The upcoming season of Married at First Sight UK may not air as scheduled following allegations of sexual assault and misconduct made by three former contestants, as revealed in a BBC Panorama investigation.
The dating show, produced by CPL for Channel 4, matches couples who then marry in non-legally binding ceremonies. The Panorama episode 'The Dark Side of Married at First Sight' featured rape claims from two women, who alleged they were sexually assaulted by their onscreen husbands, while a third claimed a non-consensual sex act. All accused men deny the allegations.
Channel 4 has launched an external review into the show, and according to The Mirror, the new season—already filmed and typically airing from mid-September—will not go ahead as planned. Digital Spy has sought further comment from Channel 4.
In response, Channel 4 has removed all previous episodes from its platform and issued a statement emphasising that the show operates under “some of the most comprehensive and robust welfare protocols in the industry”, including background checks, a code of conduct, daily check-ins, and support before, during and after filming. The broadcaster said it was alerted to the allegations in April and took “prompt and appropriate action” based on available information.
Lawyers for CPL also defended the company's welfare procedures as “gold standard”. The allegations have prompted wider scrutiny of reality TV duty of care, with a former Channel 4 CEO facing questions from MPs over the matter.
