There’s A New ‘MAFS’ Spinoff Show Where John Aiken Spills The Tea

Channel Nine has released the first episode of the MAFS spinoff series titled The MAFS Diaries with John Aiken. It’s a digital-only series, with episodes dropping weekly on Thursdays. 

The premise of the show is simple: the expert will watch old clips from the show and share his perspective and some behind-the-scenes nuggets. It’s not gonna win any awards, but getting a bit of tea about our fave couples and villains does sound intriguing. 

In the press release, the network said the show will bring a “unique perspective, offering insights and personal reflections” from John. Each episode will revolve around a different season of MAFS, with the expert taking us all the way back, starting in 2015. 

You might remember Roni and Michael from Season 1 – the only couple to break up before Final Vows. Roni later told news.com.au that she believed the couple were paired together to create drama, which sounds familiar. 

Roni and Michael on MAFS. Image credit: Channel 9, MAFS

Talking about the journey he’s had with MAFS, John said: “I’m delighted to be sharing my Married at First Sight memories with viewers… MAFS has had a long history with many memorable couples and I’m looking forward to taking a deep dive into each season of the show.”

This isn’t the first time Channel 9 has tried to capitalise on the popularity of the reality show, with producers launching Dom’s Debrief with Domenica Calarco after Season 9 wrapped up. 

What was revealed in Episode 1 of The MAFS Diaries with John Aiken? 

In the premiere episode, John revealed that he didn’t think MAFS would be picked up for a second season. At the time, shows about love were apparently scarce (with the exception of The Bachelor), so it was considered unique. 

“I don’t think anyone thought [MAFS] would last more than a season,” he recalled. “There were singing, dancing, cooking and renovation shows, but not many relationship shows… and, it worked.”

“I remember laying down on the grass after the final episode of Season 1… laughing and thinking, ‘We’ll never do this again’.”

Mell Schilling, Alessandra Rampolla and John Aiken. Image credit: Channel 9, MAFS

John Aiken remembers Zoe and Alex’s “chemistry” from MAFS Season 1. 

Zoe and Alex seemed like the real deal when they met on MAFS, and they were one of the rare success stories from the show, going on to have daughter Harper-Rose together. 

Talking about the couple, John said the “attraction and chemistry” was “immediate”. “I thought – this could work. We’re onto something here,” he added. 

Although the public was rooting for Zoe and Alex’s relationship, they sadly called it quits in 2018. Zoe penned a heartbreaking statement on Instagram about their split in July that year. 

Zoe and Alex on MAFS. Image credit: Channel 9, MAFS

“After the separation a lot of women have contacted me privately asking, ‘How do you know when it’s time to leave your husband?’ The power of that question has weighed on me and I have thought long and hard for an adequate answer that these women deserve,” she said. 

“The unfortunate truth is, I didn’t choose this path. I never bought a ticket. I never thought that the man I love so much would one day walk away. But he did.”

You can watch The MAFS Diaries with John Aiken on the MAFS website, with new episodes dropping on Thursdays. 

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Image credits: Channel 9, MAFS