Bryce Ruthven was a controversial participant on the reality TV show Married At First Sight Australia. Bryce was matched with Melissa Rawson on season 8 of the show in 2021. Their relationship was turbulent and sparked a lot of debate among viewers. Now that the show has ended, many fans are wondering – what happened to Bryce after MAFS? Where is he now and what is he up to? This article will explore Bryce’s background, his time on MAFS, the aftermath of the show, and what he is doing now in 2022.
Bryce’s Background
Bryce Ruthven is originally from Melbourne, Australia. Prior to appearing on MAFS, he worked as a radio announcer on Hit104.7 Canberra. He had been working in radio for about 4 years before going on the show. Bryce was 31 years old when he joined the cast of MAFS in 2021.
Bryce on Married At First Sight
Bryce was matched with workplace trainer Melissa on the eighth season of MAFS Australia. Their wedding aired in early 2021 and they seemed to get along well initially. However, cracks in their relationship soon started to show. Bryce was often criticzed by Melissa and other cast members for making rude comments and not showing enough empathy or emotional intelligence.
Some of the key issues in Bryce and Melissa’s marriage included:
- Bryce making snide remarks about Melissa, like criticizing her for “not wearing makeup at home.”
- Bryce refusing to say “I love you” to Melissa.
- Bryce secretly recording an intimate conversation with Melissa and allowing his radio co-hosts to broadcast it publicly.
- Melissa finding out about Bryce’s “secret girlfriend” at home in Canberra.
The couple had frequent arguments and emotional breakdowns leading up to the final vows. Despite the turmoil, Bryce chose to stay in the relationship at the vow renewal ceremony. Melissa also agreed to continue the relationship, but ended things with Bryce off-camera a few weeks later.
Life after MAFS for Bryce
After the MAFS reunion aired in April 2021, Bryce returned to Canberra and his radio career. However, the backlash from his behaviour on MAFS was swift. A petition calling for Hit104.7 to fire Bryce gained over 35,000 signatures. The station ultimately dropped him as an on-air announcer.
In June 2021, Woman’s Day magazine published an article claiming Bryce had a secret girlfriend in Canberra the whole time he was filming MAFS. The girlfriend confirmed the story, sharing details of their relationship overlapping with MAFS filming. This added more controversy to Bryce’s already troubled reputation.
Bryce largely stayed quiet on social media after the show wrapped up. Besides a few cooking videos and gym updates, he seemed to be lying low following the MAFS drama.
What is Bryce doing now in 2022?
According to recent updates, it appears Bryce has moved past radio and is exploring some new career options. Here are a few details on what he is up to now:
- Has started a business called Ruthven Advisory Group focused on corporate consulting and advising.
- Is working on a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA). Has indicated some interest in investing, finance, and entrepreneurship.
- Still maintains his passion for fitness, nutrition, and bodybuilding.
- Has been posting travel photos in 2022 visiting destinations like Queenstown, New Zealand.
- Made an Instagram post in January 2022 announcing he had bought a property.
While Bryce is keeping a relatively low profile compared to his MAFS days, he does seem focused on advancing his education and career. He appears to be turning over a new leaf by starting his own business venture.
Bryce and Melissa’s Relationship Now
Bryce and Melissa did not continue their relationship after filming wrapped up. In July 2021, Melissa told Daily Mail Australia that her relationship with Bryce ended shortly after the MAFS reunion was taped in April.
Melissa said Bryce’s lack of empathy and refusal to acknowledge problems, like the secret girlfriend, led to their breakup. She was ready to part ways and move on.
Both Melissa and Bryce now seem to be living separate lives. Melissa is thriving as a social media influencer with over 230,000 Instagram followers. She is also an ambassador for the charity Smile Train.
As for reconciliation between the exes – the chances seem very slim. Melissa has said she has no interest in reconnecting with Bryce in the future based on his hurtful behaviours.
Conclusion
Bryce Ruthven’s time on Married At First Sight was full of conflict and dramatics. His treatment of “wife” Melissa Rawson upset many viewers. Since the show wrapped, Bryce appears to have moved on with new career goals focused on business and finance. He is no longer working in radio. Melissa split from him shortly after filming and is enjoying influencer success. The exes are firmly in the past now. While Bryce’s reputation took a hit from MAFS, he seems to be rebuilding his life and working towards a more positive future. Only time will tell if he can truly turn over a new leaf and bounce back after reality TV.