MAFS 2027: New relationship expert revealed

Married At First Sight is returning for its 14th season next year, and there’s a new face on the experts’ panel.

Nine has confirmed that respected relationship expert Marryam Chehelnabi will join John Aiken and Alessandra Rampolla for MAFS 2027, stepping into the role in the wake of Mel Schilling’s death earlier this year.

Mel leaves a lasting legacy on the franchise, and she could never be replaced. Marryam is set to bring her own distinct expertise to the experiment.

Speaking to TV WEEK about the rumours of a new expert being hired at the 2026 Logies, John teased: “All will be revealed,” while Alessandra shared: “So many surprises this year.”

(Credit: Nine)

Who is Marryam Chehelnabi?

Marryam joins the show with some impressive clinical credentials. She was lead therapist on SBS show Couples Therapy Australia, holds a Master of Science in Medicine from the University of Sydney as well as a Master of Counselling and Applied Psychotherapy, and is a PACFA Registered Clinical Psychotherapist.

Alongside Alessandra’s focus on intimacy and John’s tough-love approach, Marryam is expected to bring a fresh, grounded dynamic to the Commitment Ceremonies and Dinner Parties – reportedly adding real depth to how the experts assess the couples’ progress.

(Credit: Nine)

What we know about MAFS 2027 so far

Filming is currently underway, with the season expected to premiere in early 2027 on Channel 9 and 9Now.

While full cast details haven’t been officially confirmed, the Daily Mail reports several pairings already doing the rounds:

Connor Rogers has reportedly been matched with makeup artist Leanne Rosario
Footballer Rabbih “Rob” Harb is said to be paired with Sophie Vidal
Hospitality operator Steven Hiles has reportedly been matched with Sarah Jane Comben
Sarina Monastirli, who has a background in theatre, is said to be paired with cafe owner Tim Bates
Lily Holics, who works for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, has reportedly been matched with James Smith
Cosmetic nurse Kodie Wyatt is said to be paired with former coal miner and father-of-two Wintah Cunnington
Victoria Sellar and Shona Marino have reportedly been matched together, marking another same-sex couple on the show
Former Bachelorette Australia star Kayne Buik (from Sam Frost’s season) is said to be paired with Adelaide-based real estate agent Kristen Goedecke
Marketing professional James Alexander has reportedly been matched with nurse Katherine “Kat” Lennon
Bella Kajewski and Chris Colombo are already being tipped as one of the season’s feistiest couples

Senior Content Producer Charlotte Knoke Senior Content Producer

Charlotte Knoke is a Senior Content Producer at Are Media, where she covers all things entertainment and lifestyle for Woman's Day. With three years in the industry, Charlotte has written across titles including Now To Love, TV WEEK, and WHO Magazine, building expertise across celebrity news, royal family coverage, reality TV, fashion and beauty, and women's sport. She holds a Bachelor of Communication from the University of Technology Sydney, and has interviewed some of Australia's biggest names, including on the Logies red carpet. When she's not writing, Charlotte can be found on the netball court, working her way through her ever-growing reading list, or planning her next overseas adventure.