Maybe it is just ‘MAFS in Akubras’ after all…

It’s that time of year again – Farmer Wants A Wife is officially on its way back to our screens!

Despite its positioning as one of the more wholesome shows on Aussie TV (giving viewers a break from the absolute mess that was Married at First Sight), it seems the drama has already begun.

Image: Seven.

A few farmers short

Fans of the series would know that despite up to eight farmers being announced as part of the show early on in the casting process, not all of them end up making the final cut.

In the early days, we would see six farmers get a chance at love. More recently, it’s been five. But this season, it’s four.

Needless to say, commenters were pretty confused when the line up, including Farmer Jarrad, Farmer Corey, Farmer Tom and Farmer Thomas, was announced.

“Surely there’s a couple more than just 4?? Looking forward to it,” said one commenter on Facebook.

“Why only 4 farmers ?” said another.

“Only 4??” a third person agreed.

Specifically, it was Jack Rowlandson, a cattle farmer from Oberon NSW, and Jack L, a dairy farmer from Railton TAS, that people had questions about.

In a statement to Yahoo Lifestyle, Seven confirmed that Jack Rowlandson’s storyline will not be making it to air at all.

“Eureka and Seven have decided not to include Jack Rowlandson’s storyline in the new season of Farmer Wants A Wife. We will not be providing any further comment,” they said.

Though the reason for this isn’t known, it’s been heavily rumoured that Jack was caught hooking up with other women during filming.

As for the other farmers, including Farmer Chooka and Farmer Reidy, nobody’s quite sure what happened – but who knows, they may make an appearance at some point later in the season.

High hopes from fans

When this upcoming season of Farmer Wants A Wife was first announced, most people were excited – and that’s a solid most.

The Farmer Wants A Wife social media accounts shared a video of success stories from earlier seasons to introduce the new season, with a whopping 27 little Aussies so far whose parents met on the show.

But, after last year’s season was chaotic to say the least, some think this charm and authenticity is gone, calling the show ‘MAFS in Akubras’.

“Hopefully it’s put together like the original series and not like the recent ones, they all watch each other smooching or ruining dates,” said one commenter on social media.

“Loved the original format but I’m done watching it. It’s MAFS in Akubras now. Lost its authenticity and that’s what made the show fab,” said another.

“Please don’t over produce this year’s show, if that’s the right word. Please let these people find their connections without the interference for ratings,” another agreed.

“Hopefully it’s back to how it was in the beginning when the farmers did find true love,” said a fourth person.

Though two couples from last season are still together, Todd Melbourne and Daisy Lamb, and Sophie Trethowan and Dustin Manwaring, the season also had more than a few scandalous moments, involving Sophie and Dustin’s edit, and farmer Bert Harris, who ended up leaving the show early and choosing no one.

A familiar face

Thankfully, there is one thing fans are happy about with the return of FWAW, and it’s seeing Natalie Gruzlewski back at the forefront.

Natalie was the show’s original host, but was replaced by Samantha Armytage in the most recent seasons.

“Best decision ever! Nat is so in tune with the show, talented, and natural. Thank you for bringing her back!” said one happy social media user.

“Nat shouldn’t have been sidelined to begin with, glad she is back,” said another.

“So glad that Nat is back. The show wasnt the same without her,” a third commenter agreed.

The new season of Farmer Wants A Wife starts on Monday, April 21, on Channel 7 and 7plus.