A group of rebellious Married At First Sight stars have defied Channel Nine and risked breaching their contracts by taking back control of their Instagram accounts.
And insiders say the network is fuming.
Daily Mail Australia can reveal that groom Dave Hand and intruder bride Veronica Cloherty have successfully reset their Instagram passwords are now refusing to hand the accounts back to the show's publicity team.
Dave and Veronica are understood to be planning to cash in on their newfound stardom by launching influencer careers immediately - but this sneaky move is a direct violation of their contracts with Nine and production company Endemol Shine Australia.
According to the insider, Nine's publicity team is 'not happy' with the rogue participants, who have blindsided network bosses by jumping the gun.
An insider close to production told Daily Mail Australia: 'It's not a good look. Nine and ESA can't risk them going rogue online while the show is still airing overseas'.
In a major shake-up this year, Channel Nine has tightened the reins on cast members' social media activity, banning them from reclaiming their accounts until May 10 - well after the Australian finale - to coincide with the show's broadcast in the UK.
'They want to control the narrative for as long as possible and stop participants from bad-mouthing the show over their "horrible edits,"' the source said.
A group of rebellious MAFS stars have defied Channel Nine and risked breaching their contracts by taking back control of their Instagram accounts. Pictured: Jacqui Burfoot
Daily Mail Australia can reveal that grooms Dave Hand and Eliot Donovan, along with intruder bride Veronica Cloherty, have successfully reset their Instagram passwords are now refusing to hand the accounts back to the show's publicity team
In a fresh blow, Nine and ESA are reportedly considering stripping some participants of their coveted Instagram verification badges before handing back their accounts — a move seen as punishment for breaking contract terms.
'They're holding the blue ticks hostage. For all those who broke their contract and went rogue, no free blue tick for them,' the insider added.
It's a huge blow for this year's cast, many of whom were banking on post-show fame to launch paid partnerships and lucrative influencer deals.
One furious bride, who asked not to be named, told Daily Mail Australia: 'I've had a few brands approach me, but they all say the same thing - I need control of my account before they'll sign me'.
During the show's airing, Nine's publicity team maintained an iron grip over the participants' accounts.
The brides and grooms were only allowed to write captions under strict supervision, with comments disabled and no access to direct messages - blocking any potential brand opportunities.
In the past few weeks, participants were allowed to supply photos and captions, but Nine's social team had the final say on what was posted.
Digital marketing and PR expert Adrian Falk, from Believe Advertising & PR, cautioned that breaking these contracts could have serious consequences.
The trio are understood to be planning to cash in on their newfound stardom by launching influencer careers immediately - but this sneaky move is a direct violation of their contracts with Nine and production company Endemol Shine Australia
According to the insider Nine's publicity team is 'not happy' with the rogue participants, who have blindsided network bosses by jumping the gun
'Talent need to be aware that when they sign up to be on a show, they're entering an enforceable agreement,' Falk told Daily Mail Australia.
'If they break it, it could affect future endorsements and career opportunities. Brands prefer to work with people who follow the rules — otherwise, they may never work again.'
While previous seasons have seen brides and grooms' follower counts skyrocket, this year's stars haven't attracted the same level of social media fame.
Married At First Sight reunion airs Sunday at 7pm on Channel Nine and 9NOW.
