Where are they now? Tracing Australia's 'If You Are The One' contestants two years on

In 2015, 28 singles flew thousands of miles from Australia to China, hoping to find 'the one' on the popular Chinese dating show 'If You Are The One'. Two years on from the airing of this Australian special, SBS Mandarin sought to find out, how are they now? Did they actually find love on the show and did it last?

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Source: Supplied

The 11th of November might be marked elsewhere around the world as Remembrance Day but in China it is known as 'Double 11' day - aka the biggest singles day across the country. 

To mark the occasion, SBS Mandarin tracked a few contestants from the , to ask them how their love lives are going now and how participating in the show impacted on their lives.  

Here's what the contestants have to say.

Clarissa

Clarissa is now teaching English in Nanjing. She speaks native-level Mandarin and has appeared in China's biggest TV program, the Spring Festival Gala.
clarrisa
"Maybe I'm Chinese in my past life..." Source: SBS Media Centre
"My love story actually started the day before I arrived at Nanjing to record If You Are The One

"I had some trouble transferring from Shanghai to Nanjing. Instead of getting a flight, I was given a train ticket for the transfer.

"Coincidentally, my [now] husband flew from the US that day, and was also given a train ticket to his destination, Nanjing.

"Our seats were next to each other on the train. It was quite like magic. So when I was on If You Are the One the next day, I couldn't focus because my story had already begun."
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Clarissa and husband Source: Supplied
"I'm very happy now planning a small wedding with my husband.  We share everything, tell each other jokes, work around the house together, listen to each other's words carefully.

"Our marriage is happier than I ever imagined. I used to always feel that two people would have a lot of burden and sacrifice many things after marriage, but my husband brightens up my world and fills it with happiness everyday. 

"During filming for the show I got to know a lot of celebrities. Other than that there is not much change in my life.

"Maybe more people in China know me now. When my students search my name online my episode of the show comes up."

Thomas

Thomas studied overseas when he was 17. He now has his own company in the finance field. 

"I just came out of a two-year relationship - not with the girl I matched on the show, but another contestant!

"Now I'm focusing on my career, and getting a better understanding on what kind of girl would be compatible with me for the long term.
Tom
Thomas lives life to the fullest. Source: Supplied
"The biggest change since the show was to have met my ex-girlfriend. I am grateful for our relationship from which I’ve learned deeply about my shortcomings when it comes to love."

"I am glad I met a group of friends from If You Are The One. Those live in the same city still keep in touch. After the show, we travelled to Maldives and Myanmar together and had a great time."

"In Australia, it is very hard for men with 'Straight Men's Cancer' [a translation of a popular term in Chinese social media which refers to men with an attitude of male superiority and entitlement over women] to find a local girlfriend or a modern Asian woman as partner."

Benjamin

Benjamin now works in commercial property. He continues his love for Mandarin through social media and filming.
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Ben on a film set Source: Supplied
"Going on If You Are the One really was a dream come true. Although I am no longer together with the female contestant that I matched with on the show, I still believe in love."
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Ben feels Chinese inside. Source: SBS Media Centre
"I really like girls who have their own goals and dreams.

"My current love life has its ups and downs. 

"If there is a positive, optimistic and happy girl who is interested in me, she is welcome to leave a message and secure a date."

Annie

Annie continues to be active in the Australia China space, working tirelessly in the innovation front. 

"It's amazing to think that in a blink of an eye it has been two years since our filming of 'If You Are The One.'

"Since then, I've been very fortunate to have met a special man.

"Life has indeed its miraculous plans waiting for you, always have faith that there is that special someone out there for you.
Annie
Annie at work Source: SBS Media Centre
"Throughout the filming of the Australian Special, we got to know all the Australian contestants that went on our episodes, it was quite a special experience for us and we have made some life long friendships with incredible memories to cherish.

"I find as the information and technology age advances, people are more accepting and popularising online dating to new people.

"It is a great platform to meet and learn from people from all walks of life. I know quite a few friends who have found their special someone this way."

Malcolm

Malcolm and Mandy are so far the only successfully matched couple from the 2015 edition. Matched together on air, they had actually met beforehand when they were best man and maid of honour for Mandy's sister's wedding. Knowing Malcolm was going to be on the show, Mandy signed up too.

And in a true fairytale ending, they are now getting married! 

"Mandy and I are renovating our new house and preparing for the wedding."
"Before going on the Australian edition, I was set to go to the UK.

"My plan was to experience a different life or travel with friends or by myself.

"I had never thought I'd find my partner through the show. My plans for the future has been turned around, but in a perfect way.
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Wang and Chen has tied the knot. Source: Supplied
"For most of my life [Malcolm is now 33], I wasn't always in a relationship and considered myself quite independent.

"Also, I think finding love or a long term companion is more challenging nowadays than before (despite having more dating apps).

"So whether you are a single girl or a single boy, I think the most important thing is knowing who you are and being happy with your circumstances.

"And if the right one comes along, then that's a nice bonus. Life can be just as fulfilling."

Catch the new-look  on Sunday nights at 7:20pm on SBS VICELAND and streaming online at.

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6 min read
Published 8 November 2017 4:07pm
Updated 12 August 2022 3:54pm
By Heidi Han, Lucy Lv


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