'They were being really affectionate': Married At First Sight's Sam Ball and Martha Kalifatidis have been 'secretly meeting up for MONTHS' - as a photo resurfaces of them in Byron Bay

Rumours have swirled for weeks that Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli's picture perfect romance is falling apart behind the scenes.

And according to NW magazine on Monday, the Bondi-based makeup artist has secretly been meeting up with another contestant, Samuel Ball, 'for months'. 

Martha was previously spotted on a 'date' with Sam in Byron Bay back in December, and they have reportedly been seeing each other regularly ever since.

Fake news! Married At First Sight's Martha Kalifatidis has denied rumours she's dating Sam Ball. Pictured together in Byron Bay in December 2018

'They were being really affectionate': Married At First Sight's Sam Ball and Martha Kalifatidis have been 'secretly meeting up for months', according to NW magazine. Pictured together in Byron Bay in late December

A source told the publication that Sam, 26, and Martha, 30, 'only had eyes for each other' as they enjoyed cosy drinks in Byron Bay. 

Another eyewitness claimed they'd spotted the pair meeting up for a second date in Sydney two months later, in February.

'Even though they were doing their best to fly under the radar, at one point Martha got up and sat on Sam's lap,' said the onlooker. 'They were being really affectionate with one another.'

Getting cosy: The pair were spotted in Byron Bay in December last year. At the time, MAFS had finished production but the cast had yet to film the reunion

Getting cosy: The pair were spotted on what appeared to be a romantic date in Byron Bay in December. At the time, MAFS had finished production but the cast had yet to film the reunion

While Sam did not confirm or deny he was dating Martha, he heaped praise on his co-star during an interview with NW.

The tradesman, who was originally paired with Elizabeth Sobinoff on MAFS, even suggested that he should have been matched Martha instead.

'She's attractive and she knows what she wants. I love how confident she is in her own skin. Not to the point where Elizabeth was [which was] an arrogant way... but in a beautiful way,' he said. 

'I wouldn't want to intrude on that': Sam, who was paired with Elizabeth Sobinoff (left) on MAFS, denied he is fating Martha

Ouch! While Sam did not confirm or deny he was dating Martha, he heaped praise on his co-star during an interview with NW. The tradesman, who was originally paired with Elizabeth Sobinoff (left) on MAFS, even suggested that he should have been matched Martha instead

After the photos of Martha and Sam in Byron Bay were first published late last year, the part-time actor addressed speculation they were secretly dating.

'I think Martha is a beautiful person, but, you know, she's quite happy in her relationship, and I wouldn't want to intrude on that,' he told E! News in February. 

'I thought a couple of the girls looked good, but I would never intrude on anyone, especially Michael [Brunelli] and Martha's relationship.' 

Interesting: Sam and Martha (pictured) were featured together in promotional photos for Married At First Sight, despite being paired with other people on the show

Hmm! Interestingly, Sam and Martha were featured together in promotional photos for Married At First Sight, despite being paired with other people on the show 

Meanwhile, New Idea reported on Monday that Michael and Martha are 'still going strong' - which conflicts with NW's suggestion they have parted ways.

A source told the magazine: 'They are truly one of the show's success stories and they're really in love'. 

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Samuel Ball and Martha Kalifatidis for comment. 

Going strong: Martha and Michael Brunelli (right) chose to stay together during the final vows ceremony on Monday

It's a mystery! Meanwhile, New Idea reported that Michael and Martha (above on their wedding day) are 'still going strong' - which conflicts with NW's suggestion they have parted ways