bosses

LESS than a week after Married At First Sight UK was axed amid rape allegations behind-the-scenes, bosses of the Australian version of the show fear it will meet the same fate.

Concerns have sparked after a second producer on the series has been stood down by production company Endemol Shine Australia, while an investigation is carried out concerning private messages sent by one of the upcoming contestants were played to his on-screen bride. 

Groom Kayne Buik has issued a complaint, prompting an internal inquiry and corresponding police investigation, according to The Daily Mail.

Buik will appear on the forthcoming season of the show, and is said to have flagged his concerns to the police while filming was underway, stressing that his privacy had been compromised.

Buik alleges that his on-screen bride Kristen Goedecke was played personal audio messages Buik had exchanged with a woman he knew prior to taking part on the show.

The woman is said to have heard about Buik’s involvement on the show via an online article, contacting producers and supplying texts and voice notes, as well as taking part in video interviews.

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She denied that any other media was provided, telling Inside Mail: “No photos or videos were sent.”

Buik is said to have refused to ignore the matter ahead of the show’s debut, worrying producers that the series will be axed, similarly to the UK version which airs on Channel 4.

NSW Police referred the matter to WA Police, and an investigation was subsequently launched, in which phones were seized from the Endemol Shine Australia office and staff involved were given access to legal representation.

A spokesperson from Australia’s Channel Nine, who broadcast the show, told the Daily Mail that any enquiries should be directed to Endemol Shine Australia, who declined to comment.

Channel Nine counts Married At First Sight as one of its biggest ratings hits averaging 2.76 million viewers per episode across total TV, and is scheduled to air in the first quarter of 2027. 

“There is a lot riding on the new season,” a source told the Mail. “‘No one wants this to be the last season.

“While it might seem unthinkable, all it takes is one big scandal combined with ratings or revenue not being where they need to be and Nine could make that call.”

Contradicting this, a source on the MAFS production team told the publication that the new season is set to be “a change of pace” than previous seasons, focusing on various couples instead of one main pairing.

This scandal comes after one couple on the new season left the show early, after things became “too toxic” between them during filming.

Since the British series was hit by scandal, Australian showrunners are said to be ensuring any “risky” couplings are removed from the process if things look to turn unsavoury in any way.

The Australian version of MAFS will already no longer air on Channel 4 or E4 in the new year, as it has done in the past.

The broadcaster “has no plans” to televise or stream any international seasons of the show after axing the UK’s incarnation of the reality series.

The external investigation into MAFS UK was commissioned by Channel 4 Chief Executive Priya Dogra following serious allegations made by three female stars in a Panorama special.

Two former brides claimed they were raped by their on-screen husbands, while a third accused her show husband of performing a non-consensual sex act.

All three men have denied the claims.

Dogra said she was “very sorry for the distress the women felt” but the review could not adjudicate on their claims.

The decision to drop the show means a full pre-recorded MAFS UK series that was filmed before the review took place will never be broadcast on the channel.

While the programme has been scrapped, the review found that Channel 4 and production company CPL did provide an adequate duty of care and did not breach Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code

Lawyers pored over 20 hours of aired and unaired footage from series three to six, analysed 31,172 documents and carried out 15 interviews with show stars.

It was found that a number of “isolated incidents” didn’t follow the welfare framework fully and that both C4 and CPL could have conducted a more structured long-term review of contributor welfare.

A second part to the review, carried out by ex BBC One Controller Lorraine Heggessey, concluded that the show could run in the future with format adjustments in place.

However, it also stated that the show’s focus on intimacy could put pressure on contributors to be intimate with their partners.

Panorama’s Mafs UK exposé aired in May.

In the programme, one of the brides who claimed she was raped said she had suicidal thoughts for the first time after her series aired.

While another bride, Shona Manderson, who appeared on the show in 2023, said she had an abortion after claiming her on-screen partner Bradley Skelly ejaculated inside her without permission.

She admitted she did not know if the pregnancy resulted from the alleged incident.

The couple stayed together for six weeks after leaving the show, but separated shortly afterwards.

Bradley said he understood Shona had consented to him ejaculating inside of her.

In a statement to the BBC, he said he categorically denied “any allegations of sexual misconduct” or that he was “controlling”.

He said their relationship “was based on mutual consent, care and affection.”

A third bride told bosses she was raped before her series was aired.

She said both she and her on-screen husband had been engaging in consensual sex, but he had proceeded on one occasion after she said no.

A BRITISH DC show star has been reportedly ‘ruled out’ as James Bond – with bosses said to be ‘looking for a certain body type.’

A total of four actors are understood to be in the running for the part with Callum Turner, Josh O’Connor and Jack Lowden, all 36, understood to have attended the final screen tests.

The identity of the fourth star has been kept under wraps – leading to fan speculation as to who it is.

One such name is London-born Aaron Pierre, who plays John Stewart/Green Lantern in DC Comics-inspired Lanterns.

However, a Hollywood Insider podcast has seemingly ruled out the 32-year-old for 007.

Pop culture critic and author Joanna Robinson featured as a guest on The Big Picture podcast.

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She, along with hosts Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins discussed Aaron Pierre earlier in the episode.

Sean then wondered out loud whether Aaron Pierre was the unidentified James Bond auditionee.

Joanna revealed she knew the mystery actor’s identity, but couldn’t disclose it while on air.

Sean said: “We also heard some rumours. I don’t believe [Aaron Pierre] is in the mix.”

As the others remarked Aaron should be, Sean continued: “That’s what I’m saying. It’s like, obvious.

“The one thing I would say would be a strike against that is that [Daniel] Craig was also kind of a bruiser Bond.

“I think Pierre because of his physique and strength as a performer, he would also be kind of a bruiser bond.

“The sense I’m getting is that they’re going to go back to kind of a lithe boy.

“That’s the energy they want instead of a “I will choke you out” Bond.”

One of the frontrunners, Jack Lowden, has received backing from one of his Hollywood co-stars.

Jack, who plays River Cartwright in Apple TV’s Slow Horses, stars alongside Kristin Scott Thomas.

The actress confessed he would be “very, very good” if he was to land the role.

Speaking to The Times, the 66-year-old star said: “Oh god, I wish I knew.

“He’s got that twinkle, he’s cheeky and he’s a very, very good actor.”

Celebrity Traitors fans are sure bosses were forced to make a huge change to the BBC show after a ‘chaotic’ twist during last week’s mission

The Celebrity Traitors has been pure chaos so far – but not as much as it was in the last episode.

During the daily mission, the celebrities had to come together to find money for the prize fund, with one person handed a special power. Ironically, some of the Faithfuls chose the three Traitors – Maya Jama, King Kenny and James Acaster – as the most trustworthy and they were given a special power.

However, fans are now convinced that the chosen power had to be changed after the Faithfuls put their trust in all the Traitors. Kenny, Maya and James were asked who they wanted to give the power of a double vote to – known as the Dagger – and they ultimately decided Kenny should have the power.

It caused quite the chaos in the roundtable as the double vote from Kenny meant there was a tie. The celebrities had to vote again and we are still waiting to find out if Faithfuls Sharon or Joanne will be next to leave.

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Fans are sure the show had to be changed after the Faithfuls selected all three Traitors to go for the power. One fan theorised on Reddit: “I think the faithful picking the three traitors sparked both immediate chaos as they had to scramble to change the power to something that made sense.”

“If it was intended to be the Seer power I’d have preferred them to roll with it to be honest. It would’ve been interesting to hear the traitors strategise about how to use it,” another shared, adding: “Between themselves to ‘confirm’ one of the traitors as a definite faithful to the rest of the group? Would be fireworks if they (or the seer) were later revealed as a traitor.”

Another fan theorised that it could have been a power used in the North American series, which was called the “power of pardon”. The fan explained: “This power allows one player to save a player from banishment if they think they’re not a traitor.

“But then all three traitors got voted so they pivoted to the dagger. The pardon wouldn’t work because no traitor would use it so no suspense.”

Other fans were convinced it could have originally been the power to ask the Traitors a question like Faithfuls Harriet and Matt (and Traitor Rachel) were allowed to do in the fourth civilian series.

The Traitors will return tomorrow night, where we will find out who gets banished at the roundtable – and if all three Traitors can make it all the way to the final.

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After much change on Strictly Come Dancing, could we be about to see more? Judging panel conversations are yet to be had and there’s speculation two aren’t sure

BBC bosses are said to be growing concerned that Strictly’s popular judging panel could be about to be split up.

Following a huge revamp this series that saw Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe replace departuring long-term co-hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, more big changes could be around the corner.

Producers are starting to fear Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse may not be back, it has been claimed, with other big names already dropping hints that they will return in 2027. Despite contract talks officially not yet starting, it has been suggested that Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood have suggested they will be back.

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There is doubt over head coach Shirley’s future after she quickstepping over the Atlantic after landing a gig on the US counterpart Dancing With The Stars.

There is little doubt Craig wants to carry on. The star has served on the judging panel since the inaugural series of the beloved show in 2004, while Anton assumed his position at the table in 2021.

Now Strictly fans are facing an anxious wait to see if long-serving Shirley – who would be celebraing a decade on the show if she stayed – and Motsi, who has been on the panel since 2019, will remain.

“Strictly love the current judging panel and are really keen to try and persuade everyone to come back next year,” a source told The Sun, “Contract negotiations won’t start until the current series is wrapped, but already Craig and Anton have made it clear they intend to return.

“Motsi and Shirley are yet to make up their minds. Shirley in particular could be a flight risk for bosses, especially if her guest appearance on Dancing With The Stars goes well.”

The Mirror has approached reps for Shirley and Motsi as well as Strictly for comment.

But another insider told us: “This is likely based on the fact that Craig and Anton are both performing in theatre tours next autumn, with the websites for both productions advising that Anton and Craig won’t appear at the Saturday dates of these shows – making it clear that they’re expected to be in Elstree recording Strictly on Saturdays. Shirley and Motsi don’t have theatre tours taking place.”

The BBC has meanwhile responded to claims it has already decided to change its new presenting line-up after just a few weeks.

Presenting pro Emma has predictably been a safe pair of hands since the new series kicked off in September. However, while some viewers are enjoying the camaraderie between the new trio, others have expressed concerns about the chemistry between comedian Josh.

Professional dancer, Johannes, has been accused of being out of his depth by some in the former Clauditorium.

Claiming bosses at the Beeb are aware the new format doesn’t work and are concerned the jewel in the broadcaster’s crown has become something of a “laughing stock”, a source said to be close to Strictly allegedly told the Daily Mail: “It doesn’t work. Not only have many of the traditional viewers stopped watching, the show has become the butt of jokes, a laughing stock.

“It’s like those choosing were trying to be kooky and cool, and they saw something that might appeal to young people.”

It’s thought that mum-of-three, Emma, 50, will stay on Strictly, but Josh’s future could be in doubt. “It isn’t working,” says the source said to be close to the show.

Meanwhile, dancer, Johannes, has also come under fire, with one new theory suggesting that the South African star may become one of the Strictly judges next year

However, responding to the comments, the BBC told the Mirror that the anonymous source comments were “pure and utter speculation”.

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Shaun dealt red card! 

REVIEW: After one big yawn in the castle, the most disastrous mission ever was followed by the least productive Round Table. What’s going on?

A disastrous Mission – in which the Traitors failed to bank any money at all – was tonight followed by a terrible Round Table, in which the Faithful simply clammed up. The producers must have been tearing their hair out.

It all started to go wrong when James Acaster decided he simply wasn’t going to do anything asked of him in the Mission, because he was “too scared”. And outraged Maya Jama and King Kenny could do nothing about it – because he did’t even raise his blindfold to look them in the eye.

Freaked out by his refusal, the pair of them crept about a bit but never looked close to building their shield, and – spooked by the creaking floorboards – in the end just aborted the mission entirely.

What is staggering is they didn’t even bother to sabotage the shields that had been built, leaving three of the Faithful fully protected from murder that night. So marks for effort to all three – zero.

Emboldened after winning the shields, some of the Faithful realised that the Traitors were on the ropes. “They’ve been absolutely rubbish,” James Blunt said, as Michael Sheen agreed: “They’ve got scared.”

They were absolutely right. But as though their inertia was catching, the Faithful then decided they’d respond by giving up speaking at the Round Table. Theories? Nah, they decided, collectively. Miranda Hart had one, but then withdrew it.

Jerry was asked for her thoughts directly, but having banged on repeatedly about James Blunt since the start, refused to say his name. And that’s after she’d earlier made the astonishing claim that he must be a Traitor because: “His face is redder than a fox’s ass at gooseberry time.” Well, if you say so Jerry.

In the end it was the former model who got her marching orders, not because the others really thought she was a Traitor, but because Michael suggested the next best thing was to get rid of any unhelpful Faithful.

Hang on though, hadn’t they noticed that Jerry and Sharon Rooney were the last ones in to breakfast that morning? Which means – as EVERY self-respecting fan of the show knows – that they must have been the other two Faithful in contention for murder, along with Ross Kemp. Duh. Never even mentioned.

When night fell, James Acaster was fully braced for the backlash he knew he deserved in the turret, saying: “I know I’m going to get a dressing down, I’m aware of that.”

Sure enough Maya and Kenny were fuming that he’d hung them out to dry. “I was scared,” he argued, deflecting their anger by insisting he was getting better at being a Traitor, not worse.

“When I killed Ross Kemp in plain sight, I loved it,” he declared. “And I have enjoyed today more.” Maya said she was proud of him but loyalty-wise, he must be skating on thin ice.

Now Romesh Ranganathan is convinced he’s about to be bumped off and if it’s not him it will be Miranda or Sebastian Croft. (The other two will walk in last to breakfast, you mark my words.)

James picked Romesh saying that his popularity and authority with the other Faithful would make his exit a huge blow. Calling him the “deputy head” of the round table, James said: “Morale-wise, everybody loves having Rom around.”

His words were kind but was this his way of trying to get rid of the fellow comedian, who is said to have made his life tricky in the castle? As Romesh headed to bed, he was muttering: “I’m going to die tonight.” And he could be right.

But whoever goes might find they’ve have a lucky escape if tonight’s effort was anything to go by. If this was a school report it would contain just three words: Must. Try. Harder.

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