Channel 4 has denied reports that the upcoming series of Married At First Sight UK has been cancelled, following serious allegations of sexual assault made by former participants. The broadcaster stated that no decision has been made on the broadcast of series six, which has already finished filming.
The controversy erupted after a BBC Panorama special aired allegations from three women. One claimed her on-screen husband raped her and threatened her with an acid attack; another said she reported being raped by her partner to Channel 4 and production company CPL, but her episodes were still broadcast. A third alleged she was subjected to a non-consensual sex act.
In response, Channel 4 removed all previous series from its streaming service and announced an external review into contributor welfare, which was commissioned in April after the broadcaster was presented with “serious allegations of wrongdoing against a small number of past contributors”. The channel said it “strongly refutes any claim” of welfare failures.
Former Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon faced questions from MPs on Tuesday, describing the matter as “very serious and concerning”. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has called for the allegations to be investigated. Production company CPL described its welfare system as the “gold standard”.
Meanwhile, Married At First Sight Australia remains available on Channel 4's website. The UK version's future hinges on the outcome of the review, with a spokesperson telling The Independent: “No decision has been made on the broadcast of MAFS UK series six.”
