Travel operator Tui has ended its sponsorship of the UK and Australian versions of Married at First Sight on Channel 4, following allegations of rape and sexual misconduct by contestants on the show. The decision came after a BBC Panorama programme revealed claims from two anonymous women that they were raped by their on-screen husbands, and a third woman, Shona Manderson, accused her on-screen husband of sexual misconduct. All three men deny the allegations.
A spokesperson for Tui UK and Ireland said: “Following the broadcast of the Panorama programme and discussion with Channel 4, we have taken the decision to end our sponsorship of Married at First Sight.” Channel 4 thanked Tui for its valued sponsorship and said it looked forward to discussing future partnerships.
The broadcaster also confirmed that a spin-off show, Second Marriage at First Sight, remains in pre-production. A spokesperson said: “Whilst we’re in pre-production, we’ve not yet begun filming on Second Marriage at First Sight. Any findings from our review will be incorporated into the production.”
Ofcom chief executive Melanie Dawes described the allegations as “really serious concerns” and said the regulator was willing to tighten guidance around reality shows if necessary. Appearing on Good Morning Britain, she emphasised that the primary responsibility lies with broadcasters and production companies: “If they have not got it right, this is going to be a serious issue. If we need to tighten our guidance then we absolutely will.”
Channel 4’s chief executive, Priya Dogra, expressed being “deeply sorry” for the women’s distress, stating: “Welfare across all our programmes is hugely important to us, and is a primary concern.” She noted that the channel cannot investigate specific allegations against the men, which they have denied, and that such matters are handled by other bodies when complaints are raised.
