New MAFS Australia expert announced for upcoming series
She will join John and Alessandra on the show
Marryam Chehelnabi has been announced as the new expert for the upcoming series of Married At First Sight Australia, replacing the late Mel Schilling.
The news was announced on Thursday 17th September, with the MAFS Australia Instagram page sharing the first photo of Marryam. The caption read: 'Highly respected relationship expert Marryam Chehelnabi joins Alessandra Rampolla and John Aiken for #MAFS 2027 on Channel 9 and 9Now ❤️ #NineUpfront'. (sic)
READ MORE: MAFS Australia golden couple Rhi and Jeff have 'split'
Fans of the show were quick to comment on the post, with many welcoming Marryam to the show.
One wrote: 'Let's see how she will go I am looking forward to watching the next season x', with another writing: '🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥'. A third wrote: 'Can't wait for the new series, welcome Marryam'.
MAFS legend John Aiken also welcomed his new colleague, sharing a photo alongside himself and fellow expert Alessandra Rampolla.
He wrote: 'We’re so delighted to welcome our new expert Marryam Chehelnabi to our @mafs family. We can’t wait to share the new series with you all. #mafsau #mafsaustralia #series14 #9upfront #channel9'. (sic)
The news comes after usual expert Mel Schilling sadly passed away at the age of 54 in March this year.
The devastating news of her passing was confirmed in a statement on her Instagram page by her beloved husband. It read: 'Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love.
'In her final moments, when I thought cancer had taken away her ability to speak, she ushered me closer and whispered a message for Maddie and me that will sustain me for the rest of my life. It took all of her remaining strength, and that gesture summed up our wee Melsie perfectly. Even then, her only thought was for Maddie and me.
'This is a woman who became a new mum and a TV star at 42 — and nailed both.
'This is a woman who, through two years of chemotherapy, when she could barely lift her head from the pillow, never complained and never stopped showing courage, grace, compassion and empathy, and never missed a day of filming.
'To most of you, she was Mel Schilling — matriarch of MAFS and queen of reality TV. To Maddie and me, she was our wee Melsie: an incredible mum, role model, and soulmate.
'On behalf of our family and her incredible friendship group, thank you for the support from around the world.
'I also want to thank our wonderful MAFS family — John, Alessandra, Charlene, Roxy, and Sophie — for your kindness and compassion.
'To Lee, Louie, Susy, and Ian at Channel 4 / CPL, who went above and beyond for us, we will never forget it.
'To Sarah at InterTalent, not just an agent, but a true confidante.
'And to the wonderful Elizabeth Day — Mel’s podcasting partner and dear friend — thank you for your friendship and empathy.
'Life can be beautiful, and life can be incredibly cruel. But ultimately, life is fleeting, fragile, and tomorrow is promised to no one. If you can do anything to honour Mel, please live life to the full, love your people well, and try not to sweat the small stuff.
'I had 15 wonderful years with my soulmate, and it was the privilege of my life to be by her side. For that, I will be forever thankful.
'Goodbye, my love. My one. Until we meet again.' (sic)
When is MAFS Australia on TV?
There's no official start date for the 14th series of Married At First Sight Australia, but we do know it will begin airing over in Australia sometime in 2027.
The show usually begins around February time in Australia, before arriving on E4 here in the UK in March.
However, no dates have been announced just yet.
Now check out which MAFS Australia couples are still together:
Jules Robinson and Cameron Merchant: Series 6
Oh, Cameron and Jules. From the minute Jules and Cam had their first wedding dance without any music, we had an inkling they were in it for the long haul. And we were right! The pair got married properly after the show, and they are now proud parents to sons Ollie and Carter.
Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli: Series 6
Martha and Michael were an extremely drama free pair (in comparison to everyone else) so it's no shock that they have actually managed to stay together. They are now living together in Sydney whilst becoming full-time influencers. The couple are now engaged and welcomed a son called Lucius in February 2023.
After announcing in 2025 they were expecting their second child, Martha gave birth to a baby girl called Sunday Maria Brunelli in March 2026. The happy couple announced the news on social media with some adorable photos, writing: 'Our girl is here. Sunday Maria Brunelli, two weeks early and completely perfect. We are smitten'.
Melissa Rawson and Bryce Ruthven: Series 8
Despite Bryce repeatedly putting down Melissa's appearance during the show and more dramatic showdowns than we've had hot dinners - the on-off couple are surprisingly stronger then ever. The pair welcomed twin boys called Levi and Tate in 2021, before getting married for real in February 2023.
Kerry Knight and Johnny Balbuziente: Series 8
Kerry and Johnny were an intruder couple on series eight of MAFS Aus, and following a pretty drama free experiment, the pair left the show as an official couple. The pair went to get married for real in January 2023, before welcoming a daughter called Chloe Rossi Balbuziente in June 2024.
In September 2026, the couple announced they were expecting their second child, a baby girl due in early 2027.
Jade Barredo and Ridge Pywell: Series 11
Jade and Ridge entered the MAFS experiment as an intruder couple during the 11th series in 2023. The couple made it all the way to the final vows and have remained together to this day. In May 2024, Ridge announced he'd moved in with Jade and her daughter Victoria, and the pair have spoken about getting married for real in the future.
Author: Alex Ross
Alex Ross is a Digital Content Editor across Rayo brands, including the Hits Radio Network, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Cool FM and Magic Radio. After beginning her career as a Marketing Intern with Bauer Media in 2016, she transitioned into digital editorial and has spent the past decade creating engaging content for millions of readers. Whether it’s reality shows, sitcoms, gritty crime dramas or hard-hitting documentaries, Alex is an expert in all things TV, as well as knowing the ins and outs of celebrities.