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

Cast members with past convictions also include Adrian Araouzou, a groom on the 2025 series.

Prior to his reality TV stint, the BBC has learned he received a 2017 conviction for affray.

Previously, it was reported he had also been acquitted of domestic violence, and that details of his trial had emerged during filming.

When asked for a response by BBC News, Araouzou said it was “none of your business” and told us the information we had put to him was “false”.

We asked Channel 9 and Endemol Shine Australia whether they had told Araouzou’s on-screen partner about the conviction for affray. We understand she had not been told.

They said: “All participants on MAFS, including Adrian, undergo extensive background checks including police checks.”

They also said: “The affray conviction was nine years ago, and the penalty was a $400 [£210] fine, placing this at the lowest end of the spectrum for this offence as determined by the court”.

Other male cast members with criminal histories include Timothy Smith, who took part in the 2024 series.

After filming on the show, Smith confirmed he had previously spent a year in a US prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking. On his website, he describes himself as “cartel pilot to corporate leader”.

Smith told the BBC he stood by what he had said of his past. Channel 9 and Endemol Shine Australia said his conviction, which was in the US, was not revealed by him until after the series was broadcast.

Separately, Chris Nield, from the latest series, was previously found guilty of common assault. Nield did not respond to our request for comment.

Channel 9 and Endemol Shine Australia said Nield’s conviction arose from a one-off altercation and there had been no repeat conduct in the 11 years since.