How Shark Tank stars helped ‘rescue’ broke Married At First Sight grooms after one cast member ‘struggled to pay their rent’ during filming due to Nine’s tight budget

A Married At First Sight contestant has revealed the reality of looking camera-ready while dealing with financial problems behind the scenes.

The groom, who preferred to remain anonymous, said Channel Nine gave cast members a daily allowance of $150 and a food stipend of $125, and no additional funds were allocated for costumes, hair or makeup.

He revealed two Shark Tank Australia stars came to the rescue at the last minute, providing much-needed assistance as the bride and groom struggled to get new clothes for every dinner party.

‘The program budget for us was ridiculously minimal. “It’s hard when you’re expected to show a different outfit every week and the money just isn’t enough,” she told Daily Mail Australia.

“You see us smiling and dressed up on TV, but off camera it’s a completely different reality. The stress of not being able to pay basic expenses constantly hung over our heads.’

Luckily, Luke Kyriazis and Daniel Reid, founders of suit rental company Suitor and stars of Shark Tank, saved the day.

‘We have had the privilege of dressing three of the handsome bride and groom to spend unforgettable moments on the show!’ said the Pretender team.

This isn’t the first time a Married At First Sight star has complained about the show’s budget.

2020 contestant Mikey Pembroke previously said the stars didn’t earn a dime while filming MAFS, and the only money they received was to “live off” during production.

“They don’t pay you anything; this is something that needs to change,” he said on the I’ve Got News for You podcast.

But the program generates an incredible amount of money. And, let’s say, you were on, you know, a TV show that’s doing so well, the actors are getting paid more and more because it’s doing so well.