Home Entertainment Married At First Sight 2025 bombshell: Producers are considering a major shakeup with relationship experts ahead of the new season

Married At First Sight 2025 bombshell: Producers are considering a major shakeup with relationship experts ahead of the new season

0 comments
Married At First Sight bosses have considered changing the panel of experts for the upcoming 2025 series, which is currently filming in Sydney. (Pictured: John Aiken, Mel Schilling and Alessandra Rampolla)

Married At First Sight bosses have considered reshuffling the expert panel for the upcoming 2025 series, which is currently filming in Sydney.

Daily Mail Australia can exclusively reveal that EndemolShine, the powerhouse production company behind MAFS, has held several high-level meetings with Channel Nine executives to discuss possible changes to the show’s format.

A key theme of these debates was whether the introduction of a new relationship expert could breathe new life into the popular series.

“The producers are always thinking of ways to keep the show exciting and unpredictable for the audience,” a source close to the production revealed.

“There was genuine interest in seeing what a fresh face could bring to the dynamics on the couch, and a number of respected relationship experts were interviewed in the process.”

At one point, it seemed almost certain that the panel would have a new member, and the showrunners were leaning toward making a change.

However, in a dramatic turn of events, the decision was reversed at the last moment.

The source revealed: “The idea had been on the table for quite some time, but they eventually decided to stick with the formula that had worked so well.”

Married At First Sight bosses have considered changing the panel of experts for the upcoming 2025 series, which is currently filming in Sydney. (Pictured: John Aiken, Mel Schilling and Alessandra Rampolla)

The current lineup, which includes long-time veterans Mel Schilling, John Aiken and Alessandra Rampolla, will remain intact for the new season.

A source on set confirmed: ‘The line-up has changed in the past and we can confirm that as producers we are always looking for new ‘experts’.

But this year there will be no changes in the line-up, with Mel, John and Alessandra back on the couch.

Daily Mail Australia can exclusively reveal that EndemolShine, the powerhouse production company behind MAFS, has held several high-level meetings with Channel Nine executives to discuss potential changes to the show's format.

Daily Mail Australia can exclusively reveal that EndemolShine, the powerhouse production company behind MAFS, has held several high-level meetings with Channel Nine executives to discuss potential changes to the show’s format.

1723520132 858 Married At First Sight 2025 bombshell Producers are considering a

“The producers are always thinking of ways to keep the show exciting and unpredictable for the audience,” a source close to the production revealed.

Speculation about a change of direction was fueled by Schilling’s absence from key filming events in July, most notably her notable absence from the Bachelorette.

Fans quickly took to social media, wondering if the beloved pundit, who has been on the show since season five, might be stepping down due to health issues or personal reasons.

However, Daily Mail Australia exclusively revealed that Mel would indeed be returning and would be committed to another series.

“There was genuine interest in seeing what a fresh face could bring to the dynamic on the couch, and a number of respected relationship experts were interviewed in the process.”

“There was genuine interest in seeing what a fresh face could bring to the dynamic on the couch, and a number of respected relationship experts were interviewed in the process.”

Schilling, 52, landed in Sydney earlier this month before joining fellow experts Alessandra Rampolla and John Aiken just in time for the first dinner.

Taking to Instagram, the beloved expert shared a photo of herself looking glowing and healthy alongside husband Gareth and daughter Maddie before boarding her flight.

“Chemo done, here we come, Australia,” the therapist wrote in the caption.

Mel is currently in the UK, where she has almost finished filming the latest British version of the show.

He recently underwent his final chemotherapy treatment amid his battle with colon cancer.

Sources close to the show have revealed that producers and Channel Nine have been “nothing but supportive” of the dating coach and have offered her flexibility during the show’s gruelling schedule.

Speculation about a change was fueled by Schilling's absence from key filming events in July, particularly her notable no-show at the Bachelorette.

Speculation about a change was fueled by Schilling’s absence from key filming events in July, particularly her notable no-show at the Bachelorette.

Fans quickly took to social media, wondering if the beloved pundit, who has been with the show since season five, might be stepping down due to health issues or personal reasons.

Fans quickly took to social media, wondering if the beloved pundit, who has been with the show since season five, might be stepping down due to health issues or personal reasons.

“Mel has been incredibly strong during her treatment,” a source close to the production said.

“The producers have gone out of their way to ensure she has all the support she needs. They have been very flexible with her schedule, allowing her to attend meetings from London to meet the contestants.”

While Mel wasn’t present to welcome next year’s brides during the bachelorette party alongside Alessandra, she has been actively involved in the matchmaking process.

However, Daily Mail Australia exclusively revealed that Mel would indeed be returning and would be committed to another series.

However, Daily Mail Australia exclusively revealed that Mel would indeed be returning and would be committed to another series.

“Mel is determined to give 100% and is super happy with all the support she has received from the team,” the source added.

A friend told Daily Mail Australia that Mel has returned to the set of season 12 and is feeling fit and strong.

Mel, who announced his diagnosis in December, underwent surgery and chemotherapy after experiencing symptoms.

She revealed that cancer had left her feeling exhausted.

In a heartwarming Instagram post, she shared a photo of herself looking exhausted and frowning at the camera after a long day of filming.

“This is me. Absolutely shattered after a long day on set. Exhausted but satisfied and ready for a big break,” she wrote.

She then ended her reflective post with some more positive words: “Cancer is tough… but I am stronger.”

Channel Nine has been contacted for comment.

Married at First Sight 2025: Meet the Cast

Rhi Disljenkovic

IT Account Manager, Melbourne

1723338187 866 MAFS 2025 Sydneys dessert king Adrian Araouzou is tipped to

Lauren Salon

Brisbane CEO

1723338187 237 MAFS 2025 Sydneys dessert king Adrian Araouzou is tipped to

Eliot Donovan

Brisbane

1723338188 551 MAFS 2025 Sydneys dessert king Adrian Araouzou is tipped to

Paul Antonio

FIFO Wellness Coach, Perth

1723338188 342 MAFS 2025 Sydneys dessert king Adrian Araouzou is tipped to

Morena Farina

DJ, Melbourne

1723338189 353 MAFS 2025 Sydneys dessert king Adrian Araouzou is tipped to

Billy Belcher

Plasterer, Perth

1723338189 801 MAFS 2025 Sydneys dessert king Adrian Araouzou is tipped to

Jacqueline Burfoot

Lawyer turned entrepreneur, Sydney

1723338189 939 MAFS 2025 Sydneys dessert king Adrian Araouzou is tipped to

Katie Johnson

CEO of a Queensland social enterprise

1723338190 791 MAFS 2025 Sydneys dessert king Adrian Araouzou is tipped to

Ryan

Model, Sydney

1723338190 82 MAFS 2025 Sydneys dessert king Adrian Araouzou is tipped to

Sierah Swepstone

Technical Analyst, Melbourne

1722726476 530 MAFS 2025 Here come the very hot brides and grooms

Carina Mirabile

Fashion influencer, Perth

1722726477 142 MAFS 2025 Here come the very hot brides and grooms

Dave’s Hand

Business Owner Caulker, Melbourne

1722726479 679 MAFS 2025 Here come the very hot brides and grooms

Jeff Gobbels

Business owner in Melbourne

1722137741 995 MAFS 2025 reunites ex couple by accident in disastrous mistake This

Adrian Araouzou

Owner of a sports leisure brand, Sydney

1723338193 333 MAFS 2025 Sydneys dessert king Adrian Araouzou is tipped to

Jake Luik

Wellbeing Coordinator, Perth

1723338193 931 MAFS 2025 Sydneys dessert king Adrian Araouzou is tipped to

Tony Mojanovski

Council worker, New South Wales

1723338193 949 MAFS 2025 Sydneys dessert king Adrian Araouzou is tipped to

Awhina Rutene

Perth

1723338194 743 MAFS 2025 Sydneys dessert king Adrian Araouzou is tipped to

Tim Gromie

1723338195 949 MAFS 2025 Sydneys dessert king Adrian Araouzou is tipped to

You may also like