After a year of behind-the-scenes chaos, Farmer Wants A Wife is undergoing a major overhaul – but insiders fear it may be too little, too late.
Daily Mail Australia can reveal that producers are now pivoting the show's format in a bold new direction, casting older 'silver fox' farmers for the upcoming 2026 season.
The decision follows mounting fan pressure to raise the age of both the farmers and contestants, and comes as Channel Nine gears up to launch the most anticipated shows of the year, The Golden Bachelor Australia.
But while producers are hoping a more mature cast will bring some much-needed stability, sources close to production say the drama that unfolded during the 2025 season has left deep scars – and they're not convinced the chaos is over.
'This season nearly broke everyone,' a senior show source told Daily Mail Australia.
'We had walkouts, meltdowns, secret hookups and then, at the eleventh hour, we had to completely cut one of our lead farmers out of the show. It was a disaster. So much money went down the drain.'
That farmer – revealed to be Jack Rowlandson – had filmed an entire storyline before being abruptly scrubbed from the final edit.
Rumours swirled he was caught dating someone outside the show shortly after filming wrapped, prompting executives to axe his scenes entirely.
The decision cost producers tens of thousands of dollars and forced a last-minute scramble in post-production to re-edit the series without him.
And that was just the beginning.
Throughout the season, contestants clashed with producers, with some accusing the show of being 'emotionally orchestrated' and manipulated to manufacture drama.
One contestant, Ellen, publicly claimed she felt pressured to stay in uncomfortable situations for the sake of the storyline, adding that the process left her mentally exhausted.
Meanwhile, several female contestants reportedly broke down off-camera, struggling with the isolated conditions on the farms and the emotional toll of filming.
Two women, Emmie and Bridget, allegedly walked off within 24 hours of arriving at Farmer Tom's property - exits that were never properly addressed on air, raising suspicions that production covered up the fallout.
The decision follows mounting fan pressure to raise the age of both the farmers and contestants, and comes as Channel Nine gears up to launch the most anticipated shows of the year, The Golden Bachelor Australia. (Pictured: Golden Bachelor host Samantha Armytage)
Other incidents added fuel to the fire.
Contestant Ella was spotted in Cairns getting cosy with a farmer she hadn't even been matched with, sparking 'couple swap' rumours.
And at least two contestants accidentally spoiled the show's ending on Instagram by posting photos with new partners, confirming they didn't end up with their assigned farmers.
Even Farmer Thomas caused off-screen drama after allegedly sneaking off for a private meeting with an ex-flame, sparking tension with his chosen suitor Clarette.
With fan forums ablaze and Reddit threads dissecting the show's every move, producers were also accused of covering up explosive fights and emotional breakdowns that never made it to air.
There were also growing concerns that some farmers were using the platform to boost their personal brands.
'One of them was openly talking about launching a music career,' an insider said.
'It felt like they weren't even trying to hide it.'
Throughout the season, contestants clashed with producers, with some accusing the show of being 'emotionally orchestrated' and manipulated to manufacture drama
Farmer Jack Rowlandson was caught out dating someone outside the show shortly after filming wrapped, prompting executives to axe his scenes entirely
In an effort to reset the show's reputation, casting agents have now begun approaching older men for the 2026 season, with the hope of channelling the success of The Golden Bachelor while bringing FWAW back to its wholesome, romantic roots.
One potential suitor, 40-something Alistair from Central West NSW, told Daily Mail Australia he was contacted directly and encouraged to apply.
'They made it sound like they really want men who are genuinely looking for love, not followers or fame,' he said.
'They want to clean things up.'
Still, insiders warn that older contestants won't necessarily mean less drama.
'Don't let the grey hair fool you,' one source laughed.
'Some of the Golden Bachelor cast are already leaking stories saying it's absolute chaos. Older doesn't always mean calmer.'
With a costly season behind them and a major format shift ahead, producers are crossing their fingers that maturity brings peace – but if this year proved anything, it's that love in the countryside is never drama-free.
