They’re the family that helped put Travel Guides on the map – but according to an insider, the Frens’ popularity might be going to their heads.
“They know exactly how popular they are, and that’s gone to their heads a little. There’s definitely a feeling that the Frens have become a bit too big for their suitcases,” an inside source tells Woman’s Day. “They’re not openly rude or anything like that, but they can sometimes come across as a little unfriendly or stand-offish, particularly when they’re around the other guides.”
There’s reportedly an “us and them” feeling on set at times between Mark, Cathy, Jono and Victoria and the rest of the cast – though the insider is quick to add it may not be intentional, suggesting some of it comes down to social awkwardness rather than arrogance.
“The funny thing is, it’s not necessarily deliberate – they can be quite awkward socially and sometimes just don’t know how to mix with everyone, so what comes across as cold can really just be them being uncomfortable,” the source shares.
More pointedly, the insider claims the Frens are well aware of their pulling power. “They also know they have a certain amount of influence with production because they’re such a ratings draw,” they say, adding that everyone on set knows the show would take a hit without them.
Fans are just as divided
These new reports line up with a growing chorus online. Some viewers have called out the family directly, with one writing that the when they met them in person, the Frens “wouldn’t even make eye contact” and should “engage with fans, even just to say hello.”
Others are simply losing interest, with comments ranging from “I have got a bit bored with the Frens” to calls for either the family to go, or for Jono to “show more enthusiasm.”
Not everyone’s turned, though – one fan said that although they think the family has “lost their touch”, they “still like watching them,” suggesting the goodwill hasn’t fully run out.
Are the Fren family leaving Travel Guides?
The Frens have batted away spin-off talk before, with Jono telling New Idea last year that there was “no truth” to reports Channel Nine wanted to give the family their own series, insisting the family is “perfectly happy” where they are.
But the most recent signs point somewhere murkier than a straight denial. Jono’s Instagram bio only credits him with seasons one through 10 of Travel Guides, despite season 11 currently filming – and the whole family was noticeably absent from last month’s Logie Awards, where the show picked up its fifth win. Jono marked the night not on the red carpet but on a family trip, posting about stepping back from the spotlight.
Whether that’s a genuine exit, a scaled-back role, or just the family taking a breather is still unclear – Channel Nine hasn’t confirmed anything.
But paired with claims of “some envy” among castmates over the attention the Frens attract, it’s fair to say the goodwill behind the scenes may be a little more complicated than what fans are used to seeing on screen.
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