Alert – Married At First Sight 2025 bombshell: Producers considering a major shake-up with relationship experts ahead of new season – News Alerts

Married At First Sight bosses have considered shaking up the panel of experts for the upcoming 2025 series, currently being filmed in Sydney.

Daily Mail can exclusively reveal that EndemolShine, the powerhouse production company behind MAFS, held several high-level meetings with Channel Nine executives to discuss potential changes to the show’s format.

A key focus of these discussions was whether introducing a new relationship expert could breathe new life into the popular series.

‘Producers are always brainstorming ways to keep the show exciting and unpredictable for the audience,’ an insider close to the production disclosed.

‘There was a genuine interest in seeing what a fresh face could bring to the dynamic on the couch, and a number of respected relationship experts were interviewed during the process.’

At one point, it seemed almost certain that the panel would be getting a new member, with showrunners leaning towards making a change.

However, in a dramatic turn of events, the decision was reversed at the eleventh hour.

The insider revealed, ‘The idea was on the table for quite a while, but ultimately, they decided to stick with the formula that has been working so well.’

Married At First Sight bosses considered shaking up the panel of experts for the upcoming 2025 series, currently being filmed in Sydney. (Pictured: John Aiken, Mel Schilling and Alessandra Rampolla)

The current line-up, featuring long-standing experts Mel Schilling, John Aiken, and Alessandra Rampolla, will remain intact for the new season.

A source on set confirmed, ‘The line-up has changed in the past, and we can confirm that as producers, we are always looking at new ‘experts’.

But this year, there will be no change to the line-up, with Mel, John, and Alessandra back on the couch.’

‘Producers are always brainstorming ways to keep the show exciting and unpredictable for the audience,’ an insider close to the production disclosed

The speculation about a shake-up was fuelled by Schilling’s absence from key filming events back in July, particularly her notable no-show at the hen’s party.

Fans quickly took to social media, wondering if the beloved expert, who has been with the show since season five, might be stepping down due to health concerns or personal reasons.

However, Daily Mail exclusively revealed that Mel was indeed returning and locked in for another series.

‘There was a genuine interest in seeing what a fresh face could bring to the dynamic on the couch, and a number of respected relationship experts were interviewed during the process’

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Schilling, 52, touched down in Sydney earlier this month before joining fellow experts Alessandra Rampolla and John Aiken just in time for the first dinner party.

Taking to her Instagram, the beloved expert shared a photo of herself looking bright and healthy alongside her husband Gareth and daughter Maddie before boarding her flight.

‘Chemo done, here we come,’ the therapist wrote in the caption.

Mel is currently based in the United Kingdom, where she is almost done filming the latest UK version of the show.

She recently underwent her final chemotherapy treatment amid her battle with colon cancer.

Insiders have revealed that producers and Channel Nine have been ‘nothing but supportive’ of the dating coach and offered her flexibility during the show’s gruelling schedule.

The speculation about a shake-up was fuelled by Schilling’s absence from key filming events back in July, particularly her notable no-show at the hen’s party

Fans quickly took to social media, wondering if the beloved expert, who has been with the show since season five, might be stepping down due to health concerns or personal reasons

‘Mel has been incredibly strong through her treatment,’ a source close to the production said.

‘The producers have gone above and beyond to ensure she has all the support she needs. They’ve been very accommodating with her schedule, allowing her to zoom into meetings from London to get to know the participants.’

While Mel wasn’t present to welcome next year’s brides during the hen’s party alongside Alessandra, she has been actively involved in the matchmaking process.