MAFS insider reveals surprising claim about Timothy and Lucinda's relationship

Fans of Married At First Sight Australia often take to social media to ponder whether or not the producers and experts are for real when it comes to certain matches on the show - and for good reason! Throughout 11 seasons, there have certainly been a fair few matches that have raised eyebrows (and concerns).

A production insider has now told Yahoo Lifestyle that there is definitely a method to the madness and has exclusively revealed that the experiment is planned to have break-ups spread out evenly throughout the show's run.

"We know when all the couples will call it quits," the source revealed. "Part of the success of this format is that you will get couples writing 'leave' at different times. The worst-case scenario is a mass walkout.

"Which is why this kind of manipulation from behind the scenes is warranted."

RELATED:

• MAFS' Timothy speaks out after homestays: 'I was pissed off'

• MAFS EXCLUSIVE: Leaked pictures of Lucinda and Tim that all fans need to see

• MAFS: Are Lucinda and Timothy still together?

The source explains that the producers of the series know how to keep things interesting for all MAFS viewers and that there needs to be consistent conflict and that involves planning to keep the show engaging from start to finish.

"The order of when people will leave the experiment is always locked and predetermined," the source said. "There have been very few couples that have proved us wrong over the years and there can be the odd subject-to-the-rule but we are almost always actively controlling the lifespan of each couple to keep viewers engaged."

Bryce and Melissa in 2021 were an example of a couple proving producers wrong with the crew being shocked that their story had the happy ending it did (the pair are happily married and have twin sons).

"Everyone working on that show knew Bryce would stick around and that Melissa would stick around but it was expected Melissa would leave him at the final vows to give the viewers the perfect story arc," the production insider revealed. "That's truthfully how producers saw that love story ending.

"However, in most seasons we get it right and we just tick them off the list as expected."

It is alleged that the couple the producers expected to fail fairly quickly was Timothy and Lucinda who, of course, have gone on to be fan favourites.

"That was always planned to fall apart after Collins and Natalie but producers changed their minds when they realised Lucinda was TV gold and continued to coordinate that relationship behind the scenes to keep them in the experiment as long as possible," the source says.

"Everyone on set fell in love with Lucinda and that is why Channel Nine changed their minds on them leaving the experiment second."

Certainly, watching Lucinda and Timothy's relationship go from strength to strength has been one of the more heartwarming aspects of a show that is usually jam-packed with drama and problematic behaviour.

"Keeping Lucinda and Timothy was a conscious decision and it took some real work behind the scenes," the source tells Yahoo Lifestyle.

"She is a genuine soul and someone quite unique. It is no wonder we moved things around to keep her and Timothy for as long as possible."

SHOP:

• New 'fun and delicious' Swisse gummy vitamins loved by popular Aussie duo

• The 'miracle' anti-cellulite cream that's flying off shelves: 'It's so much harder to see.'

• The booty-sculpting pants that have sold over 10 million pairs: 'Compliments just don't stop'

While the fate of Timothy and Lucinda is still something of a mystery - one insider told So Dramatic that the two aren't dating but are the "best of friends" and Timothy himself has confirmed they still see each other but not in what capacity - their arc could explain why there has been such a long space between couples leaving in the current season.

In some ways, it has made this series a little lacklustre in some viewers' perspective," the insider explains. "As much as viewers will say that they want the couples to work out, it isn't what makes this show compelling."

Love MAFS? Don't miss our new vodcast Behind the Edit - available wherever you get your podcasts.

Subscribe to our MAFS newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Got a story tip? Email us now.