The fertile grounds of reality television were once again tendered to last night, with Seven’s launch of Farmer Wants a Wife for 2025.
Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski (who returns after former host Samantha Armytage jumped ship to Nine to front The Golden Bachelor) ,the show kicked off at the Convent Hotel in the Hunter Valley, introducing Australia to four new farmers: Corey, Jarrad, Thomas, and Tom.
The journey began with a series of one-on-one speed dates, where the farmers had the chance to connect with their ladies on a personal level.
Thomas’ heart stolen by Clarette
South Australian farmer Thomas, 35, couldn’t hide his admiration for 35-year-old Clarette, an English teacher. “She took my breath away,” he confessed. “She’s beautiful.”
Thomas also felt an instant connection with several other ladies, including 32-year-old public servant Ellen, 31-year-old FIFO mine site administrator Claire, 34-year-old construction coordinator Rachel, and 33-year-old blasting specialist Nat.
Corey blushes on speed dates
Queensland farmer Corey, 24, was upfront about his search for a “soulmate.” His first speed date with 26-year-old primary school teacher Jadee left him feeling like a lovesick teenager.
“I couldn’t stop blushing. I couldn’t stop smiling,” he admitted.
Corey’s connection didn’t stop there, as he bonded with 23-year-old administration officer Hunter, 26-year-old registered nurse Chelsea, and 22-year-old dental assistant Rosie. However, it was 22-year-old optometrist Keeley who truly resonated with Corey.
The two immediately clicked over family ties, and Corey became emotional when sharing the memory of his late grandfather. After wiping away his tears, the two shared a lighthearted moment that strengthened their bond.
First impressions lead to farm invitations
Back in the Convent barrel room, both Corey and Thomas made their selections for the ladies they would invite to their farms:
Farmer Corey invited: Jadee, Keeley, Hunter, Rosie, and Chelsea.
Farmer Thomas invited: Clarette, Claire, Rachel, Nat, and Ellen.
Executive producer Sylvia D’Souza
A headline-making twist
Executive producer Sylvia D’Souza confirmed to Mediaweek the unexpected twist that one of the farmers leaves the series midway through production, dramatically altering the course of the season, but there’s still a successful outcome.
“All the farmers in this season find love. Was it easy? Probably not… We’ve had two women walk out after 24 hours on the farm, and one farmer quits halfway through.”
Despite the dramatic exits, D’Souza insists the show remains grounded in authenticity: “We don’t need to manufacture the show, there’s plenty in real life to draw from. But yes, it was tense.”
While drama inevitably unfolds, the show’s heart remains in its celebration of genuine relationships.
“It is one of the few shows that has real love,” said D’Souza. “Look, I say real love, and lots of people go, ‘No, no, it isn’t,’ but the results speak for themselves. These people are still together.”
Farmer Wants a Wife airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 7:30pm on Seven and 7plus.