Married At First Sight’s ‘hottest bride ever’ Evelyn Ellis reveals the real reason Duncan James didn’t join her on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet

Evelyn Ellis made an unlikely appearance at the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday, but what set tongues wagging was the absence of boyfriend Duncan James.

The former Married At First Sight bride, 28, who rose to fame on the Channel Nine dating show last year, was suspiciously solo at the A-lister event in France. 

But the reality TV star was quick to assure Duncan, 37, couldn’t make it due to a scheduling clash, reported 9Entertainment.

‘I’ll be back [to Cannes] next year, hopefully with Duncan,’ she told the publication, revealing the cybersecurity expert was currently competing in a charity hike.

She went on to say Duncan was taking part in the YoungCare Twin Peaks charity challenge at Kosciuszko National Park in New South Wales. 

According to the not-for-profit’s website, the challenge sees ‘trekkers take on Australia’s top ten highest peaks’.

The site also includes messages from the competitors, with Duncan writing: ‘I decided to take on the 10 Peaks Challenge as I wanted to raise money for a cause that I care deeply about. 

‘I’ve seen first-hand the struggles and removal of choice that young people with high care needs are faced with.’

The former Married At First Sight bride who rose to fame on the Channel Nine dating show last year, was suspiciously solo at the A-lister event in France, but she was quick to assure Duncan couldn’t make it due to a scheduling clash, reported 9Entertainment 

He continued: ‘One of my close friends has been living with a physical disability that has impacted his independence and I want him and others just like him, to have the freedom of choice that we all take for granted.’

Despite Duncan’s absence on the 77th Cannes Film Festival’s red carpet, girlfriend Evelyn had no trouble turning heads. 

The breakout reality star looked rather out of place as she walked the red carpet alongside bona fide A-listers, looking racy in a sheer green gown by designer Madoh.

‘I’ll be back [to Cannes] next year, hopefully with Duncan,’ she told the publication, revealing the cybersecurity expert was currently competing in a charity hike

Evelyn, who was invited to the industry event as an ambassador for L’Oreal Paris, accessorised with jewellery from Aariya Diamonds. 

On arrival, the former Big Brother UK housemate turned heads as she posed for photographers poised on a grand marble staircase.

Social media photos of Evelyn getting ready for the red carpet show the brunette receiving a final makeup touch-up by renowned makeup artist Joseph Robertson. 

Her appearance at Cannes comes as a surprise to fans, as she only found fame after walking down the aisle with Brisbane sparkie Rupert Bugden last year.