It’s been a rollercoaster ride for the producers of Married At First Sight trying to bring a same-sex couple to the altar.
Michael Felix and Stephen Stewart will say ‘I do’ on Monday night in what should be a big moment for the series.
However, sources say the behind-the-scenes drama at Ny Breaking Australia threatened to overshadow their special day.
Hairdresser Stephen, 26, and Michael, 34, from Perth, find themselves at the center of a story that is less fairytale.
The experiment took an unexpected turn when Michael’s first partner Simon suddenly left the show and Stephen was quickly brought in to fill the void.
It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Married At First Sight producers trying to get a same-sex couple to the altar
. Michael Felix and Stephen Stewart will say ‘I do’ on Monday night in what should be a big moment for the series
This last-minute change has cast doubt on the authenticity of their connection, with Stephen reportedly feeling like an afterthought to the show’s diversity agenda.
‘The whole situation has put pressure on Stephen. He didn’t expect to be part of the show under such rushed and uncertain circumstances,” a source told Ny Breaking Australia.
‘Stephen felt like the producers had completely overlooked his preferences and simply paired him with Michael as a convenient solution.
The experiment took an unexpected turn when Michael’s first partner, Simon, (pictured) suddenly left the show
‘Stephen had a hard time being thrown in at the deep end. He didn’t sign up to be a groom at the last minute.’
While the show’s producers pushed for a storyline that would be groundbreaking, they may have pushed Stephen to his limits.
“It’s one thing to be part of a groundbreaking moment on television, but it’s another to feel like you’re just a pawn in a bigger game,” the friend said.
This last-minute change has cast doubt on the authenticity of their connection, with Stephen (pictured) reportedly feeling like an afterthought to the show’s diversity agenda.
“Stephen felt the producers had completely overlooked his preferences and paired him with Michael as a convenient solution,” a source told Ny Breaking Australia.
‘Escaped groom’ Simon breaks his silence
Despite filming his backstories and attending the money party, Michael’s first groom Simon almost ‘derailed’ the series after getting cold feet and fleeing the country.
Simon broke his silence in October, telling Ny Breaking Australia: ‘MAFS wasn’t what I thought I wanted at this point in my life, that’s all.’
Expressing his regret, he added: “I just felt sorry for whoever they set me up with. I left at first, but they managed to lure me back… I have to take care of myself.”
Simon broke his silence in October, telling Ny Breaking Australia: ‘MAFS wasn’t what I thought I wanted at this point in my life, that’s all’
A production insider explained at the time: ‘It’s complete and utter chaos! Simon’s departure was a blindside.
“Everyone is running around like headless chickens trying to save the situation.”
In a last-ditch effort to save his storyline, producers paired Simon’s intended “husband” Michael with Stephen and introduced the couple as interlopers mid-season.
In a last-ditch effort to save his storyline, producers paired Simon’s intended “husband” Michael with Stephen and introduced the couple as interlopers mid-season.
