Quick Read
- MAFS Australia Season 13 premiered on Channel 9 and 9Now on February 2, 2026.
- The new season features 18 single participants seeking love through arranged marriages.
- Returning experts include Alessandra Rampolla, John Aiken, and Mel Schilling.
- New format elements like ‘Revelations Week’ and ‘Final Test Week’ are introduced.
- Contestant Danny Hewitt, a 34-year-old real estate professional, married Bec Zacharia on the show.
SYDNEY (Azat TV) – The highly anticipated 13th season of Married at First Sight Australia (MAFS Australia) returned to screens on Monday, February 2, 2026, launching on Channel 9 and 9Now. This year, the perennial cultural lightning rod once again unveiled 18 new hopeful singles, each committed to marrying a complete stranger in a bid to find lasting love, with the season promising revamped twists and familiar high-stakes drama.
As confirmed by Marie Claire Australia, MAFS has solidified its status as an annual ritual in Australian culture. Each season features a fresh cohort of participants who agree to a groundbreaking social experiment, trusting that psychological compatibility testing and expert guidance can succeed where conventional modern dating often falls short. The experiment unfolds under relentless scrutiny, from nerve-wracking first encounters at the altar to the show’s signature dinner parties and emotionally charged commitment ceremonies.
New Twists and Returning Experts for MAFS Australia Season 13
Season 13 introduces several key changes designed to intensify the social experiment. Among these is a revamped ‘Revelations Week,’ engineered to bring hidden truths to the surface earlier in the process. Additionally, the ‘Final Test Week’ makes a significant return, a decisive twist that could determine which relationships have a genuine chance of enduring beyond the confines of the experiment.
Presiding over the intricate dynamics and often chaotic interactions are the familiar trio of relationship experts: Alessandra Rampolla, John Aiken, and Mel Schilling. They are once again tasked with navigating the complexities of intimacy, conflict, and compatibility in real-time, offering their insights and guidance to the newly formed couples.
Spotlight on the Diverse MAFS Australia 2026 Cast
The 2026 lineup of 18 singles has been described as a diverse mix, bringing a wide array of backgrounds, professions, and personal histories to the show. From a 27-year-old model to a 51-year-old leasing manager, the cast spans different life stages and aspirations. For instance, Alissa, a 33-year-old nurse and social media manager from South Australia, enters the experiment seeking a partner who values ambition and trust after a six-year relationship ended. Victoria’s Gia, a 35-year-old disability support worker and mother, is looking for emotional intelligence and real commitment, having evolved past her previous preferences for superficial charm.
Among the male contestants, Chris, a 31-year-old construction supervisor from Victoria, describes himself as forthright and opinionated, hoping the experiment can soften his edges. Queensland’s David, a 31-year-old e-commerce product manager, balances a busy professional life with a faith-led upbringing and seeks a relationship that can finally last longer than a year. The cast also includes a farmer, a creative director, a public servant, and a marine technician, ensuring a broad spectrum of personalities and life experiences.
Danny Hewitt and Bec Zacharia’s Wedding Highlights
One of the early unions that has garnered attention is that of Danny Hewitt and Bec Zacharia. Danny, a 34-year-old real estate and businessman originally from the UK, quickly made Australia his home in his twenties. Described by Capital FM as possessing ‘swagger and cheek’ but also a ‘soft and cuddly teddy bear’ underneath, Danny values loyalty above all else and is seeking a spirited partner who can challenge him and make him laugh. He reportedly achieved $9.6 million in property sales last year, according to So Dramatic!
His bride, Bec Zacharia, 35, an account manager from South Australia, brings a bold presence to the experiment. Having been voted Adelaide’s most eligible bachelorette twice, Bec called off a previous engagement just months before the wedding. She is now hoping MAFS delivers a partner with warmth, wit, and real chemistry, ideally with tattoos and a beard, as detailed by Marie Claire Australia.
During their wedding, a lighthearted moment unfolded when Bec playfully remarked that Danny’s best man resembled actor Channing Tatum. Despite the initial banter, Bec was momentarily caught off guard when Danny expressed his desire for a ‘Bonnie & Clyde’ kind of love, jokingly suggesting she could bail him out of jail. However, Danny later reassured her at the reception, affirming his genuine commitment to the experiment and the relationship.
The enduring appeal of MAFS Australia, as evidenced by its 13th season, stems from its ability to blend genuine human vulnerability with high-stakes drama, offering viewers a fascinating, albeit often controversial, glimpse into the complexities of modern relationships and the search for connection.