LONDON – Channel 4 has taken the decisive step of removing all episodes of “Married at First Sight UK” from its streaming services following accusations from three participants who allege they were sexually assaulted by their partners on the reality matchmaking show.
The network has described these claims as “extremely serious,” while the UK government emphasized on Tuesday that there should be “repercussions for any criminal or unethical behavior.”
“Married at First Sight” is a global reality TV sensation originating from Denmark, with versions airing in countries such as the U.S., Australia, and South Africa. The concept involves strangers being paired by specialists, culminating in them living together after participating in staged wedding ceremonies.
According to reports, two female participants from the UK series have accused their on-screen spouses of rape, and a third woman alleges she was involved in a non-consensual sexual encounter.
These allegations surfaced during a probe conducted by the BBC’s investigative program “Panorama.” The BBC noted that the accusers have not reported the incidents to law enforcement, and the accused men have denied the claims.
Caroline Dinenage, a Conservative MP and chair of the House of Commons Culture, Media, and Sport Committee, remarked to the BBC that the show inherently carries “a degree of risk.”
“It’s a TV show that almost expects and anticipates people that have only just met will have to become really quite intimate with each other,” she told the BBC. “They’re expected to share a bed and a life together within minutes of meeting. It almost feels like an accident waiting to happen.”
The U.K. version of the program is made by independent production company CPL. It has run for 10 seasons on Channel 4, with an 11th scheduled for broadcast this year. CPL did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The broadcaster said the show is produced under “some of the most comprehensive and robust welfare protocols in the industry,” including background checks, a code of conduct setting out behavioral standards and “daily contributor check-ins with a specialist welfare team.”
It has ordered a review of its welfare standards and procedures.
“I want to express my sympathy to contributors who have clearly been distressed after taking part in ‘Married at First Sight UK,’” Channel 4 chief executive Priya Dogra said. “The well-being of our contributors is always of paramount importance.”
The claims are the latest incident to spark debate in Britain about the ethics of reality TV and the pressures placed on participants. Two former contestants on the show “Love Island” died by suicide in 2018 and 2019 and the show’s former presenter, Caroline Flack, took her own life in 2020.
