MAFS: Huge changes coming to season 11 as filming commences

EXCLUSIVE: Next year's season of the reality show will feature some major updates.

Married At First Sight’s eleventh season has officially commenced filming, with the new brides and grooms currently shooting their ‘back story’ segments before they walk down the aisle over the next few weeks.

Before the series returns early next year, Yahoo Lifestyle can reveal that the new season will feature plenty of changes that are sure to please viewers.

MAFS experts appear to be shocked by the nude photo scandal. Photo: Channel Nine
MAFS experts appear to be shocked by the nude photo scandal. Photo: Channel Nine

Fewer influencers

An insider tells Yahoo Lifestyle that although the cast will of course feature several influencers and fame-hungry hopefuls, there will be a “better balance between the controversial participants there to stir drama and the ones genuinely looking for love”.

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All new storylines

While storylines on MAFS can often feel repetitive, with each season containing cheating accusations, gaslighting and disapproving families, the source spills that producers will be “freshening” up the format for season 11.

“Producers want a more diverse cast that will cover a wider range of social issues, sexualities and genders than previous seasons,” they tease.

“Last season there were a lot of complaints from fans that storylines felt recycled from other seasons, so this time they'll be freshening it up.”

MAFS season 10 cast at a dinner party.
‘Last season there were a lot of complaints from fans that storylines felt recycled from other seasons, so this time they'll be freshening it up’. Photo: Channel Nine

First non-binary participant?

The insider also tells us that next season will see the return of a gay couple. However, both participants will not necessarily identify as male.

“It wouldn't be out of the question to have a participant that identifies as non-binary, gender-fluid or is trans,” the source says.

“The show is meant to represent modern-day Australia, and producers are making a real effort to do that this time round rather than just having another cast full of cis-gendered, heterosexual participants.”

SHOP:

MAFS welcomed its first gay couple, Craig Roach and Andy John, in season three over seven years ago.

The show then featured its first lesbian pairing, Tash Herz and Amanda Micallef, on season seven in 2020, before matching proud bisexual groom Liam Cooper with bride Georgia Fairweather the following year.

MAFS' Mitch Eynaud with his brother Jayden.
Season nine groom Mitch Eynaud’s brother Jayden has reportedly been cast. Photos: Instagram/mnaud__

Keeping it in the family

According to Daily Mail, season 11 will also see a former participant’s sibling walking down the aisle.

The publication reports that season nine groom Mitch Eynaud’s brother, professional kickboxer Jayden, has already filmed his backstory and has been spotted being “surrounded by cameras” at his local gym.

Sources close to the budding reality TV star say Jayden is “stoked and excited” for his time in the limelight.

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