MAFS thrown into chaos as producers 'struggle to cast new contestants'
Casting for the new series of Married at First Sight Australia opened months ago, but it seems producers are struggling to find suitable singles to appear in the show.
TV insiders have claimed that several spots remain empty on MAFS Australia, with some candidates even pulling out at the last minute.
"They're still scrambling for both brides and grooms," a source told Daily Mail Australia.
"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."
The Daily Mirror has reached out for comment.
Channel Nine's new vetting process has also added to producers' casting problems. It is claimed that the network is "not messing around" when it comes to thorough background checks this time around.
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.
"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."
The claims come as production company EndemolShine Australia put out a casting call on Instagram in recent weeks.
A post shared to the MAFS Instagram account read: "Looking for love or know someone who is? DMs are OPEN."
Series 12 of Married at First Sight Australia began airing back in January, before later landing on E4 in the UK.
The show features couples who marry despite having met one another before walking down the aisle.
Experts match the singletons before the show begins. Due to legal requirements in Australia, participants are not legally married on the show but take part in an unofficial commitment ceremony.
On MAFS Australia, the experts are relationship advisors John Aiken and Mel Schilling, along with sexologist Alessandra Rampolla.
The couples meet at the altar, spends their wedding night in a hotel, and then heads on a honeymoon together.
After returning, they live together and each week take part in a commitment ceremony, during which they can choose to stay or leave their marriage. The series then concludes with one final commitment ceremony, during which the couples must make a lasting decision about the future of their marriage.
Married at First Sight is available to watch on Channel 4.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Graziadaily
40 minutes ago
- Graziadaily
It's 30°C This Weekend – This Is The Heatwave-Proof Uniqlo Dress I'm Reaching For
@@tonediscoveries via TikTok and @ Rogue August showers may have led you to believe that summer is nearing its end, but the UK weather has a few surprises in store. In fact, the weather apps are now predicting a heatwave over the weekend. Good news, if like me, you were looking for a reason to snap up another breezy frock. While there's plenty out there worth considering, none have caught our eye quite like Uniqlo's Gathered Mini Dress, and if Instagram is any indication, the style set agrees. Made from lightweight cotton to keep you cool once temperatures skyrocket to the late twenties, the mini dress is also incredibly affordable, meaning you won't regret only getting a few wears out of it before the September chill (until next summer, of course). So what is it about the dress that's us charmed? Well, to start with, the silhouette. Designed with an elegantly gathered bodice that cinches the waistline, it bears a striking resemblance to some of Dôen's whimsical frocks, namely the viral Ischia dress, minus the signature, extravagant puffed sleeves. Its fit and flare shape is also flattering across a range of body types, with sizes XXS through XL available to buy. Cotton Gathered Mini Dress, Olive Price: £12.90 (was £34.90) If you're looking for something lightweight that will see you through the stifling heatwave, consider this cotton Uniqlo mini dress. Fashion insiders have taken a liking to the olive green version. Of course, as with any Uniqlo staple, the brilliance of the dress doesn't end there. It comes in a conveyor belt of colours and patterns to cater to every mood. The classic black iteration is ideal if you're looking for something a little more traditional and chic, while the mossy olive is an excellent option if you want to inject a touch of (muted) colour into your wardrobe. Meanwhile, the ditsy floral versions have become a big hit among well-dressed women and are, surprisingly, still in stock in all sizes. Oh, and did I mention it comes with pockets (!)? Plenty of stylish dressers have worn the Uniqlo dress on its own with western and biker style boots. For a touch of boyish charm, retro style trainers are your best bet, and for a pop of colour, choose Adidas Gazelles in either pink or blue. We've also seen plenty of fashionable people wearing mini dresses like this one as blouses, layered on top of wide-leg jeans and trousers. For casual outings, sling a best-selling Uniqlo Round bag across your body, or for an elevated touch, opt for a designer-inspired tote bag such as the Ellyla Woven Leather Hobo Bag. Cotton Gathered Mini Dress, Light Blue Ditsy Print Price: £12.90 (was £34.90) The darling ditsy version of the Uniqlo is simply pretty, and is available in two colours, including this light blue iteration. 3. Cotton Gathered Mini Dress, Off White Ditsy Print Price: £12.90 (was £34.90) The off white version is equally as charming. 4. Cotton Gathered Mini Dress, Black Price: £12.90 (was £34.90) For a chic put together look, consider the black shade, which can be dressed up or down depending on your mood. Image credits: @ @tonediscoveries via TikTok and @ Emma Richardson is a fashion commerce writer for Grazia. She was previously a fashion and beauty commerce writer for Heat and Closer , and has contributed digital content for a variety of lifestyle brands. Emma finds much of her inspiration in celebrity style, with Sienna Miller often being a major influence, and loves a pair of ballet pumps and a trusted trench coat.
Leader Live
an hour ago
- Leader Live
Mollie King reveals she has been absent from BBC Radio 1 to heal from operation
The radio star and singer, 38, who was formerly part of girl group The Saturdays, said she will return to the Matt And Mollie show in September. In recent weeks her co-host, Matt Edmondson, has been presenting the show solo and has also co-hosted alongside Jeremiah Asiamah. A post shared by M O L L I E K I N G (@mollieking) In an Instagram post, King said: 'Hi everyone! Long time, no post! I just wanted to say a big thank you to those of you who've sent such lovely messages over the past few weeks while I've been off Radio 1. It really does mean a lot. 'I had to take some time off in July for an operation but everything went well and I'm doing much better now. 'I'll be back on air in September and can't wait to be back with you! It feels like forever since I've been in the R1 studio… I'm even missing getting thrashed in (game) Matt vs Mollie, so that's really saying something! Ha!' The radio star shared a selection of photos from her summer, including pictures of her at the Radio 1 studios. King, who did not give details of the operation, has been presenting on Radio 1 since 2018. Asiamah also stood in for King when she went on maternity leave at the end of 2024.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Love Island star Yasmin Pettet is left heartbroken as she reveals her beloved cat Miaow Miaow has died following cancer battle
Love Island finalist Yasmin Pettet has revealed her beloved cat Miaow Miaow has sadly died from cancer. The reality star, 24, often spoke lovingly about her pet during her time in the villa, but heartbreakingly, Miaow Miaow passed away from cancer at the age of 11 while Yasmin was still filming the show. Announcing the news on Instagram on Wednesday evening, Yasmin wrote: 'As I've spoken about her on the show I'm sure a lot of you will know I have a cat called miaow miaow who's been by my side for 11 years now. She continued: 'When I was filming Love Island I had a bad gut feeling something was off and when my mum and sister came into the villa I asked them and still felt like something was off. 'Rightfully they didn't tell me because I was still in the villa but after the final I called my sister and she told me that miaow miaow had cancer and died whilst I was away filming Love Island. 'I'm trying to be as active as I can be on socials but am taking time for myself to process this heartbreak. She concluded the heartbreaking post: 'RIP to my beautiful baby girl, you were so loved and will always be in my soul.' Yasmin, who came in third place with her partner Jamie Rhodes, 26, returned to social media earlier today to thank fans for their support throughout her journey. She said: 'My love island journey has been crazy to say the least but I really wouldn't have been able to do it without my Jamie, Toni and Shakira. 'I feel so grateful and blessed and can't wait to see what the future holds.' Jamie, who affectionately describes Yasmin as having 'black cat energy', praised her now that they're back home, writing: 'Absolutely smashed it, wouldn't want to do the journey with anyone else.' It comes after ITV released the voting breakdown for the final, confirming it was the closest result in the show's history. In total, Toni and Cach received 33.5% of the vote, with Shakira Khan and Harry Cooksley taking 26.2% - showing the result was a close call. Yasmin and Jamie came third with 22% and Angel Swift and Ty Isherwood placed fourth with 18.3%. Toni and Cach won despite the bookies' odds revealing it was Harry and Shakira in the running to win, just hours ahead of the live final. And fans seemed delighted with the decision as they took to Twitter to wish the couple congratulations. They penned: 'Justice served well done Toni & Cach .. what a gentleman man he is'; 'Congratulations Toni and cach. First American and she won. Iconic moves'; 'a bombshell + a casa boy winning love island - iconic!'; 'Love island didn't disappoint with Cach & Toni winning'; 'Toni was her true authentic self'; 'Amazing winners - hats off to the producers for an elite season of #loveisland'. But it looks like Toni and Cach may be spending even more time together in front of the camera, as ITV are reportedly planning to offer the couple a spin-off show chronicling their long-distance relationship, according to The Sun.
