Married at First Sight's new series thrown into chaos as producers 'struggle to cast new contestants'

Casting for the new series of Married at First Sight Australia opened months ago, but it seems producers are struggling to find suitable singles to appear in the show.

TV insiders have claimed that several spots remain empty on MAFS Australia, with some candidates even pulling out at the last minute.

"They're still scrambling for both brides and grooms," a source told Daily Mail Australia.

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"Honestly, they're desperate. There's a real sense of panic among the producers who know they have to deliver a standout cast to keep viewers hooked after this year's season was so controversial."

The Daily Mirror has reached out for comment.

Channel Nine's new vetting process has also added to producers' casting problems. It is claimed that the network is "not messing around" when it comes to thorough background checks this time around.

A source said, "Channel Nine isn't messing around when it comes to background checks this year. They don't want anyone with a criminal record - not even someone who's faced court and been found not guilty.

"It's about protecting the brand at all costs. But they're not playing it safe. They still want drama, chaos, headlines - they just don't want to give critics any more ammunition."

The claims come as production company EndemolShine Australia put out a casting call on Instagram in recent weeks.

A post shared to the MAFS Instagram account read: "Looking for love or know someone who is? DMs are OPEN."

Series 12 of Married at First Sight Australia began airing back in January, before later landing on E4 in the UK.

The show features couples who marry despite having met one another before walking down the aisle.

Experts match the singletons before the show begins. Due to legal requirements in Australia, participants are not legally married on the show but take part in an unofficial commitment ceremony.

On MAFS Australia, the experts are relationship advisors John Aiken and Mel Schilling, along with sexologist Alessandra Rampolla.

The couples meet at the altar, spends their wedding night in a hotel, and then heads on a honeymoon together.

After returning, they live together and each week take part in a commitment ceremony, during which they can choose to stay or leave their marriage. The series then concludes with one final commitment ceremony, during which the couples must make a lasting decision about the future of their marriage.

Married at First Sight is available to watch on Channel 4.