MAFS 2026: Bride's Dream Turns Into a Nightmare

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A Married At First Sight bride’s dream has been left in tatters after a scandal abruptly halted her reality TV journey.

Cricket presenter Ankita Karungalekar was left stranded after her groom, finance broker Micah Lomu, was kicked off the show following an internal investigation.

Daily Mail can reveal Ankita will not be given a second chance in the 2026 season, despite expectations that failed couples would get re-matched as seen with Eliot Donovan and Lauren Hall last year.

‘[Executive producer] Kate Paul made it very clear to the whole cast – there are no second chances this year,’ a source explained.

Micah has denied any wrongdoing, but both he and Ankita were told they were ‘no longer required on set’ and did not attend the season’s first dinner party, filmed on August 5.

Insiders say Ankita, who holds a Masters in Communications from Monash University, told producers she was ‘100 per cent safe, happy and comfortable’ to continue – but her fairytale crumbled in days.

Cricket presenter Ankita Karungalekar (pictured) was left stranded after her groom, finance broker Micah Lomu, was kicked off the show following an internal investigation

Married At First Sight 2026 is in turmoil just weeks into filming, with Sydney groom Micah Lomu (pictured) yanked from production

In August, the couple wed in a lavish multicultural wedding at Lindesay House in Darling Point, with Ankita stunning in an intricate sage green and gold lehenga, holding a bright bouquet of yellow and peach blooms.

But despite the pair emerging early on as standout favourites among the cast and crew, their love story was halted abruptly.

Insiders tell Daily Mail that the newlyweds were told they were ‘no longer required on set’ after returning from their honeymoon.

Earlier this month, Ankita posted a cryptic sunset image to her Instagram story that read: ‘Was SO close to having everything I wanted.’

The incident has reignited fierce debate over MAFS’ casting and vetting process, which producers promised to overhaul after a string of past controversies.

Micah – who goes by ‘Meekz’ online – is the co-founder of wellness brand Surpass Your Limitz, promoting personal growth through fitness and motivational workshops.

Meanwhile, Ankita has worked for the Mumbai Indians and Cricket Australia, and was previously crowned runner-up in the Miss India Australia pageant.

Nine is determined to deliver explosive television, so they’re taking no chances when it comes to who gets cast.

Insiders tell Daily Mail Australia that the newlyweds told they were ‘no longer required on set’ after returning from their honeymoon

Neither Micah nor Ankita attended the show’s first dinner party, which was filmed on August 5

‘Network execs have enforced tough new vetting rules. No criminal records. No previous court appearances. If there’s even a whiff of controversy in someone’s past, they’re out.’

But with casting being finalised on the fly, producers are said to be juggling creative demands with last-minute replacements – and it’s already impacting the structure of the season.

‘They’re not playing it safe in terms of personalities – they still want big characters and explosive storylines,’ the source added.

‘But they can’t afford another scandal like last time. So they’re walking a tightrope.’

Daily Mail has contacted Nine and Endemol Shine for comment.