The upcoming season of Married At First Sight is shaping up to be one of the most explosive ever.
But before the season’s January premiere, claims have emerged that producers are already in ‘damage control’ over the popular Channel Nine reality series.
An industry insider told Yahoo Lifestyle that producers are desperate to keep the show’s dramatic storylines from leaking.
‘While Channel Nine is so excited for Australia to see the latest series, which boasts more twists and turns than any other series, they are well aware they have a Mission: Impossible ahead of them for the next three months,’ the insider said.
A source close to the production added that one of the pitfalls in filming a series like MAFS is that it is shot months in advance.
With such a protracted timeframe between filming and air date, keeping those hot storylines under wraps while also encouraging participants to stay quiet about the success or failure of their onscreen relationships, can prove quite the task.
Before Married at First Sight’s January premiere, claims have emerged that producers are already in ‘damage control’ over the popular Channel Nine reality series. Pictured: A 2025 season bride
The insider said that while this creates a ‘nightmare’ for Channel Nine every year, this year is said to be even scarier for producers.
‘I dare say this year is going to be the biggest challenge the network has ever faced. As a lot goes down before we get to where these relationships are now,’ the source added.
It was also claimed that the MAFS production team were in crisis talks last week after discovering that one of the biggest hopes of the upcoming series had called it quits.
The source said that the couple’s ‘compelling’ storyline would haver Australia rallying behind their on-screen love and the network was keen to ensure audiences discovered their fate on screen.
The source also said all contestants were on board with keeping quiet about their story lines, which can mean lying to family, friends and co-workers.
They added that the production had allocated funds in its budget to ensure viewers believe all couples are together before their edits go to air.
The source said that the couple who are said to have quit last week will still be attending events together in the lead-up to their fate being aired on the show.
‘This couple will be attending media events together and they will be acting up to the cameras,’ they claimed.
An industry insider told Yahoo Lifestyle that producers are desperate to keep the show’s dramatic storylines from leaking. Pictured: A groom on the 2025 season
‘While Channel Nine is so excited for Australia to see the latest series, which boasts more twists and turns than any other series, they are well aware they have a Mission: Impossible ahead of them for the next three months,’ the insider said. Pictured: A scene from the show
‘So don’t believe everything you see when it comes to who looks still together and who doesn’t.’
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Nine for comment.
Social media erupted after Channel Nine dropped the trailer for the upcoming season in December.
Fans took to social media to slam the apparent overrepresentation of influencers among the incoming crop of brides and grooms.
‘Another batch of wannabe influencers, yay,’ one user commented.
‘Oh great, can’t wait for another season of Real Estate Agent Wants a Wife,’ added another.
The criticism didn’t stop there.
Others were equally vocal about their frustrations.
‘How many influencers/actors will be on this year?’ questioned another skeptical fan, while some called out the experiment as being more about fame than love.
‘Just call it what it is – drama,’ wrote one viewer.
‘None of them are in it for love… it’s all for the followers and their 15 seconds of fame.’
This year’s line-up features a mix of IT professionals, wellness experts, and entrepreneurs, but fans have zeroed in on their polished social media profiles.
Among the cast are Rhi Disljenkovic, an IT account manager; Lauren Hall, a CEO with ties to a past MAFS groom; influencer Jamie Marinos and ex-Bachelor reject Sierah Swepstone.
Other names include wedding celebrant and DJ Morena Farina and TikTok tradie Dave Hand, and Billy Belcher, who are already building a following online.
With at least two participants linked to former reality TV stars, fans argue that the experiment is prioritising entertainment and Instagram-worthy drama over genuine matchmaking.
Daily Mail Australia revealed in September that 2025 hopefuls Morena Farina and Tony Mojanovski’s whirlwind romance seems to be crashing before it even began, after Morena recently learned that her new husband is still married to his ex.
Sources close to the production have revealed the revelation came as a complete shock to Morena, who had been instantly smitten with Tony.
However instead of embarking on a fairytale romance, the 57-year-old was spotted looking downcast outside One Global Resorts last week, suitcases in tow, having reportedly quit the show in tears.
Married At First Sight will premiere Monday, January 27 on Channel Nine
It was also claimed that the MAFS production team were in crisis talks last week after discovering that one of the biggest hopes of the upcoming series had called it quits. Pictured: A groom on the new season