Last-minute dropouts and behind-the-scenes drama throw production into crisis mode

MARRIED At First Sight Australia has been thrown into chaos as they scramble to cast the new series.

Insiders claimed the strict new rules have made it harder than ever to find suitable singletons ready to walk down the aisle.

With filming just weeks away, Married At First Sight bosses are in crisis mode – scrambling to cast the new series as strict new rulesCredit: Nine

Last-minute dropouts and behind-the-scenes drama throw production into chaosCredit: Nine
Filming for the thirteenth season of MAFS Down Under is just weeks away – but the show is already in turmoil behind the scenes.

Despite casting opening months ago, producers are still scrambling to fill key roles, with insiders claiming several major spots remain empty and time is quickly running out.

A source told Daily Mail Australia a string of strong candidates have pulled out at the last minute.

And production company EndemolShine Australia were forced to put a desperate casting call out just last week.

Posted on MAFS’ Instagram, it read: “Looking for love or know someone who is? DMs are OPEN.”

The source revealed: “They’re still scrambling for both brides and grooms.

“Honestly, they’re desperate. There’s a real sense of panic among the producers who know they have to deliver a standout cast to keep viewers hooked after this year’s season was so controversial.”

Meanwhile, others have been dropped after failing the network’s tough new vetting process – leaving producers in a mad dash to find fresh faces before cameras start rolling.

A source said: “Channel Nine isn’t messing around when it comes to background checks this year.

“They don’t want anyone with a criminal record – not even someone who’s faced court and been found not guilty.

MAFS star reveals she’s finally dating again two years after heartbreaking split on the show
“It’s about protecting the brand at all costs. But they’re not playing it safe.

“They still want drama, chaos, headlines – they just don’t want to give critics any more ammunition.”

Despite the tougher screening process, insiders say the network is still demanding a drama-packed series – with high hopes the final cast will bring the usual fireworks when the show hits screens.

Mafs couples that have stood the test of time

Loved-up Tayah Victoria and Adam Aveling of series six fame had the first Mafs baby.

The pair couldn’t keep their hands off each other on the programme and quickly found their feet in the outside world, moving into Adam’s Doncaster home.

Just 18 months after meeting, the couple welcomed their daughter Beau.

Season five couple Michelle Walder and Owen Jenkins also managed to make their marriage work away from the cameras and had their first child in December.

Teacher Michelle, 29, has no regrets about taking part in the experiment. She told us: “I just feel very lucky and thankful that it has worked out – and excited for everything to come.”

Michelle and Owen were both sick of dating apps when they applied in 2019.

Owen recalled: “I had been out for some drinks with a friend after work.

“While he was out for a cigarette I was scrolling on Instagram waiting for him to come back in.

“The MAFS advert was the last thing I saw, and I joked, ‘Wouldn’t it be funny if I signed up?’

“A few beers later when I was back at home I sent in the application, and the rest is history.”

Another couple to make Mafs UK history is Zoe Clifton and Jenna Robinson.

Despite a slight rocky start, where they clashed over Jenna’s vegan lifestyle, the show’s first same sex pairing are still going strong.

They even have a successful podcast together called Life With a Pod.

Jenna shed light on being involved in the show earlier this year when she told us: “We’re not legally married, and I never felt like we were. I definitely feel the process makes you take the relationship a lot more seriously and having the help of the experts… if you can survive that process it sets a firm foundation for a long-lasting relationship.”

Meanwhile, former MAFS stars are lining up to offer words of wisdom – and warnings – to the next batch of hopefuls, urging them to stay grounded, cautious, and ready for anything.

2025 bride Rhi Disljenkovic advised: “Be yourself from the get-go. Don’t be afraid to be your most authentic self. Back yourself and speak up when you need to.”

Her on-screen partner Jeff Gobbels agreed, adding: “You can’t pretend to be someone you’re not. Just be yourself – that’s why you got cast in the first place.”

But not all advice came with a smile.

Season 11’s Jack Dunkley, who divided viewers with his fiery antics, had a starker warning: “Don’t trust anyone easily. Your partner is your only real teammate. Align with them however you can – even if there’s no romantic connection.”

He added a final word of caution about the editing room: “Be prepared for the worst… they can do magic with how you’re portrayed.”

However, Timothy Smith – who was paired with fan favourite Lucinda Light in 2023 – reckons the edit doesn’t lie.

“Who you were on TV is who you are in real life. If you’re a good person, it’ll show. If you’re not, it’ll show too.”

2025 bride Rhi Disljenkovic advised the future cast: “Be yourself from the get-go”Credit: Nine

Season 11’s Jack Dunkley issued a warning: “Don’t trust anyone easily”Credit: Nine

Whereas Timothy Smith reckons the edit doesn’t lieCredit: Nine