He’s the cheeky chap who rose to fame in 2022 on Married At First Sight, before having a memorable stint on Love Island Australia.
And now Al Perkins has opened up about the highs and lows of his reality TV journey and life after the show.
The 27-year-old spoke to Ny Breaking Australia to offer a rare glimpse into the fleeting nature of fame and the realities of life after the cameras stop rolling.
Married At First Sight groom Al Perkins has opened up about the highs and lows of his reality TV journey and life after the show
The 27-year-old spoke to Ny Breaking Australia to offer a rare glimpse into the fleeting nature of fame and the realities of life after the cameras stop rolling. (Pictured on MAFS with his ‘wife’ Samantha Moitzi on screen)
Feeling the pressure of fading fame
‘I feel worried. I’m going to be old news,” Al admitted with a sense of urgency, reflecting the transience of reality TV stardom.
His concerns about being “washed up” echo the sentiments of former cast members who struggle to stay relevant in an ever-changing entertainment landscape.
Recalling the initial excitement of seeing himself on the small screen for the first time, Al reminisced: “I remember when the adverts came out (for MAFS) and little Ny Breaking articles would pop up… and you would share them all to your family and friends.’
However, this excitement seems to have faded with time as he realizes the inevitability of being overshadowed by newer competitors.
‘I feel worried. I’m going to be old news,” Al admitted with a sense of urgency, reflecting the transience of reality TV stardom
The reality of reality TV
Al’s stint on the show has been a journey of self-discovery, especially seeing himself as others do.
“How awful I look in real life… and how stupid I look sometimes,” he reflected, noting how the show held up a mirror to his mannerisms and speech patterns.
‘Imagine seeing that on TV every day. Every night. So yeah, I think the biggest thing I learned is that I am really ugly.”
His concerns about being “washed up” echo the sentiments of former cast members struggling to stay relevant in an ever-changing entertainment landscape.
This often harsh self-awareness is a byproduct of his reality TV experience.
Reflecting on his failed TV marriage to fashion brand manager Samantha Moitzi, Al described it in three words: “Foolish, brutal and destructive.”
He acknowledged his role in the demise of the relationship, citing differences in physical preferences and personalities.
Reflecting on his failed TV marriage to fashion brand manager Samantha Moitzi, Al described it in three words: ‘Foolish, brutal and destructive’
Life outside the show
Since appearing on Married At First Sight and Love Island Australia, Al hasn’t slowed down.
The reality star, who is religious, has dabbled in lucrative club appearances and missionary work in East Timor.
His work-life balance includes carpentry and managing multiple investment properties while still enjoying the comforts of home life.
Since appearing on Married At First Sight and Love Island Australia, Al has not slowed down and has remained busy with missionary work.
Addressing the financial side
Al shed light on the financial aspects of reality TV fame.
“MAFS pays you a little over a grand a week… But it’s only after the post-approvals that you make your money,” he revealed.
Al said he made a total of about $25,000 by going to nightclubs around the country and partying with fans.
Al explained that he was paid $1000-$2000 per performance for each performance.
Al said he made a total of about $25,000 from appearing at nightclubs around the country and partying with fans
This hectic schedule flew Perkins around the country with his co-stars, gracing clubs with his presence almost every weekend for months.
Although the experience was exhilarating, Perkins didn’t shy away from talking about the toll it took on him. “It was fun,” he admitted, “but it takes a lot out of your body. You drink all the time.’
Perkins felt a strong sense of responsibility to his fans and the clubs that paid him.
Perkins felt a strong sense of responsibility to his fans and the clubs that paid him
He was determined to give the audience the best experience, which often meant amping up the party atmosphere.
“If someone pays me that much money, I want to turn it up,” he said, demonstrating his commitment to living up to his public persona.
One of the wildest aspects of these performances was participating in the Australian tradition of a ‘shoey’ – drinking from a shoe – something that Perkins seemed to embrace wholeheartedly.
“I did every shoe thrown at me. I just went wild,” he recalled.
Despite his experiences, Al’s views on love and marriage remain unchanged, although he now recognizes the complexity of these concepts. Pictured with friend Hope Kelesis
Love and marriage: a new perspective
Despite his experiences, Al’s views on love and marriage remain unchanged, although he now recognizes the complexity of these concepts.
“I realize now that love is probably really hard,” he mused, reflecting on his naivete before joining MAFS.
“Before I went on the show, I thought, ‘Oh, it’s easy, falling in love or getting married or doing all these things.’ But it’s not, it’s damn hard. You have to really like each other.’
When Al was questioned about his current relationship status, he insisted that things were going “good” between him and his girlfriend Hope Kelesis, despite rumors of a breakup.
“Hope and I are good. A lot of people talk about it, but yes. All I can say is that we are doing well,” he reassured.
When Al was questioned about his current relationship status, he insisted that things were going “good” between him and his girlfriend Hope, despite rumors of a breakup.
