Channel Nine ‘at war’ with stars of MAFS after producers refuse to return their Instagram accounts
Channel Nine executives have significantly delayed the return of the social media accounts of the 2023 Married At First Sight cast.
In previous seasons, contestants’ Instagram accounts will be returned within two weeks of the season finale.
However, this year’s stars have been told to wait even longer, with producers saying they wouldn’t have theirs back until Monday, May 15.
Channel Nine and the production company are reportedly concerned about the cast going rogue on social media while Season 10 continues to air overseas.
This left many contestants feeling angry and disappointed, seeing it as a missed opportunity to cash in on their newfound fame.
Channel Nine executives have significantly delayed the return of the social media accounts of the 2023 Married At First Sight cast
As first reported by So dramatica leaked email from a Channel Nine employee explained ‘that the delay is due to a change in the UK broadcast of the series’.
The message was quickly picked up by the TV Blackbox podcastwho further discussed the bad blood between the stars and the network.
“But that hasn’t stopped the brides and grooms from posting regularly on Tik Tok and even receiving branded deals,” guest Tim Burrowes said on the podcast.
“So Dramatic has released Nine’s email asking participants to remove the content and make their accounts private,” he added.
“But several cast members have told So Dramatic that they don’t care and will continue to post.”
Host Robert McKnight weighed in on the controversy, saying, “I love this because they’re being punished like little kids that they are. It is so beautiful.
In previous seasons, contestants’ Instagram accounts will be returned within two weeks of the season finale. However, this year’s stars have been told to wait even longer, with producers saying they won’t have theirs back until Monday, May 15.
A leaked email prepared by a Channel Nine staffer explained ‘that the delay is due to a change in the series’ UK broadcast’, and the cast aren’t happy
“I think Channel Nine did the right thing.”
The email obtained by So Dramatic read: ‘Hello everyone, apologies, but unfortunately our transfer meetings will be postponed for a week as the UK has changed their airing of episodes, moving the last two reunions to next week.’
‘Wherever possible I will keep the same slots I have already booked, only on the new dates (from Mon 15th May), but some may need to change. Please also let me know if you cannot and must change the new time.
“Appreciate your patience and help, and apologies for this timing!”
The report was quickly picked up by the TV Blackbox podcast, which further discussed the bad blood between the stars and the network. “I think Channel Nine did the right thing,” said presenter Robert McKnight
An insider also told the outlet that the cast was “furious and angry,” with one contestant even calling the delay “ridiculous.”
Evelyn Ellis, Bronte Schofield and Harrison Boon are just a few of the contestants affected by the delay.
By the time they get their Instagram accounts back, their 15 minutes of fame may have faded, leaving them with fewer opportunities to capitalize on their MAFS experience.
Meanwhile, a source told Daily Mail Australia exclusively that Nine and the production company are concerned about certain cast members who have already gone rogue.
By the time the MAFS cast gets access to their Instagram accounts, their engagement levels will have dropped significantly, which will affect their potential earnings
“It’s safe to say certain cast members haven’t been doing themselves any favors with Channel Nine and won’t be invited to the Logies this year,” the insider said.
By the time the MAFS cast gets access to their Instagram accounts, their engagement levels will have dropped significantly, which will affect their potential earnings.
While the show was airing, contestants were allowed to write their own captions to photos provided by Nine’s publicity team, but that’s the extent of their social media activity allowed.
In recent days, Nine has allowed the brides and grooms to provide photos and captions to be posted on their behalf.
Comments on their posts are also disabled and the cast can’t access their direct messages, which is how sponsors contact them.
While the show aired, contestants were allowed to write their own captions to photos provided by Nine’s publicity team, but that’s the extent of their social media activity allowed (Photo: Evelyn Ellis)