The Metropolitan Police have urged potential victims of sexual assault on the reality TV show Married At First Sight UK to come forward, following allegations of rape and sexual misconduct made by female participants.
This development comes after Shona Manderson accused her on-screen partner of sexual misconduct while appearing on the Channel 4 programme. Additionally, two other women alleged they were raped by their on-screen husbands in a BBC Panorama documentary.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated: “We are aware of media reporting relating to allegations of rape and sexual assault following the airing of a television programme on Monday, May 18. At this time, we have not received any criminal reports in relation to this matter. We will be making approaches to the relevant production teams to ensure that anyone they have spoken to is aware of how to report any criminal allegations to police. We continue to encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of sexual assault, no matter how long ago it happened, to get in touch with us.”
The show, produced for Channel 4 by independent production company CPL, involves single people matched by experts who then “marry,” meeting for the first time on their wedding day. While the “marriages” are not legally binding, the couples go on a “honeymoon” and move in together after the ceremony.
In a statement to the programme, Ms Manderson’s on-screen partner Bradley Skelly said he categorically denies “any allegations of sexual misconduct, or that he was controlling.”
Channel 4 said in a statement released on Monday: “In April, Channel 4 was presented with serious allegations of wrongdoing against a small number of past contributors, allegations that we understand those contributors have denied.”
