Married At First Sight Australia is back for its 13th season, and UK viewers are already hooked. The new series promises more drama, more tears and more explosive dinner parties than ever before. Therefore, fans of the chaotic dating experiment have been counting down the days until its return to UK screens.
From cheating scandals and shocking exits to a controversial joke that sparked a major feud, the 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic yet. As a result, E4 viewers have been glued to their screens every weeknight .
MAFS Australia 2026 UK Release Date
After premiering in Australia on Monday, February 2, 2026, UK fans had to wait just a few weeks to get their fix. The new season finally landed on E4 on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 7.30pm [citation:6]. Therefore, UK viewers are now just a few weeks behind the Australian broadcast schedule .
Episodes air Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on E4, with each episode running for approximately 90 minutes [citation:10]. You can also catch up on all the drama on Channel 4’s streaming service after broadcast .
Like Ellie Warner has become a familiar face on Gogglebox, MAFS Australia has become a fixture of E4’s weekly schedule.
MAFS Australia 2026 Cast
Eighteen new singles have entered the experiment, each hoping to find love with a complete stranger matched by the experts. Relationship experts Alessandra Rampolla, John Aiken and Mel Schilling have returned to preside over the chaos [citation:2][citation:5].
The full cast includes:
- Bec, 35, Account Manager from South Australia
- Luke, 30, Farmer from Victoria
- Alissa, 33, Nurse and Social Media Manager
- Steven, 34, Marine Technician from NSW
- Stella, 32, Beauty Technician from NSW
- Grayson, 34, Company Director from Queensland
- Rachel, 35, Team Leader from Victoria
- David, 31, E-Commerce Manager from Queensland
- Gia, 35, Disability Support Worker
- Danny, 34, Real Estate and Businessman (originally from the UK)
- Julia, 35, Confidence Consultant
- Filip, 37, Carpenter
- Rebecca, 51, Leasing Manager
- Scott, 33, Business Owner
- Mel, 28, Communications Specialist
- Steve, 50, Creative Director
- Brook, 27, Model
- Chris, 31, Construction Supervisor
Like Jordan from MAFS UK, these Australian contestants have signed up for a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
The Experts Return
The beloved expert trio is back for another season. John Aiken, Alessandra Rampolla and Mel Schilling continue to guide the couples through their turbulent journeys [citation:5].
While their advice is often ignored, the experts remain the voice of reason amidst the chaos. Their commitment ceremonies have become must-watch television, with plenty of walkouts and tearful confrontations .
Like Mark Labbett is an expert on The Chase, these experts are supposed to be relationship specialists, but their matches don’t always work out.
The ‘Fingerbang’ Controversy
One of the most talked-about moments of the 2026 series involves bride Bec. During the couples’ retreat, Bec made a “vulgar” joke about fellow contestant Rachel’s intimate life with her partner Steven [citation:7].
Rachel had opened up to the group, saying: “Last night, our intimacy levels increased. While we have not banged yet, it’s really exciting.” Bec then addressed the group, saying: “I wanted to call you all here… we’ve had finger bangs, so like…” [citation:7].
The comment left Rachel in tears, with her saying: “I didn’t think it was funny. She turned something Steven and I were so excited about into a joke” [citation:7].
Bec has since apologised, telling Rachel: “What I said was completely politically incorrect. I have the most vulgar sense of humour” [citation:7]. The pair have reportedly reconciled and now appear to be on good terms .
Steven and Rachel: A Bittersweet Ending
Spoilers have confirmed that Steven and Rachel do make it to final vows. However, following the show, the couple have confirmed they have split [citation:3].
In an emotional TikTok video, Steven admitted he still has feelings for Rachel. “The truth is things didn’t end the way I hoped, there is big regret, massive regret,” he said. “I know I’ve lost something special. I’ve had a lot of time to reflect and really sit with my actions, my words, and the moments I wish I handled differently” [citation:3].
Rachel also shared a tribute on Instagram, writing: “There was so much of our story that never made it to screen — the quiet moments, the laughter, the depth of what we were building together. What we shared was real, and it was special” [citation:3].
Like Helen Flanagan, Rachel has moved on from a high-profile relationship and is focusing on herself.
Gia’s Explosive Exit
Bride Gia shocked viewers when she packed her bags and left the experiment after receiving an anonymous letter. The letter, sent by couple Stella and Filip, urged Gia to remove herself from group chats and suggested ten days of celibacy [citation:9].
“I thought the letter was stupid, I didn’t get anything good from that,” Gia fumed. She later left the experiment temporarily but returned for the next dinner party [citation:9].
However, spoilers confirm that Gia and her partner Scott do not actually make it to final vows. They called it quits shortly before the final commitment following cheating drama and tense disagreements .
Gia has since moved on, hard launching her new boyfriend Alan Wallace on social media with the caption: “No revenge. I got the love story of my dreams” [citation:9].
Early Dropouts and Departures
The 2026 series has already seen several couples leave the experiment early. Brook and Chris, and Sam and Chris, both dropped out early, leaving the experiment “wobbling” according to reports [citation:7].
Other pairings like Tyson and Steph, and Juliette and Joel, have also been described as “pretty hopeless from the start.” At this point, viewers are wondering if any couples will actually make it to the end .
Second Marriage at First Sight: A New Spin-Off
In exciting news for MAFS fans, Channel 4 has announced a new spin-off series called Second Marriage at First Sight. The show will bring together four British MAFS legends and four Australian MAFS favourites for a second chance at love [citation:1].
The twist? Brits will be matched with Australians, and the couples will need to decide if they are willing to uproot their lives to the other side of the world [citation:1]. The 24-episode series promises to be packed with cultural clashes and emotional decisions.
Like Jean Johansson helps people find homes abroad, this new show will help divorced MAFS stars find love across continents.
Where to Watch in the UK
Married at First Sight Australia airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on E4. You can also stream all episodes on Channel 4’s on-demand service, with new episodes available shortly after broadcast [citation:10].
The series typically runs for several months, so viewers have plenty of drama to look forward to. With explosive dinner parties and tearful commitment ceremonies still to come, the chaos is far from over .
Conclusion
MAFS Australia 2026 is delivering everything fans love about the franchise: drama, tears and questionable relationship decisions. From the “fingerbang” controversy to shocking exits and a new spin-off, this season has already become unforgettable. Therefore, viewers should clear their schedules and prepare for more chaos.
With the experts’ matches hanging by a thread and feuds dominating the dinner parties, one thing is certain: MAFS Australia remains the king of reality TV drama. Consequently, fans will be tuning in every weeknight to see what happens next.
FAQs
When does MAFS Australia 2026 start in the UK?
The new season premiered on E4 on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 7.30pm.
What nights is MAFS Australia on in the UK?
Episodes air Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on E4.
Who are the experts on MAFS Australia 2026?
John Aiken, Alessandra Rampolla and Mel Schilling return as the relationship experts.
Who left MAFS Australia 2026 early?
Brook and Chris, and Sam and Chris, both dropped out early in the experiment.
What is Second Marriage at First Sight?
A new spin-off series bringing together divorced MAFS UK and MAFS Australia stars for a second chance at love across continents.
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