Former Married At First Sight bride Ines Basic has sent fans into a frenzy after teasing a surprise return to the show that made her a household name.
The outspoken reality star, 34, who rose to fame on season six of the Channel Nine series back in 2019, took to Instagram on Tuesday to make the bold claim that she's heading back down the aisle.
'I just got my nails done for the first time in so long and it's 'cause I'm getting married,' she announced in a video shared to her Stories.
'I'm going on MAFS again and so I got my bridal nail. So excited.'
Ines then dropped a cryptic hint about her future match.
But fans shouldn't get too excited just yet.
While the eyebrow-raising comments quickly sparked speculation of a return, insiders believe the post was likely a stunt designed to generate headlines rather than a genuine announcement.
With Channel Nine locking down the identities of all MAFS participants under strict non-disclosure agreements, it's highly unlikely Basic has been cast in the upcoming 2026 season.
It also comes after producers rubbished ongoing rumours of an 'All-Stars' or celebrity edition of the controversial dating experiment, insisting no such version is currently in development.
Despite ongoing speculation and a flood of former participants throwing their hats in the ring for a second chance at love, the show's production team has confirmed there are no current plans to bring back past contestants or cast household names.
Executive producer Tara McWilliams previously addressed the speculation in a statement to Daily Mail Australia, saying: 'Never say never, but it's not ever been on our radar.'
And former executive producer John Walsh, who departed the network earlier this year, echoed the sentiment.
'I don't think anyone would really believe it. You know, I think that's the reason it wouldn't happen,' he told Daily Mail Australia, adding that the appeal of MAFS lies in ordinary people doing the extraordinary.
The denial comes after reports earlier this year that Nine quietly floated the idea of a 'MAFS All-Stars' format, which would see returning brides and grooms from past seasons back in the experiment.
Industry insiders claimed that producers had reached out to a number of fan-favourite personalities - including Cheryl Maitland (season four) and Melissa Lucarelli (season six) - to gauge interest.
But according to insiders, the network ultimately pulled the pin on the idea, deciding instead to stay true to the show's core format and cast newcomers for its 2026 season.
'They felt most of the returnees were more interested in another shot at fame than actually finding love,' a production source told Daily Mail Australia.
'It just didn't feel authentic anymore.'
One insider added that the show works best with unknowns, where the relationships and the chaos unfold in real-time.
'Viewers want to meet fresh faces and watch things unravel,' the source said.
It also comes after producers rubbished ongoing rumours of an 'All-Stars' or celebrity edition of the controversial dating experiment, insisting no such version is currently in development.
Even fan-favourites like Tahnee Cook, who was rumoured to be in talks for an All-Stars edition, quickly shut down the speculation.
'I seriously have no idea where that rumour has come from... I absolutely wouldn't go back,' she recently said.
'I survived it once unscathed. I wouldn't risk it again.'
While names like Jamie Marinos and Carina Mirabile have expressed interest in returning to the show or doing more TV, they'll need to find other formats to scratch the reality itch.
For now, MAFS will return in early 2026 with a brand new cast and no familiar faces.
A casting notice circulated earlier this year and confirmed that filming for Season 13 would take place between July and November 2025, with producers currently finalising their shortlist of brides and grooms.
And while fans might be disappointed not to see some of their favourite troublemakers back at the table, insiders promise the 2026 cast will be just as wild.
'There's no shortage of drama - trust us. MAFS never fails to deliver,'