‘Married At First Sight UK’ dropped by network after women say they were raped during show

Key Points:

• Channel 4 has ended its broadcast of the UK version of "Married At First Sight" following allegations that two women were raped during filming of its sixth season, despite an external review finding no wrongdoing by the network or production company CPL.
• The review praised existing welfare protocols but noted some incidents where full procedures were not applied, including contributors breaking rules on prohibited substances; recommendations were made to enhance safety, such as 24/7 monitoring and panic buttons.
• Former BBC One controller Lorraine Heggessey’s report highlighted that certain show elements, like Intimacy Week and Partner Swap Week, could pressure participants into physical intimacy and recommended reconsidering mechanisms that compel couples to stay together.
• Channel 4 stated that fully implementing the recommended safety measures would fundamentally change the show's format, leading to the decision to end the series and redirect funds toward new British television projects.
• The production company CPL expressed understanding of Channel 4’s decision and affirmed its commitment to contributor welfare, while noting the franchise has faced previous controversies, particularly with the Australian version’s handling of contestant safety and intimacy pressures.