Married at First Sight UK is likely to face a police investigation and potential cancellation after two women alleged they were raped by their on-screen husbands, with one victim claiming she was forced to have an abortion. Shona Manderson, who has waived her anonymity, alleged that Bradley Skelly engaged in a non-consensual sex act during filming of the Channel 4 show, a claim he denies.
Ms Manderson, who appeared on the show in 2023, later discovered she was pregnant and underwent an abortion, though she admits uncertainty whether the pregnancy resulted from the alleged incident. Mr Skelly stated he believed his on-screen wife consented that night and categorically denied any allegations of sexual misconduct or being controlling.
Shona is one of three MAFS UK contestants who made claims to BBC Panorama that they were victims of sexual misconduct on the show. Two women allege they were raped. Channel 4 has immediately pulled all episodes, and police may be poised to investigate. Security Minister Dan Jarvis expressed extreme concern, stating it is highly likely there will be a referral to the police for investigation.
A senior source with knowledge of the show indicated the allegation will likely finish it off in Britain, although the format continues in nearly 30 countries worldwide. The insider noted that while MAFS is a big format for Channel 4, it is not on the level of Top Gear or Strictly Come Dancing, and the days of throwing strangers together are over.
Two women have claimed they were raped by their on-screen husbands during filming. Panicked bosses at the broadcaster held crisis talks after it emerged that episodes featuring one couple were aired despite producers being aware of the allegations. The long-running series, where singles are paired by a panel of experts, has been removed from Channel 4's streaming service. The marriages are not legally binding, and cameras follow couples on honeymoon and as they move in together.
One participant, who wished to remain anonymous, accused her husband of raping her and threatening her with an acid attack, and is now pursuing legal action against production company CPL. 'Lizzie' said her partner often lost his temper when cameras were off, and sex became violent, leaving her bruised even after she repeatedly said stop. He allegedly threatened to have someone throw acid at her if she told anyone.
Lawyers for CPL told Panorama that Lizzie did not mention the 'can't say no' comment to its team and the acid remark was mentioned as a passing comment, not a threat. CPL took action as soon as Lizzie said she felt unsafe, the lawyers added. A second woman, named as Chloe, alleges she was raped by her husband before broadcast, though Channel 4 aired her episodes despite her telling the channel and producers. After filming, she told the show's psychiatrist, alerting CPL who then went to Channel 4. When Chloe complained, she only received a response once the series was on air. Both men deny the allegations.
The Daily Mail revealed that producers sent a letter to all staffers who have worked across any of its 10 series, urging them not to speak out or post on social media. The letter from CPL warned staff not to speculate or name any cast member due to legal reasons. The company set up a dedicated email for employees to contact.
Following the accusations, Channel 4 commissioned an external review into the claims, conducted by law firm Clyde & Co, to examine existing welfare protocols. A spokesman said the broadcaster had the most comprehensive welfare protocols in the industry and that prompt action was taken when concerns were raised. Channel 4's recently appointed CEO, Priya Dogra, instructed the review last month and expressed sympathy to distressed contributors, but pushed back on claims of failure in duty of care.
