Married at First Sight Australia stars not told partners had drug and violence convictions

A BBC investigation has found that female participants on the Australian reality show Married at First Sight Australia were not told that their television husbands had criminal pasts. Several former cast members say the show's producers failed to disclose that their partners had convictions for drug offenses or violence.

Sierah Swepstone, from last year's series, said she was not informed that her matched partner, Billy Belcher, had been convicted in 2014 for multiple drug-related offenses in Perth. She only found out after the show ended. "There should be informed consent," she said. "You shouldn't be left alone with a stranger with a criminal record."

Another anonymous former contestant, referred to as Anna, said her on-screen partner told her during filming that he had a history of aggression, and producers knew. She said she was terrified and traumatized. The man denies all allegations.

BBC has also learned that other male cast members have criminal histories. Adrian Araouzou, a groom on the 2025 series, was convicted of affray in 2017. Timothy Smith, from the 2024 series, previously served a year in a US prison for drug trafficking. Chris Nield, from the latest series, was found guilty of common assault.

Nine former cast members are calling for improved background checks and a ban on individuals with convictions or allegations from appearing on the show. Channel 9 and Endemol Shine Australia, the producers, said they have "strong protocols" including police checks, psychological assessments, and legal due diligence. However, they did not confirm whether participants are informed of their partner's background.

The BBC obtained details from publicly accessible court records. The UK version of the show, MAFS UK, also faced controversy after rape allegations, leading to its removal from Channel 4's streaming service.