Married At First Sight’s Natasha Spencer says production on 2021 season should be delayed

The coronavirus pandemic has caused a production delay for Married At First Sight.

Filming for the next season was due to start in August, wrapping up in December.

And 2020 star Natasha Spencer told The Daily Telegraph’s Confidential on Sunday, that it’s the best option for all concerned.

‘They should just cut their losses and respect the difficult time we’re in, and respect people’s mental health a bit more, and delay the season,’ the 27-year-old said.    

In an interview with MediaWeek last Monday, Channel Nine’s head of content, production and development, Adrian Swift, confirmed the hit reality show had been dramatically impacted by COVID-19.

Adrian admitted the format of the show was creating some challenges amid the pandemic.

‘Married at First Sight will not be able to go ahead like it did last year. It is next year where we think things could be more challenging,’ he told the publication.

But Adrian joked that enforced social distancing might actually prove to be beneficial for the show’s participants.   

‘To be honest, it might be better that way. If the couples stood 1.5 metres apart they might like each other more,’ he joked. 

He added: ‘I expect the show to perhaps change fundamentally next year, but it won’t be about social distance.’  

The coronavirus pandemic has created production delays for the network, with Adrian admitting it’s forced them to review how many shows are made.  

‘It is all about duty of care, looking after participants,’ he continued. 

‘When you are suddenly faced with the possibility of cast and crew getting infected by something it moves the focus away from production and closer to how do you treat the staff and contributors. 

‘We probably took the process for granted before. Now we examine the process more and that has been good for us.’