Married At First Sight: Cast members ‘fear they have to return to day jobs’

This year’s cast of Married At First Sight may be forced to return to their day jobs, as their dreams of becoming full-time Instagram influencers look uncertain.

Daily Mail Australia understands that some of the brides and grooms are ‘worried’ about their low follower counts and lack of interest from brands.

Statistics show last year’s cast had tens of thousands more followers by this stage in the experiment, proving that viewers are no longer as invested in the franchise as they once were.

An insider told Daily Mail Australia: ‘Several cast members quit their jobs and have been banking on making it as influencers, certain it would happen overnight. 

‘They expected to have a lot more followers than they do, and are now concerned they won’t get enough to sustain a full-time living through sponsored posts.’

Cathy Evans is the only participant to have more than 100,000 followers as the show enters its sixth week, while just five of her co-stars have more than 50,000.

In comparison, by week six of last year’s season, many had passed the 100,000 mark – including controversial ‘villains’ Jessika Power and Martha Kalifatidis. 

Ironically, this is the first year Channel Nine has relaxed its rules on cast sponsorship deals, with half of them having already signed with agents. 

While there is still potential for the most memorable stars to make some easy money, it’s doubtful they will have lasting careers. 

‘The biggest names will earn around $3,000 for each nightclub appearance in the next month or so because there’s still a buzz around the show,’ said a source. 

‘But once the bookings dry up and everyone moves on to the next reality show, that’s when they’ll need huge followings on Instagram to secure enough sponsored posts each week to pay the bills. But it looks like they’re not going to achieve that.’ 

Last week, Tash Herz did her first personal appearance at a Mardi Gras event at the SinCity nightclub in Surfers Paradise. 

An Adelaide nightclub, Woolshed on Hindley, is also teasing upcoming visits from MAFS stars, but has yet to reveal their identities.

Natasha Spencer was one of the first participants to promote a brand this year, and recently filmed advertising content for a lip plumping device. 

Cathy Evans has also endorsed a Sydney boutique. 

In between filming her wedding in October and making her official return to the franchise last week, Elizabeth Sobinoff shared no less than 38 sponsored posts. 

The 28-year-old store manager is believed to have made a special deal with producers allowing her to regularly advertise products during filming. 

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Nine for comment.