'Fresh take': NSW Police investigation into Married At First Sight quietly dropped after five months as Nine insiders hint at major changes to format
NSW Police launched the investigation into the reality TV juggernaut in February after groom Paul Antoine punched a wall, sparking fan outrage.
A NSW Police spokesperson on Wednesday told SkyNews.com.au that "following an investigation conducted by officers attached to South Sydney Police Area Command, no further police action is expected."
The matter has now been resolved privately and out of the spotlight, and MAFS producers are promising a 'fresh take' on the dating show's format, which has dominated Australian reality TV for more than a decade.
Nine launched a full-scale reset for the show's highly anticipated 2026 season, reportedly issuing a very clear directive: 'Go hard on challenging the participants, but keep the drama out of the courtroom.'
SkyNews.com.au can reveal that the network has implemented stricter background checks, more in-depth psychological screening, and tough new guidelines aimed at avoiding another police scandal.
'Safe Work was also heavily involved in reviewing the show's future, and Channel Nine has taken their recommendations very seriously,' a network insider said.
'They want compelling TV but not at the expense of cast wellbeing or legal risk.'
Casting for the 2026 season is now complete, and filming is officially set to begin later this month in Sydney.
The staple drama-filled events, including the infamous hens and bucks parties, will be first to kick off at a private Sydney residence.
The full lineup of brides and grooms have meanwhile commenced preparation for an intense 12-week production schedule.
Insiders say next year's couples reflect a shift away from 'influencer types' and toward 'everyday Australians' genuinely seeking love.
'There's a lot less slicked-back hair and neck tattoos and a lot more relatability,' one casting source told SkyNews.com.au.
'This cast feels real, and that's a big part of what we're aiming for in 2026.'
While Channel Nine has yet to confirm an official air date for the next season, MAFS season 13 is expected to premiere in January 2026.
Returning relationship experts John Aiken, Alessandra Rampolla, and Mel Schilling are committed and will fly in from across the globe to participate.
'John's back from Thailand, Alessandra's flying in from the US, and Mel's just wrapped commitments in the UK," a production source said.
"They're all excited to be reuniting."
It comes as the final weeks of pre-production weren't without stress.
'We struggled a bit locking in the last few grooms,' the source said.
'We had some really strong women and didn't want to lose them, so it was a bit of a puzzle to get the right matches.'
As for the weddings, locations have been secured, but the dates for the for the nuptials still remain under wraps, even from the cast themselves.
'They've all (the cast) flown in for promotional shoots but still haven't been told who they're marrying or when,' one insider said.
'There's a lot of nervous energy. Everyone's hoping for love and not the bad edit.'
Despite fan scepticism over past promises of format changes, insiders believe this season could really deliver something genuinely different.
'Every year we hear it'll have a new vibe,' one long-time production staffer quipped.
'But this time, the cast, the experts, even the tone. It actually feels different.'
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