Married At First Sight UK bosses are reportedly moving forward with their planned spin-off, Second Married At First Sight, despite calls to cancel the show following sexual assault allegations. The E4 programme faced claims aired by BBC Panorama that two women were raped during filming, and a third was subjected to a non-consensual sex act.
Production Continues Amid Controversy
Sources claim that production company CPL is 'confident' the spin-off will proceed, with hotels for honeymoons already being booked. However, major format changes are being considered in light of the allegations, including separate sleeping quarters for men and women. A source told The Sun: 'CPL are doing all they can to make Second Marriage At First Sight go ahead, however they are looking at major format changes following the rape and sexual assault allegations. It would mean all the brides and grooms will live in the same accommodation as they do now, but the women and men will sleep separately come bedtime.'
Welfare Concerns and Legal Responses
Lawyers for CPL stated that the welfare system was 'gold standard' and that the company acted appropriately in all cases. Channel 4 boss Priya Dogra initially declined to apologise after the Panorama broadcast but later said she was 'deeply sorry.' A spokesperson for the spin-off said: 'Whilst we’re in pre-production, we’ve not yet begun filming on Second Marriage at First Sight.'
Allegations and Contestant Accounts
Among the alleged victims is Shona Manderson, who says she had an abortion after her on-screen husband Brad Skelly took things 'too far' during sex and ejaculated inside her without permission. Skelly denies any sexual misconduct. Another bride from the 2023 series, Laura Vaughan, said she reported Brad's 'uncomfortable' conduct to the welfare team. Two other female contestants reported being raped by their on-screen husbands, with one informing Channel 4 and CPL, yet episodes still aired. All men deny the allegations.
Channel 4 Actions and Police Involvement
Channel 4 commissioned an external review into contributor welfare and removed all ten series of MAFS UK from its streaming platform. The fate of Series 11, already filmed, remains undecided. Scotland Yard urged potential victims to come forward, stating: 'We are aware of media reporting... We will be making approaches to the relevant production teams.' The Prime Minister's spokesman called for 'appropriate action' as Channel 4 bosses met with media minister Ian Murray.
