Married At First Sight 2026 is shaping up to be the most chaotic season yet, with producers introducing a same-$∈✘ couple and three new intruder weddings under strict instructions to bring the drama.

Adelaide fitness model Sam Stanton and Sydney personal trainer Chris Robinson tied the knot in Sydney on Tuesday, becoming the latest intruders to join the experiment.

The pair will be joined by two other new couples, deliberately cast mid-season to stir the pot after several participants either quit or were axed.

According to insiders, producers wasted no time laying down the law with the new arrivals.

‘They were told from the get-go that they need to create drama and keep it flowing,’ one source said.

‘Even if they don’t hit it off romantically, they’ve been asked to ride it out until the end of filming.

Married At First Sight 2026 is shaping up to be the most chaotic season yet, with producers introducing a same-$∈✘ couple and three new intruder weddings under strict instructions to bring the drama. (Pictured: Chris Robinson and Sam Stanton)

The pair will be joined by two other new couples, deliberately cast mid-season to stir the pot after several participants either quit or were axed

‘Producers don’t want another situation where intruders quit after three days – they want fireworks.’

Last season saw all three intruder couples sensationally walk away before Final Vows, leaving producers furious.

‘This year, they’ve made it very clear: no one walks early. No matter what, the intruders need to make their mark,’ the insider added.

According to So Sydney, Sam, 188cm tall and known for his work as a model and coach, is already a familiar figure on social media, though his verified Instagram @sammystants has been switched to private under Nine’s strict rules.

Chris, meanwhile, runs boutique training business Body Skin Soul in Sydney and has been rated among the city’s top personal trainers.

With more than a decade in the industry, his philosophy of helping clients ‘look and feel their best’ could prove invaluable under the pressure of the experiment.

This isn’t the first time MAFS has featured a same-$∈✘ couple – but none have lasted the distance.

In 2016, Craig Roach and Andy John split within weeks. In 2020, Amanda Micallef and Tash Herz made history as the first lesbian pairing, but their relationship quickly turned sour.

Sam, 188cm tall and known for his work as a model and coach, is already a familiar figure on social media, though his verified Instagram @sammystants has been switched to private under Nine’s strict rules

Michael and Stephen, who joined the experiment later, lasted only two commitment ceremonies before parting ways.

Expert Mel Schilling has previously admitted the franchise ‘got it horribly wrong’ in its early attempts.

‘It was really important to find people who genuinely wanted to find love. We didn’t want to simply match people based on $∈✘ual orientation,’ she told Metro.

The new arrivals come amid a season already rocked by scandals.

Daily Mail Australia revealed earlier this month that, for the first time in the show’s history, cast members will face weekly drug tests, with any participant who tests positive immediately booted from the experiment.

The drastic measure was introduced after a wild weekend where several participants broke curfew, vanished from set and sparked fights.

‘Production has every reason to be p**sed off,’ one insider said.

‘The night in question completely blew up – cast members disappeared, fights broke out and one couple is already in turmoil.’

The infamous dinner parties are already living up to their reputation. ‘Bosses stormed onto set and told them to deliver or face filming until sunrise. And they delivered,’ the source dished

‘The pressure on the remaining cast is enormous,’ an insider said

New executive producer Kate Paul, stepping in while Alex Spurway is on maternity leave, has also tightened restrictions – with hotel key cards now deactivated after hours unless cleared by production.

A runaway bride has already sensationally quit the show, booking a one-way flight home after clashing with the crew, while cricket presenter Ankita Karungalekar was left single after her groom Micah Lomu was abruptly axed following an internal investigation.

The infamous dinner parties are already delivering, with one source revealing bosses stormed the set demanding fireworks.

‘They told the cast to deliver or they’d film until sunrise – and they delivered,’ the insider dished.

‘The latest dinner party wrapped in record time but left the experts speechless.’

Relationship expert John Aiken says the cast are unlike anything viewers have seen before.

‘This year’s brides are fearless – they will call people out, and that’s going to make for some very fiery dinner parties,’ he told Daily Mail.

One production insider summed it up bluntly: ‘This year’s cast are treating it like the Olympics of drama. If you thought last season was bad, you haven’t seen anything yet.’

Married At First Sight returns to Channel Nine in 2026.