MAFS’ Alycia recalls tough times with brother Edan

Her heartwarming bond with her brother captured hearts on Monday’s premiere of Married At First Sight.

And Alycia Galbraith has revealed that her brother Edan, who is special needs, was worried he would be ‘teased’ after making his TV debut this week.

The 28-year-old also touched on her ‘tough times’ with her sibling and said that ultimately, their struggles have only brought them closer.

‘Edan was so upset last night worrying that everyone would tease him for opening up about his disability on national television,’ she wrote on Instagram.

‘But he has been thoroughly reassured that he is very loved & we couldn’t be more proud! 

She added: ‘Although we have had some really tough times throughout the years, I wouldn’t for a second change him.’

Grateful: Alycia thanked fans for their warm response to Edan in a lengthy Instagram post

Proud sister: ‘My heart is filled with a beautiful warmth after seeing & hearing about how supportive so many have been of my brother Edan who was such an important part of Mat [Lockett] & my special day,’ she wrote

The bubbly student from South Australia went on to thank the public for their support and warm response to Edan and said she couldn’t be prouder to be his sister.

‘My heart is filled with a beautiful warmth after seeing & hearing about how supportive so many have been of my brother Edan who was such an important part of Mat [Lockett] & my special day,’ she wrote.

It comes after fans gushed over a special moment that Alycia’s ‘groom’ Matt shared with Edan on their wedding day.

Alycia gushed about Mat’s actions when he met in a quiet and private room, away from the wedding reception. 

‘He was so kind and gentle. I actually sobbed‘: Fans react to sweet moment MAFS husband Mat meets bride Alycia’s special needs brother Edan at their wedding reception

Alycia had led Mat away from the noisy celebrations to properly introduce her ‘husband’ to her patiently-waiting brother.

‘If we could have a chat to my brother, just over there… I would really, really, really love that. Thank you so much,’ she said to her man.

Sitting down on a set of lounge-style chairs, Mat immediately said with a warm smile: ‘It’s lovely to meet you mate.’

Alycia then promoted Edan to tell Mat a little about himself. 

‘I live in South Australia and I’ve got Aspergers and a bit of autism,’ he told Mat, adding, ‘So I work at a workplace for people with a disability.’ 

‘I live in South Australia and I’ve got Aspergers and a bit of autism’: Alycia’s brother introduced himself to his sister’s TV ‘husband’ Mat

‘I hope I can gain your trust too, mate… I look forward to spending time with you too’: Continuing the friendly chat, Mat genuinely smiled as he spoke to the sibling

Continuing the friendly chat, Mat told Eden: ‘I hope I can gain your trust too mate, because obviously letting your sister do something like this is a pretty big step… And I hope that you know your sister’s in very good hands.’

‘… And I look forward to spending time with you too mate,’ Mat said genuinely with a smile.

‘Yep, yeah, that’ll be good,’ Eden responded, appearing to get along with his sister’s new TV ‘husband’, later letting Mat hug him goodbye.

The moment was very special for Alycia, who told the cameras: ‘I feel like not everyone would have the patience or time for someone like my brother who does have a disability, so for him to go out of his way above and beyond, that’s just amazing.’

‘Not everyone would have the patience or time for someone like my brother who does have a disability’: Eden appeared to get along with his sister’s new TV ‘husband’, later letting Mat hug him goodbye

‘What beautiful people and he was so wonderful with her brother’: Viewers were pleased with Mat and Alycia being placed together and how Mat was ‘kind and gentle’ with Eden

Fans took to Twitter to comment on the sweet exchange, writing: ‘The pairing of Alycia and Mat is amazing. What beautiful people and he was so wonderful with her brother.’

‘Mat is so sweet with Alycia’s brother,’ another added.

Other claimed the short segment brought a tear to their eyes: ‘Omg why am I crying at #mafs does Mat come in duplicate? What a sweet man’ and ‘Mat was so kind and gentle to Alycia’s brother. I actually sobbed.’ 

‘I actually sobbed’: Fans admitted the brief chat brought tears to their eyes

Running late: The larrikin tradie had a rocky start on the show on Tuesday night – leaving his bride Alycia Galbraith waiting at the altar

‘It’s so important for our couples to make a positive impression on each other’s friends and family’: Earlier in the show, relationship and dating coach Mel Schilling talked about the significance of the meeting with Alycia’s brother going well

Earlier in the show, relationship and dating coach Mel Schilling talked about the significance of the meeting going well.

‘It’s so important for our couples to make a positive impression on each other’s friends and family,’ said said.

‘Feeling accepted by your partner’s loved ones can really enhance that sense of connected-ness in the relationship.’

Married At First Sight airs on Channel Nine from 7.30pm Monday to Thursday

Follow their journey! Married At First Sight airs on Channel Nine from 7.30pm Monday to Thursday