Married At First Sight UK: Women allege they were raped during filming of popular reality show

By David Mouriquand Published on 19/05/2026 - 9:03 GMT+2 Share Comments Share Facebook Twitter Flipboard Send Reddit Linkedin Messenger Telegram VK Bluesky Threads Whatsapp

British broadcaster Channel 4 has removed all previous seasons of Married ‌At First Sight UK - one of its flagship reality shows - after a BBC report detailing allegations of rape during the filming of the series.

One of the UK’s most popular reality shows has been rocked by allegations of sexual abuse from former contestants. They have claimed they were sexually assaulted and that not enough protection was given by British broadcaster Channel 4.

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Two women allege they were raped during the filming of Channel 4’s Married At First Sight UK (MAFS) and a third alleges she was subjected to a non-consensual sex act.

The women shared with the BBC’s Panorama that the show did not do enough to protect them. They also alleged that Channel 4 was aware of some allegations before broadcast and that the episodes featuring the women involved were still streaming until recently.

According to the Panorama report, one woman said her onscreen husband raped her and threatened her with an acid attack. Lawyers acting for the woman’s onscreen husband told the BBC he denies rape.

Channel 4 said it was presented with “serious allegations” in April against a small number of past contributors, which it understood were denied by those contributors. It said that “prompt and appropriate action was taken” when concerns related to contributor welfare were raised through existing welfare protocols.

“Channel 4 strongly refutes any claim to the contrary,” it said.

Yesterday, Channel 4 removed all episodes of MAFS from streaming and linear services.

Priya Dogra, chief executive of Channel 4, said: "I want to express my sympathy to contributors who have clearly been distressed after taking part in Married At First Sight UK. The wellbeing of our contributors is always of paramount importance.”

She added: "It would be wholly inappropriate for me to comment on what are very serious allegations made against some MAFS UK contributors. Those allegations - which I understand are disputed by the contributors accused - are not something that Channel 4 is in a position to adjudicate on. We are also mindful of our ongoing duty of care to all contributors, and the need to preserve the anonymity and privacy of all involved.”

Her statement concluded: "On the claims that Channel 4 may have failed in its duty of care, I believe that when concerns about contributor welfare were raised, and based on the information available at the time, Channel 4 acted quickly, appropriately, sensitively and with wellbeing front and centre."

MAFS – originally based on a Danish series titled Gift ved første blik - sees single people “marry” strangers who they meet for the first time on their wedding day. The "marriages" are not legally binding; however, viewers see the couples go on a "honeymoon", before moving in together and navigating their relationships.

The show is part of an international franchise across multiple countries, including the United States and Australia, and is made for Channel 4 by independent production company CPL.

Lawyers for CPL told the BBC that its welfare protocols for contributors were “gold standard” and that it acted appropriately in all these cases.

It reamains to be seen whether the latest season of the show, which has already been filmed, will air later this year.

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