The countdown is on!

When does MAFS 2026 start? Pic: 9Now

When does MAFS 2026 start? Pic: 9Now

Fear not MAFS loving people, the chaotic series will be returning to our screens for season 13 in January.

The upcoming series of Married At First Sight is sure to be as outrageous as ever, and hopefully create even more successful love stories.

From OGs Michael Brunelli and Martha Kalifatidis to the 2025 pairing Rhi Disljenkovic and Jeff Gobbels, we are obsessed with MAFS couples.

What is MAFS?

Michael Brunelli and Martha Kalifatidis./Pic: 9Now
Married At First Sight is an insane social experiment that sees relationship experts John Aiken, Mel Schilling and Alessandra Rampolla pair two strangers together.

The couples then tie the knot in front of all of their friends and family after meeting for the first time at the altar (wild). The premise of the show thereafter is to watch along as the pairs navigate life as newlyweds… and it’s never straight-forward!

When will MAFS Australia 2026 air?

Rhi Disljenkovic and Jeff Gobbels./Pic: InstagramRhi Disljenkovic and Jeff Gobbels./Pic: Instagram
Although Channel Nine hasn’t officially confirmed their release date yet, we can give an estimation based on the premiere dates of previous years.

The last series- season 12 started on January 27, 2025, season 11 started on January 29, 2024, and season 10 started on January 30, 2023. This means MAFS Australia Season 13 is likely to premiere on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Who is in the MAFS Australia 2026 cast?

Jacqui and Ryan final vows(Credit: Nine)
Channel Nine have not revealed the cast for MAFS Australia 2026, however, Daily Mail leaked a potential cast list in August- let’s take a look:

Alissa Fay, Influencer
Rebecca Zukowski, Leasing Manager
Gia Fleur, Unknown
Julia Vogl, Confidence Coach
Brook Compton, Model
Rebecca ‘Bec’ Zacharia, Socialite
Melissa Akbay, Influencer
Anita Karungalekar, Sports Presenter
Rachel Gilmore, Recruitment Specialist
Stella, Eyebrow Technician
Chris Nield, AFL Player
Grayson McIvor, Recruitment Agency Owner
Daniel Hewitt, Melbourne Real Estate Agent
Scott McCristal, Businessman
Luke Fourniotis, Farmer
Filip Gregov, Motivational Speaker
Micah Lomu, Mortgage Broker
David Momoh, Brand Strategist
Steve Powell, Unknown

Who are the MAFS Australia 2026 experts?

Relationship expert Mel Schilling, clinical sexologist Alessandra Rampolla and relationship expert John Aiken./Pic: 9NowRelationship expert Mel Schilling, clinical sexologist Alessandra Rampolla and relationship expert John Aiken./Pic: 9Now
Much to every MAFS lover’s delight- the dynamic trio that is relationship expert Mel Schilling, clinical sexologist Alessandra Rampolla and relationship expert John Aiken will make a return.

Similarly to last season, the trio will be in charge of interviewing and matching the singles- whilst also helping them navigate their new relationship.

The MAFS experts are to thank for many of the iconic scenes we know and love thanks to part of their role including having to confront the badly behaved contestants during the “couch sessions.”

Where are the MAFS weddings filmed?

Rhi and Jeff final vows(Credit: Nine)
In 2025, the MAFS weddings took place in stunning locations including: Carriageworks in Sydney, Sydney Town Hall, Gunner’s Barracks in Sydney, Greyleigh, and Linneaus House in Berry.

The couples accomodation is generally also provided for at the One Global Resorts Green Square in Sydney.

What is the prize for MAFS Australia?


Unlike other reality TV shows like Love Island Australia or Big Brother Australia, MAFS does not gift contestants with a cash prize at the end of the series.

However, taking part in the popular series often results in contestants going on to have successful careers in the public eye as influencers or OnlyFans models.