Former contestants of Married at First Sight UK have raised serious concerns about the show's safety protocols, with some arguing that the format itself makes it impossible to fully protect participants. Adrian Sanderson, who appeared on the 2022 series, described feeling isolated and overwhelmed during filming, saying he was left alone with a stranger after a gruelling day without time to process events.
Sanderson recalled sobbing uncontrollably during production and being unable to explain his distress. He criticised the lack of access to friends and family, stating: 'It's just not safe. It's not OK.' His comments follow allegations from three women, including Shona Manderson, who accused their on-screen husbands of sexual assault. All men deny the claims.
Channel 4 has launched two reviews into its handling of past concerns, with chief executive Priya Dogra expressing regret over the distress caused. However, producer Emma Pringle, who worked on MAFS, believes legislation is needed to regulate reality shows, as current welfare protocols are insufficient. 'If you want the current content, then no, I don't think they can be made safely,' she said.
Megan Wolfe, a 2021 contestant, suggested adaptations such as separate bedrooms and making intimacy optional rather than expected. 'The fact that everything is backwards – you start with a marriage – makes intimacy more of a pressure,' she explained. The debate continues over whether the show can be made risk-free without fundamentally altering its format.
