A new BBC Panorama documentary, airing on Monday night, investigates allegations of sexual misconduct on the reality show Married At First Sight UK. The programme, titled The Dark Side of Married at First Sight, features three women who claim they were subjected to sexual misconduct by their on-screen husbands. The men involved deny all allegations, according to the BBC.
The documentary, fronted by BBC culture correspondent Noor Nanj, raises concerns about the welfare procedures on the show. A synopsis states: 'Panorama investigates allegations that raise serious concerns that welfare procedures on the reality show have failed contributors, leaving them at risk of harm.' A Channel 4 spokesperson said: 'We have not seen the programme and will comment when we know more.'
Married At First Sight UK, which first aired on Channel 4 in 2015, has faced several controversies over the years. In the most recent series, Grace Law and Ashley Dommett had a tumultuous relationship, with Grace claiming she lost her voice in the relationship. The couple skipped home stays and the final commitment ceremony, and 256 viewers complained to Ofcom about the experts' treatment of Ashley.
Another scandal involved Whitney Hughes and Matt Murray, who began a romance outside their respective marriages in season 7. The affair was revealed at a dinner party, prompting Grace to tell Matt she felt 'used'. Matt later expressed regret, saying production asked him not to speak to his wife Gemma beforehand, which he described as 'f***ing awful'.
In 2021, Nikita Jasmine was removed from the series due to 'unacceptable' behaviour after an off-camera incident. A Channel 4 spokesperson said: 'The wellbeing of cast is our priority.' The show, which matches strangers to marry at first sight, features experts Paul C Brunson, Charlene Douglas, and the late Mel Schilling, who died this year aged 54.
