Channel Nine sets up psychological helpline for ex-MAFS stars

With the Married at First Sight drama appearing to escalate with each passing season, contestants often admit to feeling a little overwhelmed once the program finally airs.

But now, Channel Nine has offered an additional form of support to the stars they make famous, reportedly establishing a 24-hour helpline in a bid to prepare participants for the sudden publicity.

The move follows the network’s rival, Channel 7, being forced to pay out a House Rules contestant last week after she claimed to have been painted in a negative light during her time on the series.

Nine’s director of communications Victoria Buchan, reportedly emailed ex-cast members this week reminding each of them of the support services on offer, according to Daily Mail.

Support for their stars

Along with MAFS’ own psychologist, the helpline was billed as an 'additional line of support' for those who may be unsettled seeing previews ahead of the new season’s debut.

In response to the claim, a Nine spokesperson told Yahoo Lifestyle the network remains committed to offering access to services which may assist contestants before and after the show.

“While we won’t comment on this matter as it’s private and confidential, both former and current participants are given access to support,” they said.

Earlier this week, ex-contestant Martha Kalifatidis told Yahoo Lifestyle of the drama she’s overheard surrounding the 2020 cast’s antics.

“There’s a new Jessika Power, she’s even cheaper than the old Jessika Power so that’s quite stunning,” she said of one of the new show’s stars.

The best is yet to come

But despite this year’s seemingly endless drama, Martha insisted next season’s antics promise to take reality TV’s restrictions even further.

“Someone goes to rehab during the new season and they have to stop filming, so there’s obviously someone abusing drugs,” she claims.

“There’s also another affair.”

And while the identities of those at the centre of her allegations remain unknown, MAFS’ newest batch of singletons is likely to contain a few familiar faces.

Last week, fan favourite Lizzie Sobinoff was reported to have secured another chance at love by being cast as an intruder bride on the new season.

Additionally, former contestant Bronson Norish's ex-girlfriend, Vanessa Romito is believed to be among those heading up the aisle to a stranger while his own co-stars Cam and Jules return as a success story.

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