Yes, somehow Married At First Sight AU is back at it again, and the hunt for fresh chaos merchants to star in MAFS 2026 is already in full swing.

MAFS

We’ve barely recovered from that ‘wall punch’ and the rogue antics of Jacqui and Clint, but Channel Nine and Endemol Shine are already elbow-deep in casting for Season 13.

According to a production insider, potential ‘brides’ and ‘grooms’ have been flying across the country faster than a cheating scandal spreads at a MAFS dinner party. It’s the final stages of casting and that means chemistry tests, IRL interviews and probably a few “can you cry on cue?” challenges.

“This is when producers start locking in their big personalities. The ones who’ll flirt, fight and maybe even fall in love,” one source spilled to PEDESTRIAN.TV.

“They want romance, drama and a few meltdowns along the way. You need to be ready for it all.”
MAFS 2026

MAFS 2026 is already underway! (Credit: MAFS)

Melbourne played host to the most recent casting sessions, and let’s just say, not everyone made the cut. Some poor souls were apparently told then and there that they weren’t what the show needed. ‘Ouch.’ Imagine flying into Melbourne thinking you’re about to become Australia’s next reality icon, only to be sent packing back to South Australia with nothing but a bruised ego and an untouched spray tan.

BUT there’s been a juicy twist for one hopeful applicant. One unlucky MAFS reject was offered another opportunity… on Australian Survivor. Yep, producers were apparently so impressed with his competitive vibe that they tossed him into the casting mix for another ‘reality TV’ juggernaut.

“It happens more than you think,” the source said. “If someone’s not quite MAFS material, they’ll try to slot them into Australian Survivor or Masterchef Australia. A show on Endemol’s slate. There’s always another show if you’re not polarising and loud enough for a Married At First Sight dinner party.

Both MAFS and Australian Survivor are due to drop early in 2026, meaning we’ll probably be drowning in drama again from the end of January.

As for the MAFS All Stars rumours? Dead. Buried. Done. Despite whispers about bringing back iconic past contestants for a spicy reboot, insiders say Nine has decided to stick with fresh blood.

“Viewers love meeting new personalities and watching them unravel in real-time,” a producer told PEDESTRIAN.TV. “That’s the whole point of MAFS. It works when you believe their TV marriage might work out.”

“The network absolutely looked at the names lining up to return, but executives felt they were signing up for a second shot at fame, not love,” confessed a source close to production.

One thing is for sure: MAFS 2026 is shaping up to be just as unhinged as ever, and we are so here for it.