'You sound like a living nightmare': Melinda goes head-to-head with Harrison in fiery Dinner Party row on MAFS 2023

The experts watching the fifth Married at First Dinner Party described Harrison as a "wrecking ball", with John Aiken remarking that the controversial groom had an unnerving ability to destabilise his fellow brides and grooms.

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Their comments came after a night filled with confrontation, drama and heartbreak.

Harrison's wife Bronte left in tears, their marriage in tatters. Harrison then took the chance to then throw a huge emotional grenade at Claire and Jesse, unleashing Jesse's greatest fears and leaving him questioning his ability to ever trust Claire and his belief in the marriage overall.

It was also the night that Harrison met his match, in the form of Melinda.

Munching his meal, a smirk lingered on Harrison's face. "And now he's thinking, 'I'm untouchable,'" John commented, observing the fallout of the evening.

But there was one person who wasn't intimidated by Harrison – Melinda. And she was ready to take him on.

READ MORE: Harrison's comments leave Claire and Jesse's relationship on the brink of ruin

"I actually feel like we're in a circus tonight." Melinda said wryly. "And we've got Harrison doing circus tricks.

"But I'm watching you," she noted. "I'm always watching."

And when things seemed to settle, Melinda seized her moment.

Watch the video above, as the two went head-to-head in a Dinner Party clash.

As the conversation eased, Melinda decided to put the spotlight on Harrison. "Where to from here?" she asked him, pointing out he and Bronte were in separate apartments and she had left the Dinner Party, utterly distraught.

"I just don't see a future for us," Harrison said, sadly.

READ MORE: Bronte and Harrison's entire MAFS journey

Melinda narrowed her eyes. "Just overnight? Just like that?" she questioned. "You were like, falling in love."

Harrison eyed her, expressionless.

"No?" Melinda prompted.

Harrison snapped. "What are you digging for?" he asked, adding he felt he had explained the situation.

But Melinda didn't falter – saying she was not in fact, digging. Rather, she was calling Harrison out.

Evelyn and Alyssa piped up they agreed with Melinda, and Harrison shared that much like what had happened that evening with Jesse, Melinda's words during the Couple's Retreat had struck a nerve with Bronte.

Even Ollie, who staunchly remains neutral, could see things weren't going well for the beleaguered groom.

"When Harrison gets backed in a corner he really ducks and weaves," he said.

"The table sees you, Harrison," noted expert Mel Schilling, as Melinda laughed: "This is the performance that has been going on all year and here is his worst act in the world. We all see through it.

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"I feel like I just got handed these tickets to a performance and I'm just wondering where I can get a refund," she asked Harrison as Ollie threw up an admiring fist pump at her words.

Melinda did not break a sweat as Harrison wiped his chin. "He's stewing on it," observed John Aiken.

He may have been, but he was also thinking of a few choice words which he then served up to Melinda. "You sound like a living nightmare," Harrison told her, as the group collectively groaned.

"Harrison mate, you can't go there," said Melinda's husband Layton, as the other brides and grooms turned on Harrison.

Melinda, however, didn't flinch. "This is what you do," she said calmly. "You throw little grenades and then they go off as you walk away.

"Just stop, Harrison. Stop. At the end of the day, you're not worth my time."

You could almost hear the 'ding, ding, ding' as the two raised their imaginary gloves, determined not to end the battle and not budging one inch.

Married At First Sight continues Monday to Wednesday at 7.30pm and Sunday at 7.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Stream every episode of Married At First Sight for free on 9Now.