A Married at First Sight UK cast member has been arrested on suspicion of rape, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed. The arrest occurred on Thursday, June 18, and the man, in his 30s, has been bailed pending further inquiries.
Arrest Follows BBC Panorama Investigation
The arrest comes weeks after a BBC Panorama documentary aired in May, featuring allegations from two women on the reality show who claimed they were raped by their on-screen husbands, and a third who alleged sexual misconduct. All three men deny the claims.
In a statement to BBC News, the Metropolitan Police said: "On Thursday, June 18, Met officers arrested a man in his 30s on suspicion of rape. This relates to an ongoing investigation, being led by the Met Police. He has since been bailed while enquiries remain ongoing."
As reported by The Mirror, the individual is not being named, nor is the alleged victim.
Channel 4 Orders External Review
Channel 4 has commissioned an external review into contributor welfare on MAFS UK, which is currently underway. The review has two parts: the first examines welfare protocols in place at the time the claims were raised and how Channel 4 and production company CPL handled them; the second, led by former BBC One Controller Lorraine Heggessey, will assess whether current protocols need strengthening.
A Channel 4 spokesperson previously said: "In April, we commissioned an external review into contributor welfare on MAFS UK, which is underway and has two elements. The first part is examining the welfare protocols in place on the programme at the time claims were raised, as well as the handling by Channel 4 and CPL of those claims. The second part, led by former BBC One Controller Lorraine Heggessey, will examine if any changes should be made to current protocols for MAFS UK to further strengthen contributor welfare. The review now needs to run its course."
Show's Future Uncertain
All episodes of Married at First Sight UK have been pulled from Channel 4's streaming platform All4. The Metropolitan Police has asked "anyone who believes they have been a victim of sexual assault" after their time on the show to contact them. Channel 4 has not yet decided whether to broadcast the latest season, which has already been filmed.
