The wait is finally over for reality TV fans! Married at First Sight Australia 2026 (Season 13) is officially around the corner, and the excitement is hitting fever pitch. Known for its high-octane drama, emotional dinner parties, and the ever-controversial commitment ceremonies, MAFS has become a global phenomenon.
As we head into the 2026 season, rumors are flying, and the official cast list has started to leak. From secret boyfriends outside the show to couples being “axed” before the first episode, Season 13 is already shaping up to be the most chaotic one yet.
What is the Official Start Date for MAFS 2026?
Channel 9 has confirmed that the new season will kick off on Monday, February 2, 2026. Traditionally, the show premieres right after the Australian Open tennis tournament, taking over the prime-time slot. Fans can tune in at 7:30 pm on Channel 9 or stream it anytime on 9Now.
Meet the Brides of MAFS Australia 2026
This year’s lineup of brides is one of the most diverse we’ve seen. The experts have chosen women from various professional backgrounds, each with a unique—and often heartbreaking—backstory.
Bec Cvilikas (35) – The Account Manager
Hailing from South Australia, Bec is no stranger to commitment—or the lack of it. She recently made headlines for calling off her real-life engagement just months before her wedding day. She enters the experiment looking for a partner who is “manly” and ready to settle down.
Julia Vogl (35) – The Bisexual Bride
Julia is a Confidence Coach and is making history this season as a bisexual bride. She has been open about her fluid sexuality, and the experts have matched her based on deep emotional compatibility rather than traditional norms.
Gia Fleur (35) – The Single Mom
A Disability Support Worker from Victoria, Gia is a heavily tattooed, “cool mom” who is tired of the modern dating scene. She’s looking for a “forever kind of love” and someone who can embrace her family life.
Stella Mickunaite (32) – The Traditionalist
Originally from Lithuania, Stella is an Eyebrow Technician with very traditional views on marriage. She believes the man should be the provider, which is sure to spark some interesting debates during the dinner parties.
Meet the Grooms of MAFS Australia 2026
The men this year range from sensitive souls to “alpha” personalities, which is a classic recipe for MAFS drama.
Filip Gregov (37) – The Tradie
Filip is a Carpenter from Victoria. He is a self-proclaimed “old-school man” who wants a wife who values family above all else. His clash with some of the more career-driven brides is already being teased by insiders.
David Momoh (31) – The E-commerce Guru
Born in Nigeria and now living in Queensland, David is a successful Product Manager. He is deeply religious and is looking for a woman who shares his faith and his drive for success.
Steven (34) – The Marine Tech
Steven is a former heavy metal musician turned Marine Technician. With his rugged looks and artistic background, he’s expected to be a fan favorite this season.
Chris Nield – The Athlete
Chris is a former AFL player. Athletes have a mixed track record on MAFS, so it will be interesting to see if he can handle the emotional weight of the experiment.
The Biggest Scandal: Why One Couple Was Removed
Perhaps the biggest news coming out of the 2026 production is the removal of a couple. Micah Lomu (a Mortgage Broker) and Ankita Karungalekar (a Cricket Presenter) were reportedly sent home early.
While Channel 9 has been tight-lipped, rumors suggest an internal investigation took place. This leaves a massive hole in the season’s storyline and has left fans wondering if they will even appear in the early episodes.
Why Season 13 Will Be Different
The “experts”—John Aiken, Mel Schilling, and Alessandra Rampolla—are back, but their role has shifted. In 2026, the show is moving away from “influencer-hungry” contestants and focusing more on “real people” with genuine baggage.
More Complex Matchmaking
This year, the experts have focused on “Values-Based Matching.” Instead of just looking at physical attraction, they have paired couples based on their views on finances, children, and lifestyle. However, as we know, what works on paper rarely works at a MAFS dinner party!
The Return of the Retreat
The infamous “Couples Retreat” is set to return, and sources say it was filmed in a luxury location in New South Wales. This is usually where the secret affairs and “cheating scandals” come to light.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are the couples on MAFS Australia actually married?
No. Due to Australian marriage laws which require a one-month notice period, the couples participate in a “Commitment Ceremony.” While they wear wedding attire and say vows, it is not a legally binding marriage.
How can I watch MAFS Australia 2026 from overseas?
While it airs on Channel 9 in Australia, international viewers often use VPN services to access 9Now, or wait for it to air on local networks like E4 in the UK.
Is the 2026 cast officially confirmed?
While Channel 9 releases names in stages, the list provided above has been verified by reputable entertainment insiders who have tracked the filming process.
Conclusion
Whether you’re in it for the true love stories or the “wine-throwing” drama, Married at First Sight Australia 2026 is set to be a blockbuster season. With a cast full of strong opinions and a few hidden secrets, the experiment is just getting started.
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