New Married at First Sight stars face drama behind the scenes as Channel 9 imposes media ban

New Married at First Sight contestants have already been embroiled in controversy due to threats from Channel 9, a racism scandal and claims of deliberate mismatching.

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As a new crop of contestants prepare to make their debut on Married at First Sight next month, many have been left trembling in fear over a ban on talking publicly by Channel 9.

Confidential understands that both Channel 9 and production company Endemol Shine Australia have repeatedly told brides and grooms there will be “severe consequences” for those who disobey any instructions following a series of dramatic incidents that occurred behind the scenes.

“They’ve drilled it in that [contestants] can’t talk to the media. They’re dead serious. Who knows what they’re capable of,” one insider said.

Former drug addict Hayley Vernon is a bride on the new season of Married at First Sight 2020. Picture: Channel 9

The same source revealed there will be no shortage of drama on the new season after what appears to be yet another deliberate mismatching of couples in an attempt to boost ratings.

Sources say personality clashes made for awkward weddings and at least one “honeymoon from hell”, due to potentially exploitative casting.

When asked about the explosive claims, a Channel 9 spokesperson told Confidential: “We are not making any comment on speculation about the show”.

Among this year’s controversial contestants is former drug addict, Hayley Vernon, who has a shocking past and has already set tongues wagging before the show has even started.

The troubled bride has been embroiled in a racism scandal after using the N-word in a social media post three years ago.

Vernon has been embroiled in a racism scandal after using the N-word in this topless selfie post from 2017. Picture: Instagram

The troubled bride’s hobbies include training at the gym and getting plastic surgery. She is pictured here after her “Bangkok boob job” in 2018.

Vernon is pictured topless in the 2017 post alongside the caption: “G-strings, ice coffee and meal prep … getting ni**a.”

In separate posts, she proudly shares dramatic photos of her “Bangkok boob job” and excessive lip fillers.

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Also looking for love this season is Sydney groom, Ivan Sarakula, who told Confidential he has indeed been banned from speaking to the media.

“I don’t know how much I’m allowed to say,” he said before confirming that he’s prohibited from speaking to journalists.

Sarakula is a sales agent at McGrath real estate, the same agency recently at the centre of the “c--k in the mouth” comment scandal involving sacked agent Adrian Bo.

In his official Channel 9 bio, Sarakula is described as having “strong opinions, speaking his mind and often offending people along the way”, much like how season 5 groom Dean Wells was portrayed on the show.

Also looking for love this season is Sydney groom, Ivan Sarakula, who is a sales agent at McGrath real estate, the same agency recently at the centre of the “c--k in the mouth” comment scandal involving sacked agent Adrian Bo.

Single mum, Mishel Bogdanovski, who was cheated on by seven different men, will also appear on the show.

Not surprisingly, she appears to have been paired with a groom who has a history of cheating which is sure to make for car crash viewing.

In a piece to camera, one of her bridesmaids says: “I liked him but then he dropped a bit of a bombshell,” before telling Bogdanovski at the reception that the groom has cheated before.

Last year, there were calls for the controversial show to be axed after a series of formal complaints to media watchdog, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

Viewers complained about the sleazy content and trashy themes, however, Nine was later cleared on all counts after complaints about language, abuse, alcohol and classification.

MAFS 2018 contestant, Tracey Jewel. Pic: Sam Ruttyn

MAFS has become a ratings juggernaut for the Nine network in recent years, with the latest season drawing in a record 1.96 million metro viewers during its final episode in April last year.

Confidential previously revealed that at least one former contestant, Tracey Jewel, is exploring legal options against producers of the show after she suffered mental health struggles including post-traumatic stress and anxiety disorder when the show wrapped in 2018.

“Yes, I have a lawyer. These things take time. We are going through the process of putting together all my medical history and records and going through the workers’ compensation process,” she said.

Originally published as New Married at First Sight stars face drama behind the scenes as Channel 9 imposes media ban