Channel Nine executives have significantly delayed returning the social media accounts belonging to the 2023 cast of Married At First Sight.
In previous seasons, participants’ Instagram accounts are returned within two weeks of the season finale.
However, this year’s stars have been told to wait even longer, with producers saying they wouldn’t have theirs back until Monday, May 15.
Channel Nine and the production company are reportedly concerned about the cast going rogue on social media while season 10 is still airing overseas.
This left many of the participants feeling angry and disappointed, as they see it as a missed opportunity to cash in on their newfound fame.
Channel Nine executives have significantly delayed returning the social media account s belonging to the 2023 cast of Married At First Sight
A leaked email composed by a Channel Nine employee explained ‘that the delay is due to a change in the UK’s broadcast of the series.’
The report was quickly picked up by the TV Blackbox podcast, who further discussed the bad blood between the stars and the network.
‘But that hasn’t stopped the brides and grooms from posting regularly on Tik Tok and even receiving brand deals,’ guest Tim Burrowes said on the podcast.
‘So Dramatic has released the email sent from Nine asking contestants to delete the content and make their accounts private,’ he added.
‘But multiple cast members told the outlet they don’t care and will continue posting.’
Host Robert McKnight weighed in on the controversy, saying, ‘I love this because they’re being punished like little children that they are. It is so beautiful.
In previous seasons, participants’ Instagram accounts are returned within two weeks of the season finale. However, this year’s stars have been told to wait even longer, with producers saying they wouldn’t have theirs back until Monday, May 15
A leaked email composed by a Channel Nine employee explained ‘that the delay is due to a change in the UK’s broadcast of the series’, and the cast aren’t happy
‘I think Channel Nine’s done the right thing.’
The email obtained by So Dramatic read: ‘Hi all, apologies but unfortunately our handover meetings will push back a week as the UK has changed their broadcast of episodes, moving the final two reunions to next week.’
‘Where possible, I’ll keep the same slots as already booked just on the new dates (from Mon May 15), but there may be some that will need to change. Please also let me know if you can’t do the new time and need to change.
‘Appreciate your patience and assistance, and apologies for this timing!’
The report was quickly picked up by the TV Blackbox podcast, who further discussed the bad blood between the stars and the network. ‘I think Channel Nine’s done the right thing,’ host Robert McKnight said
An insider also told the outlet the cast were ‘furious and p***ed off’, while one contestant went as far as to call the delay ‘ridiculous’.
Evelyn Ellis, Bronte Schofield, and Harrison Boon are just some of the contestants who will be affected by the delay.
By the time they get their Instagram accounts back, their 15 minutes of fame may have faded, leaving them with fewer opportunities to capitalise on their MAFS experience.
Meanwhile, a source exclusively told Daily Mail Australia that Nine and the production company are worried about certain cast members who have already gone rogue.
By the time the MAFS cast get access to their Instagram accounts, their engagement levels will have dropped significantly, affecting their potential earnings
‘It’s safe to say that certain cast members haven’t done themselves any favours with Channel Nine and they won’t be invited to the Logies this year,’ the insider said.
By the time the MAFS cast get access to their Instagram accounts, their engagement levels will have dropped significantly, affecting their potential earnings.
While the show was airing, participants were allowed to write their own captions on photos supplied by Nine’s publicity team, but that is the extent of their permitted social media activity.
In the past few days, Nine have allowed the brides and grooms to supply photos and captions to be posted on their behalf.
Comments have also been disabled on their posts and the cast aren’t allowed to access their direct messages, which is how sponsors would contact them.
While the show was airing, participants were allowed to write their own captions on photos supplied by Nine’s publicity team, but that is the extent of their permitted social media activity (Pictured: Evelyn Ellis)
