MAFS Australia 2026 finally gets UK release date confirmed as dramatic reality series returns

It's time to clear your schedules because the highly anticipated 13th season of Married at First Sight Australia returns to E4 - and there's not long to wait.

Channel 4 has confirmed that the dramatic reality series will make its way to UK screens on Monday 9 March at 7:30pm on E4. The series is being released a little over a month since it began airing in Australia.

As ever, audiences will watch on as a new group of singles, hopeful to find lasting love, marry a complete stranger, all accompanied by emotional commitment ceremonies and dramatic dinner parties.

There are some surprises along the way, with new twists and turns featured in this year's experiment. MAFS Australia has introduced a new chapter coined 'revelations week' and last series's new addition, 'final test week', returns with a powerful twist that will challenge and spark make-or-break decisions for the couples.

Guiding the 18 brides and grooms through the social experiment will be sexologist Alessandra Rampolla and relationship experts John Aiken and fellow MAFS UK expert, Mel Schilling.

This series will mark Mel's final outing on MAFS Australia after 12 years as an expert. She shared on social media that she was stepping away from the Aussie series to spend more time with her family and focus on her health.

"After 12 extraordinary seasons, I have made the heartfelt decision to step away from my role as an expert on Married at First Sight Australia," Mel wrote on Instagram.

"This hasn’t been a choice I’ve made lightly. In recent years, my health challenges and living in the UK spending up to three months a year away from my family is no longer sustainable. It has become clear that I must make a change that puts my family, health and time at the very centre of my life."

She concluded the post: "What began as a small social experiment has grown into a global phenomenon, and I have felt truly privileged to be part of that journey. I am incredibly grateful to the fans, the production team, and my fellow experts for their trust and passion over the years.

"I am leaving not with sadness, but with a deep sense of gratitude for everything we’ve achieved together. Stepping away from the Australian series is the right move for my future, though I look forward to continuing my work with Married at First Sight UK. Thank you for being part of this chapter with me."

Married at First Sight Australia returns to E4 on Monday 9 March at 7:30.

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