Warning: Contains details of alleged sexual offences and misconduct
The British version of Married At First Sight has been axed following a review prompted by serious allegations of misconduct during the making of the reality show.
UK broadcaster Channel 4 removed all previous seasons of the show in May after a BBC report detailed allegations from two women of rape during filming, while a third described an allegation of a non-consensual sex act.
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In the reality series, commonly known as MAFS, single people “marry” strangers they meet for the first time on their wedding day, although the marriages are not legally binding.
The show is part of an international franchise spanning multiple countries, including the United States and Australia.
A review by law firm Clyde & Co had found the show’s welfare protocols complied with broadcasting codes, although there were isolated incidents where the welfare framework was not fully implemented.
A second part of the review found the protocols were “extensive, extremely thorough and of a high standard”.
Channel 4 chief executive Priya Dogra said welfare across its programs was a primary concern.
“Whilst the review praised the welfare protocols in place and made no findings that Channel 4 breached the Ofcom Code or that the format is inherently unsafe, I have to consider when is the right time for Channel 4 to move on from a format” Dogra said.
Dogra said implementing all of the review’s recommendations would fundamentally alter the show’s format and believed it had “run its course” after 10 years.
BBC report exposes shocking claims of misconduct
In May, three women who appeared on MAFS UK made shocking claims about their on-screen “husbands”.
The BBC reported that two women alleged they were raped during filming of the reality show, while a third described an allegation of a non-consensual sex act.
They all claimed the show did not do enough to protect them and it was pulled from air at the time.
Channel 4, which airs the show in the UK, said it was made aware of “serious allegations” involving a small number of former MAFS participants.
The allegations were denied by the past contestants.
The three women who spoke to the BBC alleged misconduct by the men they were partnered with and said they were speaking out because they felt they were not adequately protected.
According to the report, one woman alleged her on-screen “husband” raped her and threatened her with an acid attack.
She said sex with her partner turned violent and she “kept saying stop”.
“He said that if I told anybody what had happened, that he would get someone to throw acid at me,” she told the BBC.
Lawyers acting for the man told the BBC he denied rape.
A second woman reportedly told Channel 4 before broadcast she had been raped by her on-screen “husband” — her episodes were still aired.
A third woman, Shona Manderson, appeared in the 2023 season of MAFS UK.
She is the only woman identified in the report and said she felt welfare protections were inadequate after her on-screen “husband” took things too far during sex.
“I don’t think that because you’re going on reality TV, you deserve in any way for things like this to happen to you,” she said.
MAFS Australia under police investigation
In October, NSW Police confirmed it had launched an investigation into MAFS Australia following claims of “inappropriate” conduct.
“On Monday August 24, 2026, officers attached to South Sydney Police Area Command commenced an investigation following a report of inappropriate content being shared,” NSW Police told 7NEWS.com.au.
“Following inquiries, the matter will be referred to WA Police Force.”
WA Police told 7NEWS.com.au the referral from NSW had not yet been received and no further comment could be made at this stage.
TV Blackbox’s Rob McKnight claimed a male participant is the one who lodged the formal complaint.
“It’s understood he was allegedly ambushed by producers, who shared private information about him with his bride,” McKnight alleges.
The show is produced by Endemol Shine Australia and broadcast by Channel 9.
“We are aware of a police investigation involving Endemol Shine Australia and all enquiries should be directed to them,” a Nine spokesperson said.
7NEWS.com.au contacted Endemol Shine Australia for comment.
This new investigation comes after a BBC News report earlier this year into MAFS Australia revealed cast members said they had not been told their partners had previous drug and violence convictions.
Nine former cast members alleged several male participants were allowed on the show despite having drug and violence convictions.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028, the WA Sexual Assault Resource Centre on 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
— With Reuters
