In unexpected news, Nine Network has officially axed Married at First Sight’s spinoff series, Talking Married. Despite the show’s strong ratings— 315, 000 metro viewers tuned in when controversial contestants Dan Webb and Jessika Power broke up live on air as they were probed by hosts Shelly Horton, Jayne Azzopardi and Ben Fordham— according to TV Blackbox, the show’s live format was a potential minefield for the network, with allegations surfacing that the unruly series could be harming contestants’ mental health.
WATCH: Jessika Power and Dan Webb’S EXPLOSIVE fight and subsequent breakup on Talking Married
According to the Daily Telegraph, Nine boss Hugh Marks has even demanded that many of the vulgar MAFS episodes be re-edited to tone down the controversy and outrageous conduct.
“All reality TV pushes limits but I am concerned they are going one step too far and it is going to all collapse and that’s not good for the industry,” a well-placed television executive told the outlet. “We have never seen conduct like this on Australian television before.”
Talking Married host Shelly Horton has since addressed the news, seemingly referencing concerns over the live nature of the show.
“I’m sad to see Talking Married axed but I got to co-host two seasons,” she began.
“Live TV can be brutal for all involved. oh well, you don’t go into the media for stability. Not my first rodeo.”
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