A cast member from the reality television programme Married at First Sight UK has been arrested on suspicion of rape, following claims of sexual misconduct on the show. The individual, who has not been named, was taken into custody as part of an ongoing Metropolitan Police investigation.
The arrest comes after a BBC Panorama investigation aired allegations from women who said they were raped by their on-screen husbands. A third woman alleged a non-consensual sex act. All men involved have denied the claims. In May, the Metropolitan Police appealed for anyone who may have been a victim of sexual assault during their time on the show to come forward.
The Met Police confirmed in a statement that the arrested individual has been bailed while inquiries continue. The force has been in contact with Channel 4, which broadcasts the show, and CPL Productions, the independent production company that makes it.
Channel 4 has ordered two investigations: one into its handling of complaints from contestants, and another into whether safeguarding protocols need to change. Chief executive Priya Dogra expressed being “deeply sorry” for the distress of female participants who made allegations.
CPL Productions has previously described its welfare system for the show as “gold standard” and industry leading, stating that contributors are not pressured to be intimate.
