While little is known about the decision, the show was rocked by controversy last season with claims one of the contestants was previously locked in a legal drama.
“This year’s version faced challenges before it even began, with revelations one of the grooms had been accused of domestic violence in the United States, eventually leading to his entire storyline being cut,” the Kiwi publication said at the time. “[Ratings plunge] is part of a broader trend of declining linear free-to-air ratings, but was more pronounced for Married at First Sight than for television as a whole.”
Fans were also up in arms last season when they realised on-screen bride Rosemary Cruickshank was legally married to celebrity psychic Kelvin Cruickshank when she filmed the series. Although Rosemary said she split from her husband in June 2018, according to the NZ Herald they never divorced.
"[Appearing on MAFS using his surname] has disappointed me no end,” her ex-husband told the publication. “I'm a public figure and Rosemary appears to be riding my name to get status for herself.”
Although she changed her surname after they split, Kelvin claimed Rosemary purposefully reverted to his moniker in an attempt to find fame. She later refuted these allegations, saying: "Cruickshank... is on my passport and my driver's licence. I had to use my legal name... trust me, I actually use my maiden name on social media."