Married At First Sight’s controversial couple swap returns – with a new twist
Married At First Sight’s controversial couples swap will take place next week.
Ny Breaking Australia understands that producers have decided to take a more conventional approach during the upcoming Feedback Week following last year’s controversy.
An insider close to production revealed: ‘This year’s series will see couples meet over drinks and dinner rather than living together for three days.’
The change comes after last season’s partner swap, which saw couples live in small apartments with different partners, met with significant resistance from cast members and Channel Nine bosses alike.
The decision to change the pairing swap format was influenced by the cast’s reception to last year’s experiment.
Married At First Sight’s controversial couples swap will take place next week. Ny Breaking Australia understands that producers have decided to take a more conventional approach during the upcoming Feedback Week following last year’s controversy. (Eden Harper pictured with Tim Calwell)
An insider close to the production revealed: ‘This year’s series will see couples meet over drinks and dinner, rather than living together for three days’ (Image: Stephen Stewart with Jade Pywell)
‘Not everyone wanted to participate. They didn’t see the point in it and said, ‘This would never happen in the outside world,'” the insider explained.
Amid the reluctance, Jack Dunkley notably expressed his willingness to swap his bride, Tori Adams, with another groom, a sentiment not widely shared among the rest of the cast.
Reflecting on the previous criticism, Channel Nine had initially tried to encourage the cast to step outside their comfort zone by moving in with another partner.
Amid the reluctance, Jack Dunkley notably expressed his willingness to swap his bride, Tori Adams, with another groom, a sentiment not widely shared among the rest of the cast.
However, the experiment was widely criticized for the discomfort and drama it caused among the participants.
“The partner swap challenge was ‘hell for all involved’ and not all participants were willing to take part,” Ny Breaking Australia sources revealed last year.
Layton was said to be furious when told he would be paired with Bronte Schofield and refused to take part.
Last season also featured unexpected chemistry between Evelyn Ellis and Duncan James, who grew closer during a steamy impromptu photo shoot.
The pair ended up wrapped up together after the shooting.
MAFS boss John Walsh commented on the traditional aspect of the partner swap, saying: ‘We have always done a partner swap; it was a lunch or dinner, where we have different partners who give each other feedback.’
It seems like the intention this season is to return to the roots of this concept, focusing on conversations and mutual understanding rather than the more extreme living arrangements of the previous year.
Married At First Sight continues on Sunday at 7pm on Channel Nine.