Channel 4 removes MAFS UK after serious allegations

Channel 4 has removed all previous seasons of Married At First Sight UK from its streaming and linear platforms following serious allegations from former participants in a BBC Panorama investigation.

The broadcaster said it commissioned an external review into contributor welfare in April after being presented with "serious allegations of wrongdoing against a small number of past contributors", which it said those contributors denied.

BBC Panorama allegations

BBC Panorama reported allegations from three women about their time on the show. Two women, who were not identified, alleged they were raped by their on-screen husbands, while former participant Shona Manderson alleged a non-consensual sexual act by her on-screen husband Bradley Skelly.

In a statement to the programme, Skelly categorically denied "any allegations of sexual misconduct, or that he was controlling".

The show, which is produced for Channel 4 by independent production company CPL, sees single people matched by experts and then "marry", with couples meeting for the first time on their wedding day.

The "marriages" on the show are not legally binding, but the couples go on a "honeymoon" and move in together after their weddings.

In a statement, Channel 4 said: "In April, Channel 4 was presented with serious allegations of wrongdoing against a small number of past contributors, allegations that we understand those contributors have denied.

"The channel is mindful of the privacy and continuing duty of care towards all contributors, and cannot comment on or disclose details of those allegations.

"Related to those allegations, Channel 4 was asked to respond to claims of failures in welfare protocols.

"Channel 4 believes that when concerns related to contributor welfare were raised through existing welfare and production protocols, prompt and appropriate action was taken, based on the information available at the time.

"Channel 4 strongly refutes any claim to the contrary."

Manderson says she wanted welfare meeting

Manderson, who appeared on the programme in 2023, said in an Instagram post that she decided to take part in Panorama because she hoped sharing her story would contribute to a wider conversation about welfare and positive change.

"I did, a year after my experience on MAFS, say to production I would like a meeting about my welfare, and my meeting wasn't honoured," she said.

"We never had that meeting. I had some really constructive points that I would have brought up in that meeting. I guess I just did it with the BBC instead."

Manderson said that during her time on the show she "completely lost my light".

"There were behaviours in my relationship which were not okay, and at the time I excused a lot of behaviour," she said.

"I couldn’t see things for what it was, and I wasn’t in a position to advocate for myself at the time."

She added that some elements of her welfare care were "really, really strong" and some individuals were "amazing", but said: "This isn’t about individuals. This is a wider issue, and at the end of the day, I shouldn’t have been in the position that I was in."

Woman's Aid chief executive Farah Nazeer said the allegations made for "disturbing and sobering" viewing, adding that producers had a duty of care to contestants and a responsibility to younger viewers.

The BBC reported that none of the women it spoke to had reported their allegations to the police.

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.

"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.

"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."

Channel 4 said MAFS UK is produced under "some of the most comprehensive and robust welfare protocols in the industry", including background checks, a code of conduct setting out behavioural standards and "daily contributor check-ins with a specialist welfare team".

Lawyers for CPL reportedly told the BBC its welfare system is "gold standard" and that it acted appropriately.

Ofcom awaits review findings

A spokesperson for Britain's media regulator Ofcom said they was aware of "serious allegations" raised in the Panorama documentary and by researchers from Aston University about the welfare of participants in reality TV programmes, and Married At First Sight UK in particular.

"Under our rules, broadcasters are required to take due care over the welfare of people who might be at risk of significant harm as a result of taking part in a programme," the spokesperson said.

"We note that Channel 4 has launched an external review into contributor care on MAFS UK and we await its findings. We will review this and all other evidence made available to us."

The broadcaster said the two-part review will consist of law firm Clyde & Co investigating welfare protocols and the handling of claims, while former BBC One controller Lorraine Heggessey will lead an examination of current contributor welfare measures.

Channel 4 said it expects the review to report in the coming months and will share a summary of findings and recommendations.

CPL has been approached for comment.

Source: Press Association

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