The 11th season of Married At First Sight is set to begin filming in a matter of weeks, but it’s already proving to be a headache for Channel Nine.
The network is struggling to find real contestants looking for love, a production insider told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday.
A show insider revealed, “It’s been a tough season for casting. We’re looking for people who are genuinely looking for love, not just a quick ticket to fame.”
To make matters worse, their rival network Channel 10 poached a contestant who had been tipped to be the show’s new villain.
The groom in question, whose identity has not yet been revealed, has been groomed for an important role in the upcoming season.
Married At First Sight’s 11th season will begin filming in weeks, but it’s struggling to find “real” contestants, according to an insider
A show insider revealed, “It’s been a tough season for casting. We’re looking for people who are genuinely looking for love, not just a quick ticket to fame.” Pictured: Ollie and Tahnee from MAFS
With his departure, Channel Nine must fill the void and shake things up in their usual fashion.
On Tuesday, Nine posted a casting call to the show’s Instagram account, revealing that they are still on the hunt for brides and grooms for the new season, despite filming starting in a matter of weeks.
Earlier this month, Daily Mail Australia revealed that Warner Bros., the production company behind The Bachelor, managed to snag a groom originally cast by MAFS.
Daily Mail Australia can reveal that Warner Bros, the production company behind Ten’s dating show, has managed to snag a groom originally cast by Channel Nine to star in the upcoming eleventh season. In the photo: Felix Von Hofe (photo)
Sources reveal that the groom in question was rushed to play the villain during the lengthy application process by Endemol Shine Australia.
However, it’s clear that Ten swooped in and picked him up, so he’ll now take center stage as the antagonist on the upcoming season of The Bachelor.
This daring maneuver sets the stage for a heated rivalry between the two shows, as they’ll both be filming around the same time.
Sources reveal that the groom in question was sped up during the lengthy application process by Endemol Shine Australia to play the villain. Pictured: MAFS expert Mel Schilling
This is the first time the shows have gone head-to-head and the behind-the-scenes rivalry has already been described as fierce.
The upcoming season of The Bachelors will follow last year’s three-star formula and the theme will be something like “The Good, The Bad and the Ugly,” the source says.
Both series will start at the end of January 2024, after the Australian Open.
However, it’s clear that Ten swooped in and picked him up, so he’ll now take center stage as the antagonist on the upcoming season of The Bachelor.
Channel 10 has secured Melbourne as the backdrop for their series and has assembled a cast that promises to captivate even the most devout MAFS fans.
As the battle for talent heats up, cast and crew members find themselves caught in the crossfire, with producers and cameramen fiercely fought by both networks.
This isn’t the first time aspiring reality stars have jumped between shows.
The upcoming season of The Bachelors will follow last year’s three-star formula and the theme will be something like “The Good, The Bad and the Ugly,” the source says. Pictured: Felix alongside co-stars Jed McIntosh and Thomas Malucelli
Harrison Boon, who appeared on this year’s season, was dropped at the 11th hour because he was deemed “too masculine” by producers.
Janelle Han, a popular makeup influencer, revealed that she was in talks to join The Bachelor but ultimately opted for MAFS, a decision that has paid off as she has gained a significant following and even received attention of the British public.
“I just knew I would get more life lessons from MAFS rather than being locked up,” the 29-year-old told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday.
“I also didn’t want to compete with other women for a man I might not even like.”
Harrison Boon, who appeared on this year’s season, was dropped at the 11th hour because he was deemed “too masculine” by producers
Janelle Han, a popular makeup influencer, revealed that she was in talks to join The Bachelor but ultimately opted for MAFS, a decision that has paid off as she has gained a significant following and even received attention of the British public
The contestants on Channel 10’s rival show not only struggled to gain a substantial online following, but also failed to achieve the coveted blue verification check mark on social media platforms, further highlighting MAFS’s success and influence.
With the stolen MAFS groom set to cause drama on The Bachelor, Channel 10 hopes to revive the struggling franchise.
Only time will tell if this bold move pays off and if the ratings battle between the two shows escalates even further.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel 10 and Nine for comment.
“I just knew I would get more life lessons from MAFS rather than being cooped up,” the 29-year-old told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday