Yahoo Lifestyle 
Nine confirms MAFS show axed
Channel Nine has confirmed MAFS talkback show Talking Married has been axed as per reports earlier this week.
TV Blackbox reported that the network decided to ditch the live show citing mental health concerns for the participants on Tuesday, and now the network has confirmed that the show will not go ahead next year.
“We can confirm that Talking Married will not air in 2020,” a spokesperson told the Daily Mail.
‘Mental health concerns’
Mental health concerns reportedly played a role in the show’s downfall.
A source told TV Blackbox concerns were raised in the wake of this year’s contentious sixth season, despite the main show raking in impressive viewer numbers and supplying plenty of dramatic moments for the follow-up show.
Hosted by Jayne Azzopardi and Shelly Horton, the show was behind some of the most controversial breakdowns, and breakups, of the season, interviewing contestants live immediately following the episode’s airing.
Shelly Horton, was one of the first to address the news publicly.
“I’m sad to see Talking Married axed but so glad I got to co-host two seasons.,” she wrote in a tweet on Tuesday.
I’m sad to see Talking Married axed but so glad I got to co-host two seasons. Live TV can be brutal for all involved. Oh well, you don’t go into the media for stability. Not my first rodeo. Love your work BlackBox. I listen every week.
— Shelly Horton 💃🏻 (@ShellyHorton1) September 16, 2019
A volatile concept
Given MAFS is filmed months before the show actually airs, the Talking Married series was a glimpse into the contestants’ reactions in real time, a volatile concept that may have boosted the talk show’s popularity, but also saw some of the most controversial moments in the entire series unfold.
The infamous moment that may have hammered the final nail in the coffin was Dan and Jess’ uncomfortable fight and apparent breakup live on the show, that was followed by the news that Jess had cheated on Dan as told to Yahoo Lifestyle.
MAFS season eight is already in production, but with Talking Married gone, the only live tidbits we’ll be getting will be from contestants’ Instagram feeds.
Not that social media commentary from the show’s divisive contestants has disappointed in the past.
The most recent season of the show was a ratings juggernaut, but a serious point of contention for many Aussies.
Featuring multiple cheating couples, manipulation, lies and the aforementioned very public breakdown of central couple Dan and Jess, it looks like season eight may be looking to curate a slightly cleaner image than it’s predecessor.
Got a story tip or just want to get in touch? Email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com
Want more lifestyle and celebrity news? Follow Yahoo Lifestyle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Or sign up to our daily newsletter here.
