From Fan-Favourite Couple to a Painful Admission Seven Months Later

MAFS fam, amidst a season full of broken marriages and mutual accusations, Rachel Gilmore and Steven Danyluk were a rare bright spot. They were the couple fans truly believed in – the ones who weathered the storms, walked out of Final Vows together, and promised a future side by side.

But just weeks after leaving the TV spotlight, everything fell apart. And now, seven months after their breakup, Steven has given a painfully honest update on their relationship.

MAFS couple Rachel and Steven are no longer together after their time in the experimen

Steven admits he still often thinks about “what ifs,” but it was Rachel who closed the door. “That ship has most likely sailed. Sucks,” he said.

Let’s look back at this heartbreaking love story.

“We Still Talk Every Day, But She Ended All Hope”

1. Steven Admits the Pain and the Lingering “What Ifs”

In an interview with Chattr, Steven spoke candidly about where his relationship with Rachel stands now, seven months after they split.

“Currently me and Rachel are broken up unfortunately, but we are good friends. We’re cordial. Everything is good. We still talk almost every day and we’re working with each other to get through this. Watching it back has been an experience.”

Steven admitted that watching their journey back on screen has been emotional.

“It has been emotional. I do have that ‘What if’ sometimes but no, Rachel did say to me on Stan that it’s all over. That ship has most likely sailed. Sucks.”

 

2. Rachel Closed the Door – And Steven Respects That

Although Steven still harbours “what if” feelings, he confirms that Rachel was the one who ended any chance of reconciliation. And he respects her decision.

Notably, neither Steven nor Rachel has dated anyone else since the MAFS experiment ended in October 2025. This suggests both are still healing – and perhaps, feelings still linger.

3. Rachel Has Made Peace with the Ending

While Steven still wrestles with “what ifs,” Rachel seems to have found her own peace.

On Instagram, she posted an emotional statement, officially closing the chapter on her love story with Steven:

“There was so much of our story that never made it to screen — the quiet moments, the laughter, the depth of what we were building together. What we shared was real, and it was special in a way that I’ll always carry with me. I’ll never regret this journey or the love I found in it. But not every chapter is meant to last forever, and I think I’ve finally made peace with that.”

 

4. Why Did They Break Up Just Weeks After Final Vows?

As we’ve previously covered, the main reason for Rachel and Steven’s breakup was the pressure of real life after leaving the show.

Steven, an entrepreneur with his own business, returned to chaos: his business had been “stagnant” for three months while filming, he faced financial pressure, and he was battling a health issue. He admitted he couldn’t give Rachel the attention and commitment she deserved at that time.

Rachel, a Melbourne-based recruiter, couldn’t keep waiting for a man who couldn’t make her a priority. She repeatedly expressed frustration over Steven’s inability to compromise and take accountability when things went wrong.

A Sad Ending, But a Respectful One

Rachel and Steven may not have gotten the fairytale ending fans hoped for. They loved, they hurt, and ultimately, they let go. But what’s admirable is that they still have respect and friendship for each other – a rare thing in the drama-filled world of MAFS.

Steven still thinks about “what ifs.” Rachel has made peace with her ending. Neither has found new love. And perhaps, that’s how they’re healing.

Their story is a reminder that sometimes, true love isn’t enough to overcome real-life challenges. And sometimes, the best thing you can do is let go, heal, and hope the other person finds happiness – even if it’s not with you.