Married At First Sight’s Troy and Carly: A Love Story Beyond the Experiments

When Married At First Sight Australia season five aired, it sparked intrigue, drama, and genuine connections far beyond what the show’s matchmakers could envision. Two contestants in particular, Troy Delmege and Carly Bowyer, captured national attention with their unplanned romance. Today, their journey continues to fascinate MAFS fans who wonder: How did their relationship unfold? Are they still together? And what are Troy and Carly doing now?

Who Are Troy Delmege and Carly Bowyer?

Troy Delmege was a 38-year-old IT accounts manager from Sydney when he joined Married At First Sight Australia in 2018. With a penchant for quirky humor and a positive outlook, Troy hoped to find lasting love on the reality experiment. Carly Bowyer, 32 at the time, hailed from Melbourne and worked as a marketing manager. Driven, confident, and charismatic, Carly was also looking for a genuine connection that the show promised to deliver.

The MAFS Experiment: Matchmaking Blunders and New Beginnings

Both Troy and Carly entered the experiment with high hopes, but their initial ‘expert’ pairings didn’t pan out as planned:

  • Troy Delmege & Ashley Irvin: Despite their initial wedding day enthusiasm, Troy and Ashley’s relationship quickly soured. Ashley, a flight attendant from Brisbane, and Troy found themselves incompatible almost as soon as the honeymoon started. Their communication styles clashed, and mutual attraction faded as the experiment progressed.
  • Carly Bowyer & Justin Fischer: Similarly, Carly was paired with Justin, but their connection fizzled before the season was even halfway through. Reports suggest that Carly and Justin’s pairing lacked chemistry, leading to an early breakup and both going their separate ways.

The failed initial matches left Troy and Carly single within the experiment. But it also created space for an unexpected relationship that would soon blossom.

Unexpected Connection: How Troy and Carly Came Together

Behind the scenes, as the experiment unfolded, Troy and Carly began to notice a spark each time they interacted. According to multiple interviews and reunion revelations, the pair were continually drawn to each other whenever they were in the same room, despite not having been matched by the experts.

After both of their initial relationships ended, Troy and Carly’s friendship deepened. The two embarked on a romance which was soon made public after the filming of the show concluded. They became an official couple and decided to reveal their relationship at the highly anticipated reunion, surprising castmates and fans alike.

Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz

  • Reunion Revelation: At the post-experiment reunion—which takes place about six weeks after the official conclusion—Troy and Carly arrived together, sharing their story and confirming they had been dating since leaving the experiment.
  • Fan Reactions: The coupling shocked some viewers, as the pair’s initial journey on the show showed little indication of a romance. But others celebrated their chemistry, praising their willingness to pursue happiness outside of show-imposed pairings.
  • Social Media Posts: Both Troy and Carly frequently documented their new romance on Instagram, sharing photos, date night snippets, and playful captions. Their openness helped fans connect with their story even after their official time on MAFS ended.

Together After the Show: The Post-MAFS Romance

Following the reunion, Troy and Carly gave their relationship a genuine shot away from the cameras. They embarked on a whirlwind nine-month romance filled with travel, joint media appearances, and further public declarations of their feelings.

In interviews, both shared how their romance felt destined, crediting their emotional connection and mutual values for bringing them together against the odds. Carly described how their initial date ‘just felt right’ and that she appreciated Troy’s positive and affectionate nature.

Memorable Moments from Their Relationship

  • Travel Adventures: Troy and Carly enjoyed several trips across Australia together, sharing highlights on their social platforms.
  • Public Support: The couple received an outpouring of support from fans of the show, who saw them as proof that sometimes real connections emerge despite, not because of, the show’s matchmaking process.
  • Collaborative Appearances: The two occasionally appeared together in media interviews, discussing both their time on the show and their post-MAFS life as a couple.

The Breakup: Why Troy and Carly Split

Despite their chemistry and public affection, Troy and Carly eventually reached a crossroads in their relationship. Nine months after going public, the couple announced their split, shocking fans who believed the two had found lasting happiness. Their breakup was handled with candor and maturity, as both addressed the reasons behind their decision online and in interviews.

Official Announcement

Carly took to Instagram to share the news with fans, writing from the heart: “Nine months ago, we threw ourselves head first into a relationship that, despite all odds, felt like it was destined to be. We fell in love and experienced some truly incredible moments together… Unfortunately, we’ve decided that this is best for us both.” [instagram.com, paraphrased]

Reasons for the Split

  • Different Priorities: Both Troy and Carly cited personal growth and the pursuit of their individual goals as reasons for parting ways.
  • Distance and Logistics: Living in different cities—Troy in Sydney and Carly in Melbourne—made it challenging to maintain their relationship as life’s demands intensified.
  • Public Pressure: The scrutiny from media and fans added strain to their private lives, with both acknowledging how difficult it can be to nurture a relationship under the spotlight.

Post-Split Statements

  • Carly and Troy emphasized their respect and affection for each other, insisting they remained on good terms following the breakup.
  • Both thanked their supporters and the MAFS community for their continued interest and kind messages.

Where Are They Now?

Carly Bowyer: Life After Troy

Since her split with Troy, Carly Bowyer has moved forward both personally and professionally. Carly found love again with actor Neil Goldsmith. She has been open about her new relationship and shares updates on Instagram, where she has a strong following.

  • New Relationship: Carly and Neil Goldsmith have enjoyed over a year together, often posting their relationship milestones on social media.
  • Motherhood: Carly announced her pregnancy in 2020, sharing her excitement as she entered the 27th week and prepared to welcome her first child.
  • Social Media Influence: With over 90,000 Instagram followers, Carly continues to engage audiences with snapshots from her everyday life and insights on relationships and motherhood.

Carly remains a beloved figure in the reality TV community and has embraced her evolving role as a mother and influencer.

Troy Delmege: Finding Self and New Adventures

While Troy has kept a comparatively lower profile after the breakup, he still resides in Sydney and is reportedly single. His social media is peppered with updates on personal ventures, health, and lifestyle.

  • Single Life: As of the last available updates, Troy has not reported a new romantic relationship.
  • Public Appearances: Troy continues to occasionally participate in interviews and reality TV circuits.
  • Maintaining Positivity: True to his upbeat persona, Troy often discusses well-being and staying optimistic amidst life’s twists and turns.

Reflections: What Can We Learn from Troy and Carly’s MAFS Journey?

The story of Carly Bowyer and Troy Delmege is as much about personal growth and resilience as it is about romance. Their journey underscores several powerful realities about life and love on reality television:

  • Authentic Connections Can’t Be Forced: Despite meticulous matchmaking, some of the strongest bonds form unexpectedly, outside the boundaries of the show’s formulas.
  • Respectful Endings Matter: Carly and Troy’s mature, respectful handling of their breakup set a positive example for reality TV couples everywhere.
  • Life Goes On: Both individuals have thrived post-experiment, carving out new paths and embracing new chapters with enthusiasm.
  • Behind the Scenes: The real drama and triumphs sometimes happen after cameras stop rolling—underscoring the authenticity of experience over televised moments.

Table: Troy and Carly at a Glance

Aspect Troy Delmege Carly Bowyer
Hometown Sydney Melbourne
Original MAFS Match Ashley Irvin Justin Fischer
Relationship Duration 9 months post-show
Breakup Announcement 2018 via Instagram
Current Status (as of 2020) Single, Sydney Partnered with Neil Goldsmith, expecting a child
Instagram Followers Not specified 96,000+

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Troy and Carly still together?

No, Troy and Carly broke up approximately nine months after starting their public relationship, despite initially strong chemistry and fan support.

Why did Troy and Carly break up?

They cited different priorities, difficulties managing a long-distance romance, and the pressures of public scrutiny as key factors for their respectful split.

What are Carly and Troy doing now?

Carly is in a happy relationship with Neil Goldsmith, has become a mother, and remains active as an influencer. Troy lives in Sydney, is reportedly single, and still appears occasionally in media.

Did Troy and Carly leave Married At First Sight as a couple?

No, they were matched with other partners on the show and connected romantically only after their original pairings ended.

How do Troy and Carly feel about their journey?

Each has spoken positively about the experience, emphasizing how it led them to learn about themselves and what they value in relationships, regardless of the outcome.

Key Takeaways from Troy and Carly’s Love Story

  • Some of the deepest connections occur unexpectedly, even in highly structured environments.
  • Lasting relationships require more than chemistry: timing, priorities, and mutual growth are also key.
  • Public figures face unique relationship pressures, but respectful communication is always in style.
  • Life after reality TV can be fulfilling, with new beginnings often following the end of high-profile romances.