Two contestants from the first season of Love Is Blind: UK have criticised the show's welfare provisions, claiming the support team lacked independence from producers. Catherine Richards and Jake Singleton-Hill told industry publication Deadline that the welfare workers shared confidential information with producers, which was then used to shape storylines.
Richards alleged that details she disclosed in confidence were used against her wishes in the Netflix series. She said: “We’re puppets to them. They say [there is] welfare, but it’s not welfare. They work for production, and they need storylines.” Singleton-Hill added: “It’s a really toxic environment … they don’t have your best interests at heart, they just want to make the best dramatic show they can.”
The allegations come days after a BBC Panorama programme raised serious concerns about Married At First Sight UK, including claims that two women were raped by their on-screen husbands. Both men deny the allegations. Both Love Is Blind UK and MAFS UK are produced by CPL Productions.
A CPL spokesperson said: “Our rigorous welfare and psychological care processes were clearly communicated to all contributors in advance and adhered to rigorously throughout the production. A strict distinction was maintained between production welfare, which escalates concerns when necessary, and fully confidential, independent psychological support.”
Netflix stated: “The physical and psychological well-being of all contributors is paramount. We are confident that the most robust and comprehensive protocols are in place and that we act promptly and appropriately whenever concerns are raised.” Channel 4 has ordered an independent review of MAFS UK and paused its planned new series.
