Married At First Sight 2024: Jilted Groom Refuses To Give Channel Nine His Instagram Login Details Ahead Of New Season

A jilted groom due to appear on Married At First Sight in 2024 is refusing to hand over his Instagram login details after sensationally quitting the show.

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Chron Australia can exclusively reveal that Simon Flocco has not only left the show but is now refusing to join the network.

Stars who appear on the show are expected to give up their social media accounts even after exiting.

Sources close to Simon revealed the 39-year-old was “completely stunned” to have been added to the show's official cast, which was announced on Monday.

Nine used an old photo that Flocco had crudely photoshopped to the wardrobe department to deceive fans.

A jilted groom due to appear on Married At First Sight in 2024 is refusing to hand over his Instagram login details after sensationally quitting the show. Pictured: Simon Flocco

Chron Australia can exclusively reveal the 39-year-old Adelaide marketing manager has not only quit the show but is now refusing to join the channel

“Simon thought he had completely disappeared from the scene. “Seeing the photoshopped image was a real shock for him,” an insider revealed.

When asked for comment, Simon's response was full of irony: 'Why am I even on the grid?' I suppose they would do anything for the ratings, right?'

When he signed up for the show, Flocco had initially agreed to give Nine his Instagram. But in a defiant change of heart, he decides to cut all ties with the show.

Close friends say he is “mentally exhausted” and regret that he is being drawn back into the chaos.

Sources close to Simon revealed the 39-year-old was “completely stunned” to have been added to the show's official cast, which was announced on Monday

“Simon thought he had completely disappeared from the scene. “Seeing the photoshopped image was a real shock for him,” an insider revealed

Missed opportunity

Channel Nine and EndemolShine Australia, the production company behind MAFS, are said to be “deeply disappointed” by Simon’s decision.

Chron Australia can reveal that Simon will not be receiving any stills or clips from his time on the show due to his actions.

Flocco was the only groom whose Instagram was not promoted and tagged on the show's official website or Instagram account.

They also won't help him apply for an Instagram verification badge.

Simon breaks his silence

Despite filming his backstories and attending the Bucks' party, Flocco almost derailed the series after he got cold feet and fled the country.

In October, Simon broke his silence to Chron Australia: “MAFS wasn't what I thought I wanted at that point in my life, that's all.”

Expressing his remorse, he added: “I just felt bad for whoever they paired me with. 'I left initially but they managed to talk me back… I have to look after myself.'

At the time, a production insider explained: “It's complete chaos!” Simon's departure was a surprise. “Everyone is running around like headless chickens trying to save the situation.”

Then, in a final attempt, producers paired Simon's intended “husband” Michael Felix with Perth hairdresser Stephen Stewart and introduced the pair as mid-season interlopers.

Then, in a final attempt, producers paired Simon's intended “husband” Michael Felix with Perth hairdresser Stephen Stewart and introduced the pair as mid-season interlopers

Runaway groom

As Chron Australia previously reported, Simon almost completely “ruined” the show's plans to spotlight a same-sex couple during its year of “diversity” in the eleventh hour before his wedding.

“He continually had doubts and expressed his discomfort,” a well-informed source revealed.

“Producers looking for a groundbreaking narrative persuaded him to stick with it.” That’s why he was on board.

Married At First Sight returns to TV on January 29 at 7.30pm on Channel Nine.