Filming for the thirteenth season of Married At First Sight has officially commenced -but production insiders say the show is already in crisis behind the scenes.
Despite cameras now rolling, sources have revealed that several key roles in the cast are still not locked in, with last-minute dropouts and a strict new vetting process creating major headaches for producers.
'There's been some great talent who were deep in the process, but they suddenly got cold feet,' one insider told Daily Mail Australia.
'Others made it right to the final stages, only to be cut after background checks flagged issues. There's a mad scramble happening in real time to find replacements.'
Last week, EndemolShine Australia put out a fresh casting call encouraging singles to apply - a clear indication that not every match is finalised, despite production being underway.
'Looking for love or know someone who is? DMs are OPEN,' read the casting post shared to the official MAFS Instagram last week.
'They're still scrambling for both brides and grooms,' a well-placed source said. 'There's definitely panic behind the scenes. The pressure is on to get it right after last season's controversies.'
The insider added that while Nine is determined to deliver explosive television, they're taking no chances when it comes to who gets cast.
'Network execs have enforced tough new vetting rules. No criminal records. No previous court appearances. If there's even a whiff of controversy in someone's past, they're out.'
But with casting being finalised on the fly, producers are said to be juggling creative demands with last-minute replacements - and it's already impacting the structure of the season.
'They're not playing it safe in terms of personalities – they still want big characters and explosive storylines,' the source added. 'But they can't afford another scandal like last time. So they're walking a tightrope.'
Meanwhile, former contestants have begun offering advice to the next crop of brides and grooms, many of whom are already filming.
Despite cameras now rolling, sources have revealed that several key roles in the cast are still not locked in, with last-minute dropouts and a strict new vetting process creating major headaches for producers
'There's been some great talent who were deep in the process, but they suddenly got cold feet,' one insider told Daily Mail Australia
'Others made it right to the final stages, only to be cut after background checks flagged issues. There's a mad scramble happening in real time to find replacements'
Meanwhile, former cast members are dishing out advice for the next batch of hopefuls, urging them to stay grounded, wary - and ready for anything.
Season 2025 bride Rhi Disljenkovic said: '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 partner Jeff Gobbels echoed that sentiment, advising: '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 everyone had such a rosy outlook.
Season 11's Jack Dunkley, who had a polarising run on the show, warned future participants to be cautious.
'Don't trust anyone easily,' he said. 'Your partner is your only real teammate. Align with them however you can - even if there's no romantic connection.'
Jack added that producers can spin a contestant's behaviour any way they choose: 'Be prepared for the worst… they can do magic with how you're portrayed.'
Timothy Smith, who was paired with Lucinda Light in the 2023 season, insisted the show's editing was surprisingly fair: '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.'
Season 11's Jack Dunkley, who had a polarising run on the show, warned future participants to be cautious. Pictured with his TV bride Tori Adams
Timothy Smith (pictured), who was paired with Lucinda Light in the 2023 season, insisted the show's editing was surprisingly fair: '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'
Carina Mirabile (pictured) gave a more wellness-focused suggestion, encouraging future cast to bring natural sleep aids and work on their mental resilience
Timothy also urged future stars to speak up during filming.
'If you think it, say it. If you feel it, do it. Don't sit on the fence - you'll only regret it later.'
Al Perkins, who rose to fame across multiple reality shows, warned about post-show media attention.
'There'll be so many outlets trying to reach out - it's overwhelming. You won't know who to trust at first.'
Carina Mirabile, meanwhile, gave a more wellness-focused suggestion, encouraging future cast to bring natural sleep aids and work on their mental resilience.
'Your brain won't stop ticking. It's a pressure-cooker environment,' she said. 'Focus on your mental health, work out, and ride the wave.'
Despite the chaos behind the scenes, Nine is determined to pull off another ratings juggernaut - but with casting still in flux and production looming, the stakes couldn't be higher.
'Until the cast is locked and the cameras roll, there's still time to turn things around,' one insider said.
'But at the moment, they're flying without a parachute - and hoping for a soft landing.'
