Here come the brides! Married At First Sight will begin filming next year’s season soon – after The Voice and The Block are also given the green light
Married At First Sight is set to resume filming sooner rather than later, joining reality shows like The Voice Australia and The Block.
Speaking at Tuesday’s Macquarie analysts conference via weblink, Nine CEO Hugh Marks said the easing of social distancing rules amid the coronavirus pandemic should clear the path for MAFS to begin filming, as reported by The Australian.
It comes after The Voice announced an air date, with the Channel Nine singing competition set to premiere on May 24, according to a report by TV Blackbox on Sunday.
Back in business: Married At First Sight is set to resume filming sooner rather than later, after the coronavirus pandemic brought production to a standstill. Pictured, Elizabeth Sobinoff and Seb Guilhaus
Meanwhile, The Block resumed filming in Melbourne on Monday, after a six-week break prompted by the coronavirus pandemic.
In an interview with MediaWeek last month, Channel Nine’s head of content, production and development, Adrian Swift, confirmed MAFS had been dramatically impacted by the coronavirus.
‘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,’ Adrian told the publication.
Starting up again: In an interview with The Australian on Tuesday, Nine CEO Hugh Marks said the easing of lockdown restrictions should clear the path for Married At First Sight to begin filming next year’s season. Pictured, Amanda Micallef (left) and Tash Herz (right)
But he 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.’
Taking a toll: In an interview with MediaWeek last month, Channel Nine’s head of content, production and development, Adrian Swift, confirmed the hit reality show had been dramatically impacted by the coronavirus. Pictured, Michael Goonan and Stacey Hampton
The coronavirus pandemic has already 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.
In March, New Idea revealed filming on the upcoming season of Married At First Sight had been suspended in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Creating delays: In March, New Idea revealed filming on the upcoming season of Married At First Sight had been suspended in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. Pictured, Jonethen Musulin and Connie Crayden
Production was originally due to start in August, with filming wrapping in December, but it was put on hold just a week after casting began.
‘Not being able to hold hands, no kissing and social distancing makes it hard to film a wedding,’ a source told New Idea at the time.
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Channel Nine for comment.
‘Not being able to hold hands, no kissing and social distancing makes it hard to film a wedding,’ a source told New Idea. Pictured, David Cannon and Hayley Vernon