to respect anyone from wherever they are in the world because regardless of what we look like on the outside, we are all the same colour on the inside.

As a brown person myself, I’ve grown up struggling to see a lot of other people who look like me on TV. What has your experience been when it comes to representation and role models in the media? 

I have always looked up to those who stand up for what they believe in regardless of skin colour. I ‘m lucky enough to have always had really strong figures around me through sports and my support network that support diversity, but it’s always nice to see cultural inclusion in media settings as we are such a diverse country.

By being on MAFS and having some Indian heritage, you’re inevitably representing South Asians in the process. How does that make you feel? Do you enjoy the opportunity or feel a huge responsibility? 

I feel extremely grateful to be in the position that I am in – unity and the breakdown of stigmas is incredibly important to me. I certainly am enjoying the opportunity to represent anyone that can resonate with me, I just hope I can do them proud! 

How did your family react to you going on MAFS? 

They were stoked! My family know how badly I want to be a husband and a father so they were super excited for me to take this first step toward that.

What was it like being a latecomer to the show? How did the rest of the group react?

Being a latecomer was nerve-racking! The group were very, very welcoming so that made Beth and I feel a lot more at ease.

Finally, what was the highlight of filming the show?

Definitely meeting my wife, Beth. I couldn’t believe they actually found a match for me if I’m honest.

Married At First Sight airs Monday to Wednesday at 7:30pm and on Sunday at 7pm on Channel Nine and 9Now.

Top image source: Channel Nine