Married At First Sight 2026 is days away from wrapping, but behind-the-scenes chaos is already threatening to derail the most explosive season in the show’s history.

Daily Mail can reveal that one glamorous bride sparked a full-scale production emergency after disappearing from set for over 14 hours – without warning – in what insiders are calling one of the wildest on-set meltdowns the show has ever faced.

The unnamed bride vanished from her accommodation at 7am and didn’t return until after 9pm, prompting producers to launch a frantic search throughout the day.

‘She left first thing in the morning and just vanished,’ a well-placed insider revealed.

‘Producers were checking nearby restaurants and pubs and walking the streets. No one knew where she was. It was a total panic.’

The runaway eventually returned – but not before threatening to quit the experiment altogether.

Married At First Sight 2026 is days away from wrapping, but behind-the-scenes chaos is already threatening to derail the most explosive season in the show’s history. (Pictured: Bride Bec Zacharia)

Daily Mail can reveal that one glamorous bride sparked a full-scale production emergency after disappearing from set for over 14 hours – without warning – in what insiders are calling one of the wildest on-set meltdowns the show has ever faced. (Pictured: Gia Fleur)

And she wasn’t the only one who caused chaos this year.

According to multiple insiders, Season 13 has been described by crew as ‘an uncontrollable wildfire’, with walkouts, tantrums, explosive dinner parties, and what one source claims is the ‘most off-the-rails cast’ in MAFS history.

Among this year’s trailblazing cast is MAFS’ first pansexual bride since Mishel Karen, who appeared back in 2020.

The confident bride has made it clear she’s not interested in labels and proudly embraces her fluid sexuality – a revelation that reportedly becomes a major sticking point in her on-screen marriage.

‘Her groom doesn’t quite know how to take it, and things get heated,’ the source claimed.

‘It ends up being the focus of a major argument between the newlyweds, and the tension spills over to the rest of the cast at dinner parties.’

The bride – described by production as a ‘girl’s girl’ – is said to be unapologetically open and unbothered by what others think.

‘She says, ‘I am who I am, and I don’t care what you call it,’ the insider added.

The unnamed bride vanished from her accommodation at 7am and didn’t return until after 9pm, prompting producers to launch a frantic search throughout the day

According to multiple insiders, Season 13 has been described by crew as ‘an uncontrollable wildfire’, with walkouts, tantrums, explosive dinner parties, and what one source claims is the ‘most off-the-rails cast’ in MAFS history

‘She’s fun, confident, and not afraid to challenge outdated thinking.’

Several participants are believed to have walked out midway through the experiment, while one groom reportedly quit entirely to protect his brand.

‘He told producers he had post-show deals lined up and couldn’t afford bad press,’ a production insider said.

Others were warned they’d be in breach of contract if they didn’t stick it out.

‘This season’s brides came in with major princess attitudes, but they were humbled real fast,’ one source dished.

‘There was zero tolerance this year. Producers weren’t bending on anything.’

One dinner party was reportedly so explosive that filming had to be shut down mid-way, with producers stepping in to separate cast members.

‘The experts and crew were speechless. They had no idea how to recover,’ an insider said.

Several participants are believed to have walked out midway through the experiment, while one groom reportedly quit entirely to protect his brand

DAILY MAIL: YOUR HOME OF MAFS EXCLUSIVES

‘They said it was one of the most chaotic dinner parties they’d ever seen – and that’s saying something.’

The 2026 season will also break new ground with the inclusion of same-sex couple Sam Stanton and Chris Robinson, adding to the show’s ongoing push for diversity and inclusion.

Behind the scenes, producers have implemented some of the strictest rules in the franchise’s history, including regular drug testing, a crackdown on tantrums, and firm boundaries around filming schedules.

But even with these new measures, MAFS 2026 has become a crisis management nightmare for Channel Nine.

Executives are said to be ‘on edge’, unsure how viewers will respond to a cast that seemingly has no interest in playing by the rules.

‘Nothing could prepare them for how badly this group would behave,’ one network insider said.

‘The cast doesn’t care anymore – it’s like they’ve decided to blow the whole thing up.’

MAFS 2026: Meet the cast

Meet the brides and grooms set to walk down the aisle on Married At First Sight Australia season 13:

Gia Fleur

Steve Powell

Rebecca Zukowski

Melissa Akbay

Alissa Fay

Grayson McIvor

Rachel Gilmore

Filip Gregov

David Momoh

Rebecca ‘Bec’ Zacharia

Danny Hewitt

Scott McCristal

Brook Crompton

Luke Fourniotis

 Julia Vogl

 Stella Mickunaite

Chris Nield

‘Steve’