Married At First Sight UK star Bob Voysey is set to walk down the aisle once more after proposing to his girlfriend, Stephanie Boyce. The reality star's fiancée shared a romantic video on Instagram of the proposal on a pier, captioning it, 'Officially going from Miss to Mrs.' Bob also posted a humorous clip of Stephanie proudly displaying her engagement ring following the surprise proposal during their getaway.
Bob's Previous Marriage on the Show
Bob was paired with Megan Wolfe during the 2021 series of Married At First Sight UK. However, their marriage was marred by a cheating scandal when Megan kissed another groom, Jordan Mundell, behind Bob's back. After a heated argument at a dinner party, the couple decided to leave the experiment during the third commitment ceremony.
Controversy Engulfs the Show
Bob's engagement news comes as the E4 series faces serious allegations. Three former contestants have claimed they were sexually assaulted by their on-screen partners. Two women allege they were raped by their on-screen husbands, while a third claims she was subjected to a non-consensual sexual act. The allegations were revealed in a BBC Panorama investigation. The broadcaster stated that the claimants have not contacted the police, and the accused men deny any wrongdoing.
Channel 4's Response
In response, Channel 4 has removed all episodes of Married At First Sight UK from its platforms, calling the allegations 'very serious.' The UK government has also stated there must be 'consequences for criminality or wrongdoing.' Crisis talks were held after it emerged that episodes featuring one couple were aired despite producers being aware of the allegations.
Spin-off Series Continues Pre-production
Despite the controversy, the highly anticipated spin-off, Second Marriage at First Sight, will continue pre-production while an external review is carried out. The show, announced in February, will see former stars return for another chance at love. Twenty-four episodes have been ordered, with filming initially taking place in the UK before moving to Australia. An insider revealed that advanced talks with former stars are underway, with some already signed up. However, cameras will not roll until the review is complete and recommendations implemented.
Background on the Show
Married At First Sight is an international reality TV franchise originating from Denmark, with versions in the US, Australia, and South Africa. Strangers are matched by relationship experts and move in together after mock weddings, with cameras documenting their relationships. Conservative MP Caroline Dinenage, chair of the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee, told the BBC that the show involves 'an element of risk,' describing it as 'an accident waiting to happen.'
Welfare Protocols Under Scrutiny
The UK version is produced by independent company CPL and has run for 10 seasons on E4, with an 11th scheduled. CPL has not commented. Channel 4 stated the show operates under 'comprehensive and robust welfare protocols,' including background checks, a code of conduct, and daily check-ins with a welfare team. A review of welfare standards has been ordered.
Allegations from Participants
One participant, known as 'Lizzie,' accused her on-screen husband of rape and threatening her with an acid attack. She is pursuing legal action against CPL. Lizzie claimed her partner would lose his temper off-camera and that sex became violent. She said she 'kept saying stop' but he continued, stating, 'You can't say no, you're my wife.' Lawyers for CPL said Lizzie did not mention the 'can't say no' comment and the 'acid' remark was a passing comment, not a threat. CPL acted when Lizzie said she felt unsafe.
Another woman, 'Chloe,' alleges she was raped by her husband before broadcast, yet E4 aired her episodes despite her reporting it. She described lying still and staring out the window during the alleged assault. After filming, she told the show's psychiatrist, alerting CPL and Channel 4. She only received a response once the series was airing. CPL's lawyers said it followed welfare protocols. Both men deny the allegations.
Shona Manderson, a 2023 participant, has publicly alleged that her partner, Bradley Skelly, sexually assaulted her. Skelly denies any sexual misconduct, stating their relationship was based on mutual consent and affection.
Production company CPL informed staff of the accusations and urged them not to speak to journalists or post on social media, citing legal reasons. Staff were warned that any comments could be picked up by the press.
