Channel Nine is facing backlash from the upcoming Married At First Sight 2026 cast because the network is restricting their ability to work as social media influencers.
Usually, participants on the show get their social media accounts back in May. However, Channel Nine is now delaying that access until June, according to the Daily Mail.
The biggest impact is that Channel Nine will stop managing the cast’s social media, which significantly limits their ability to build a following online.
A cast member shared that they’d been sending in photos for weeks, anticipating they would be posted as they have been in the past.
‘They’ve just said no – and we’re furious.’
For a lot of people on the show, finding love isn’t the only goal – it’s also a chance to become a successful social media influencer.
Someone close to the project admitted they’re concerned because they’ve invested a lot of effort and resources, and now aren’t getting the attention they need.
Most of the couples haven’t worked out long-term, and now the cast members feel they’ve missed their best chance to build a successful career from their time on the show.
Alissa Fay is the only bride who doesn’t seem bothered by Nine’s recent changes, as she was prepared for them.
She’s a professional influencer, so she worked out a deal in her Married at First Sight contract that allowed her to keep getting paid for her sponsored content while the show was being filmed.
Because of her partnership with Chery Australia, she’s been able to turn her television appearances into income.
Everyone else was upset, but sources say Alissa was the only one who had planned for this situation.
Others have quietly created backup profiles just to stay visible.
Chris Nield briefly regained access to his account, posting a video that quickly sparked debate, before losing access again.
A video quickly spread online showing Chris holding a sign with his dating preferences. The sign originally said ‘NO FAT SHORT CHICKS,’ but he had crossed out the word ‘fat,’ referencing his well-known list of what he won’t tolerate in a partner.
In the video, Chris strongly repeated his preferences, stating he isn’t attracted to women who use fake tan, seem overly dependent, or are overweight – statements that had already caused awkwardness among the other men on the show.
Recent reports suggest the popular show has created a negative environment, leaving most participants with only a few months of public attention before facing backlash.
As someone who follows these reality TV couples, it’s fascinating – and a little sad – to see how few actually capitalize on their fifteen minutes of fame. While a select few have really built something lasting financially, most unfortunately end up disappearing from the public eye pretty quickly. It really highlights how tough it is to turn reality TV exposure into a genuine career!
According to public relations expert Adrian Falk, the show has become so focused on controversy that it’s damaged the reputations of those involved.
He believes what started as an interesting look at relationships has turned into a sensationalized spectacle focused on getting attention online.
‘It has become a zoo for the most amount of followers,’ Falk told Daily Mail.
It’s really tough to recover your reputation after being involved in a scandal or controversy. Public attention shifts quickly, and companies are wary of associating with that kind of negativity. Any positive attention you get will likely be brief.
Even with all the drama, a small number of people from the show have successfully used their brief time on television to build real wealth, and some are now referring to them as the unofficial ‘Married at First Sight’ rich list.
Jamie Marinos significantly increased their income last season by securing a large sponsorship deal with Lynx.
The campaign, designed like a dating show and becoming incredibly popular online, earned her over $40,000 and allowed her to become a full-time content creator.
As a lifestyle expert, I’m always looking for smart ways to diversify income, and my recent club hosting gigs across Australia have been a fantastic opportunity! I’ve earned around $30,000 just from those event nights – a really nice boost, honestly!
Not far off her is bride Awhina Rutene who has almost made six figures from her stint on the show.
The mother, who lives in Perth and has one child, is working with several popular brands on sponsored content.
Eliot Donovan, who gained fame on a recent show, has worked incredibly hard after the cameras stopped rolling, and it’s paid off – he’s become one of the most financially successful people from the show’s cast.
Since finishing filming, the Queensland native has partnered with over 30 brands, including Hugo Boss and Chemist Warehouse. Each sponsored post earns them between $5,000 and $20,000.
He’s also created the very popular online coaching program, Beachbodies.au, which has earned an estimated $60,000 to $100,000 in revenue to date.
In addition to everything else, Eliot has earned between $40,000 and $50,000 from nightclub performances and public appearances nationwide.
Eliot quickly became a fan favourite during the season thanks to his genuine personality and sharp wit.
After the divorce, both of his former wives, Veronica Cloherty and Lauren Hall, had to go back to working traditional daytime jobs.
Another groom who attempted to cash in on his five minutes is Billy Belcher.
He earned some extra money by briefly performing shirtless on stage before going back to his job as a plasterer.
Even though he’s been criticized, groom Adrian Araouzou has shown that a poorly-received edit can still lead to financial gain.
Soon after the show finished, he and his twin brother, James, launched Sauci Pasta Bar. The Melbourne restaurant has already earned over $100,000 in just the first few weeks.
Honestly, I’m not surprised everyone’s always lining up to meet him! After everything that happened on the show, and now seeing him absolutely crush it with his pasta business? It’s incredible! Seriously, it’s become the biggest success story ever to come out of that show, and I’m living for it! I’m so proud of him!
Dave Hand, a participant on Married at First Sight Australia, has achieved a unique accomplishment: he’s the first person from the show to land a role on a Netflix series.
I’m so excited to see Dave on the new season of Perfect Match! It’s amazing to see him taking his reality TV career to the next level, especially with a show that brings together stars from all over the world. This is a huge opportunity for him to really break into global television, and I can’t wait to watch!
Industry experts are excited about this opportunity, believing it shows that former Married at First Sight participants can still find success beyond Australian reality TV, provided they’re chosen thoughtfully.
Hand was reportedly paid a handsome five-figure sum.
Not all participants enjoyed the same trajectory.
As a lifestyle observer, I’m always fascinated by people’s choices, and the news about Carina Mirabile is a perfect example. She was really being predicted as the ‘next big thing’ on the show, but she’s actually decided to step away from performing and public life completely. It’s a bold move, and shows you can’t always predict where someone’s path will lead!
She now leads marketing for her family’s company, Beyond Tools, and prefers the security of a traditional job to the demanding and fleeting world of being a social media influencer.
Some people have gone back to regular jobs because their personal stories became more famous than their work, hindering their ability to achieve success.
Plumber Ryan Donnelly is back at work after his highly public and troubled marriage to Jacqui Burfoot ended in divorce and a series of legal disputes.
Jacqui says she’s doing okay and has been keeping busy with things like making videos, running her jewelry business, and focusing on her career. She’s told friends she’s moved on from whatever ‘experiment’ she was involved in.
As Falk explains it, these diverging outcomes capture the harsh truth behind the franchise’s fame.
He explained that the show used to launch authentic stars – people viewers truly connected with and supported. Now, he believes it’s more about contestants becoming internet sensations, resulting in a superficial kind of fame.
The show won’t truly succeed until it feels genuine again. It’s impossible to achieve lasting success when everything feels artificial.
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2026-02-10 03:22