Sydney’s reality television world came out in force as Daily Mail senior showbiz reporter Ali Daher celebrated his 35th birthday with a star-studded bash at Dry Martini in Chippendale.
Honestly, as I looked towards the door, it was one famous face after another.
It was a who’s who of Australian television, bringing together personalities from Married at First Sight Australia, The Golden Bachelor Australia, The Bachelor Australia, Shark Tank Australia, Love Triangle, Made in Bondi and The Traitors, alongside some of the country’s best-known media and entertainment personalities.
But on this night, there was only one real star of the show: Ali Daher.
The Daily Mail senior showbiz reporter has become something of a star himself. Known for delivering the gossip and breaking stories surrounding some of our favourite reality shows — and, of course, seemingly being at every major event in the country — this time Ali swapped reporting on the party for being right at the centre of it.
And this was certainly a party.
Think oysters, caviar bumps and cocktails on steroids, with Sydney’s reality TV set arriving dressed to impress and ready to celebrate.
MAFS stars arrive ready to party
Mum-to-be Gia Fleur and her partner, Love Triangle star Allan Wallace, were among the first to arrive. With Gia expecting their baby, she was off the drinks but looked ravishing in a burgundy glitter mini dress.
Gia is, if anything, a little more reserved than some of her fellow Married at First Sight Australia personalities, and close friend Juliette Chae was practically joined at the hip with her throughout the evening, making sure the expectant mum was looked after — and, importantly, well fed ahead of her impending arrival.
Fellow MAFS bride Bec Zacharia, who was matched with Danny Hewitt on the show, certainly dressed to stir. Bec arrived in a daring sheer crystal look with her G-string on show, undoubtedly delivering one of the more risqué looks of the evening. Danny, however, was noticeably missing from the celebrations. Visit https://www.dailymail.com/tvshowbiz/article-16039087/MAFS-Gia-Fleur-Bec-Zacharia-Ali-Daher-birthday-party.html
Another familiar MAFS face was Sam Stanton, who attended alongside his new partner, Sydney-based project manager Ilia. The pair appeared very much loved-up, with the outing coming after Sam’s high-profile split from his television husband Chris Robinson.
From Love Triangle to Shark Tank
Love Triangle was also well represented, with Chloe Hannigan commanding attention in a daring silver crystal-embellished gown featuring a plunging sculptural neckline, off-the-shoulder detailing and a thigh-high split.
Showpo founder and Shark Tank Australia star Jane Lu was another familiar face celebrating Ali’s big night.
Jane was spotted enjoying the passionfruit cocktails and was, naturally, dressed to impress — no doubt flying the flag for her own fashion empire, Showpo. There was clearly plenty of affection in the room, with Jane saying she “adores Ali.”
Meanwhile, Sunny Long and Barry “Bear” Myrden, who found love on The Golden Bachelor Australia, let everyone know they are still very much together despite Sunny recently taking a solo trip.
Bear is a little more reserved, and perhaps that’s exactly why he is such a perfect match for the very vivacious Sunny. Together, the pair looked right at home among the evening’s reality television crowd.
Representing The Bachelor Australia was Juliette Herrera, who looked chic and sleek in burgundy, adding yet another television franchise to the impressive list represented on the night.
Made in Bondi, The Traitors and Sydney’s It crowd
Lawson Mahoney, known from Made in Bondi and The Traitors, was also firmly in party mode, appearing to have a very good time alongside his mates Ronnie and Oskar.
Sydney It girl Suzan Mutesi brought her signature razzle-dazzle to proceedings, stepping out in an embellished beaded mini adorned with feathers and proving there was certainly no shortage of statement fashion on the night.
From MAFS brides and grooms to Bachelor favourites, Love Triangle stars, Shark Tank success stories and The Traitors personalities, it felt as though every corner of Australian reality television had somehow found its way into one room.
Everyone wanted a moment with Ali
It was a night where everyone wanted that selfie with Ali.
Guests lined up for their moment with the birthday boy, hit the dance floor and jumped onto the 360-degree video platform to capture their own party moment, while the media wall became another must-stop destination for photos.
But regardless of how many television personalities filled the room, there was no mistaking who everyone had come to see.
For once, the reality stars weren’t the main attraction — Ali was.
The man usually standing behind the story found himself front and centre, and judging by the constant stream of selfies, hugs and birthday wishes, his guests wouldn’t have had it any other way.
This time, Ali, the story is about you
For me, there was also a personal side to the evening.
I first met senior showbiz reporter Ali Daher a few years ago at Pelicano in Potts Point, and since then we’ve crossed paths and hung out at many events — including the Australian Open with the one and only Delta Goodrem.
Ali has always had a passion for telling a story and knowing exactly what’s happening behind the scenes. Usually, he’s the one asking the questions, chasing the story and telling us what everyone else has been up to.
But this time, it’s my turn, Ali — and this story is all about you.
For once, Ali Daher wasn’t there chasing the story.
He was the story.
So, from your Melbourne friend, happy birthday, Ali. Here’s to another fabulous year of stories, laughter and unforgettable events. With love.
By Melinda Sullivan.
