Married At First Sight 2025 bombshell: Producers considering a major shake-up with relationship experts ahead of new season

August 13, 2024

Married At First Sight bosses have considered shaking up the panel of experts for the upcoming 2025 series, which is currently filming in Sydney.

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

A major focus of these discussions was whether the introduction of a new relationship expert could breathe new life into the popular series.

“Producers are constantly thinking of ways to keep the show exciting and unpredictable for the audience,” said an insider close to the production.

‘There was genuine interest in seeing what a new face could do for the dynamics on the bench. A number of respected relationship experts were interviewed during the process.’

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

But in a dramatic turn of events, the decision was reversed at the last minute.

The insider said: ‘The idea had been on the table for a while, but in the end they decided to stick with the formula that worked so well.’

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

The current line-up, featuring seasoned experts 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 are no changes to the line-up: Mel, John and Alessandra are back on the bench.’

“Producers are always thinking of ways to keep the show exciting and unpredictable for the audience,” an insider close to the production revealed.

Speculation of a reorganization was fueled by Schilling’s absence from key filming moments in July, most notably her absence from the bachelorette party.

Fans took to social media to wonder if the beloved expert, who has been involved with the series since season five, would step down due to health or personal reasons.

However, Ny Breaking Australia exclusively revealed that Mel was indeed returning and that she would be creating a new series.

‘There was a genuine interest in seeing what a new face could mean for the dynamics on the bench, and a number of respected relationship experts were interviewed during the process’

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

The beloved expert shared a photo of herself looking radiant and healthy on Instagram with her husband Gareth and daughter Maddie before boarding the plane.

“Chemo is done, Australia is coming,” the therapist wrote in the caption.

Mel currently lives in the UK, where she is nearly finished filming the latest British version of the series.

She recently underwent her final chemotherapy treatment for her battle with colon cancer.

According to insiders, the producers and Channel Nine have “nothing but positive things” about the dating coach and are offering her flexibility during the busy schedule.

Speculation of a reshuffle was fueled by Schilling’s absence from major film events in July, most notably her conspicuous absence from the bachelorette party

Fans quickly took to social media to wonder if the beloved expert, who has been with the show since season five, would step down due to health or personal reasons.

“Mel has become incredibly strong as a result of her treatment,” a source close to the production said.

“The producers have done everything they can to make sure she gets all the support she needs. They’ve been very accommodating with her schedule, allowing her to travel from London to meetings and get to know the contestants.”

Although Mel wasn’t there to welcome next year’s brides at the bachelorette party with Alessandra, she was actively involved in the matchmaking process.