Married At First Sight UK suspended amid sexual assault allegations

The Channel 4 dating series ‘Married At First Sight UK’ has been placed on indefinite hold following allegations of rape and sexual assault made by former contestants. The claims, which were featured in a BBC Panorama documentary, involve allegations that two women were raped and a third was subjected to a non-consensual sex act during filming. The men involved have denied the accusations.

Channel 4 has removed all episodes of the show from its streaming service and is conducting an external review of its safety and welfare practices. The broadcaster’s CEO, Priya Dogra, has issued an apology to the women involved, stating she was ‘deeply sorry’ for the distress caused.

Ofcom has launched an investigation into the program regarding fairness and privacy complaints. Additionally, the Metropolitan Police confirmed an ongoing investigation involving a former contestant who was arrested on suspicion of rape and subsequently released on bail. While the 11th season was filmed earlier this year, reports indicate it will not air anytime soon as executives determine if the series is salvageable.