Ankita Karungalekar entered Married at First Sight Australia Season 13 (2026) full of hope and excitement, only for her participation to end abruptly before the show even aired.

As a talented sports presenter and former pageant star, she filmed her wedding, honeymoon, and more — but producers removed her and groom Micah Lomu entirely amid controversy. Her story highlights the unpredictable side of reality TV.

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With the season premiering February 2, 2026, on Channel 9, Ankita’s brief chapter remains one of the biggest pre-show scandals amongst all MAFS AU Brides 2026.

Here are stunning glimpses of Ankita in her traditional sage green and gold lehenga during the lavish multicultural wedding ceremony:

Who Is Ankita Karungalekar?

Originally from Mumbai, Ankita moved to Australia as an international student pursuing her passion for sports media.

She holds a Master’s in Communications and Media from Monash University and has built an impressive career as a sports presenter, currently working with Cricket Australia covering Men’s Test Matches and Women’s ODIs on the ground.

She previously collaborated with Mumbai Indians and Mumbai City FC, and hosted the Queens of Cricket podcast on CricFanTV.

Her pageantry achievements include being Miss India Australia Runner-Up (2019), where she won the Best Talent award, and a Miss World Australia State Finalist (Victoria, 2020). Ankita’s journey from international student to on-field presenter inspires many, blending hard work, networking, and cultural pride.

Check out this portrait of Ankita shining in her professional sports presenter role:

Her Exciting Entry into MAFS 2026

Ankita committed fully to the experiment, taking four months off work and investing thousands in outfits (including producer-selected pieces).

She was matched with groom Micah Lomu, and their wedding at Lindesay House in Sydney was a highlight — a beautiful multicultural event with strong early chemistry. Insiders described them as one of the season’s strongest matches, with Ankita feeling safe, happy, and ready to continue.

The Scandal and Abrupt Removal

Filming began in July 2025, but allegations about Micah surfaced on TikTok (starting with user @mondrof), with claims of toxic behavior and harassment from multiple women. Some contacted producers directly.

An internal investigation followed, leading to the couple’s removal just days after their honeymoon — before the first dinner party in early August. All footage was edited out, as if they never appeared.

Ankita insisted she felt “100% safe and comfortable” and wanted to proceed, even advocating for a return as an intruder. Micah denied wrongdoing, calling the decision “cancel culture” and claiming mental health was used as a scapegoat. The pair were blindsided, with no criminal evidence cited.

Aftermath and Reflections

The exit brought emotional and financial strain — lost work opportunities, no significant compensation beyond one week’s pay, and personal hurt.

Ankita later shared in interviews and podcasts (including Confessions of a Reality Star) the realities of reality TV, warning sensitive applicants to think twice. She questioned if her diverse background played a role in the handling.

Rumors suggested the couple stayed in touch post-show, developing feelings despite the drama. Ankita has since focused on her thriving cricket/media career.

Looking Ahead

Ankita’s resilience stands out amid the chaos. Though viewers won’t see her on MAFS 2026, her story adds intrigue to the “greatest season yet.”

Follow her journey on social media as she continues inspiring in sports presenting. Tune in starting February 2 on Channel 9 or 9Now — and remember, reality TV can be as unpredictable as love itself.