It’s been a roller coaster ride for Married At First Sight producers trying to get a same-sex couple down the aisle.
Michael Felix and Stephen Stewart will say ‘I do’ on Monday night in what is supposed to be a big moment for the series.
However, sources told Daily Mail Australia that behind-the-scenes drama has threatened to overshadow their special day.
Perth hairdresser Stephen, 26, and Michael, 34, have found themselves at the center of a narrative that is not so much a fairy tale.
The experiment took an unexpected turn when Michael’s first partner, Simon, suddenly exited the program and Stephen was quickly hired to fill the void.
It’s been a roller coaster ride for Married At First Sight producers trying to get a same-sex couple down the aisle.
. Michael Felix and Stephen Stewart will say ‘I do’ on Monday night in what is supposed to be a big moment for the series.
This last-minute change has called into question the authenticity of their connection, and Stephen reportedly feels like an afterthought on the show’s diversity agenda.
“The whole situation has been a strain on Stephen. “He didn’t expect to be part of the show in such rushed and uncertain circumstances,” a source told Daily Mail Australia.
“Stephen felt that the producers completely overlooked his preferences and simply paired him with Michael as a convenient solution.
The experiment took an unexpected turn when Michael’s first partner, Simon (pictured), suddenly exited the program.
‘Stephen was struggling with being thrown into the abyss. He didn’t sign up to be a last minute boyfriend.
As the show’s producers pushed for a story that would break new ground, they may have pushed Stephen to the edge.
“It’s one thing to be part of a groundbreaking moment in television, but it’s another to feel like you’re just a pawn in a bigger game,” the friend said.
This last-minute change has called into question the authenticity of their connection, and Stephen (pictured) reportedly feels like an afterthought to the show’s diversity agenda.
“Stephen felt producers completely ignored his preferences and simply paired him with Michael as a convenient solution,” a source told Daily Mail Australia.
‘Runaway Groom’ Simon Breaks His Silence
Despite filming their backstories and attending the Bucks’ party, Michael’s first boyfriend, Simon, almost “derails” the series after chickening out and fleeing the country.
Breaking his silence in October, Simon told Daily Mail Australia: “MAFS wasn’t what I thought I wanted at this point in my life, that’s all.”
Expressing remorse, he added: “I felt bad for whoever they put me in.” I initially left, but they managed to convince me to come back… I have to look after myself.’
Breaking his silence in October, Simon told Daily Mail Australia: “MAFS wasn’t what I thought I wanted at this point in my life, that’s all.”
At the time, a member of the production explained: ‘It’s complete and utter chaos! Simon’s departure was a blind spot.
“Everyone has been running around like headless chickens trying to save the situation.”
In a last-ditch effort to salvage their storyline, the producers paired Simon’s intended “husband,” Michael, with Stephen and introduced the pair as interlopers mid-season.
In a last-ditch effort to salvage their storyline, the producers paired Simon’s intended “husband,” Michael, with Stephen and introduced the pair as interlopers mid-season.