Channel 4 cancels Married At First Sight UK after rape allegations

Channel 4 confirmed on Thursday that it will discontinue the U.K. version of the reality series Married At First Sight after an external review examined allegations that two women were raped while filming the sixth season. Chief executive Priya Dogra said the review found no wrongdoing by the network or the production company CPL, but that ending the programme was the appropriate step.

"Whilst the review praised the welfare protocols in place and made no findings 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.

The allegations were first reported in a BBC Panorama investigation, which said one participant claimed her on-screen husband raped her and threatened her with an acid attack. A third woman alleged sexual misconduct by her partner. All three men denied the accusations.

Channel 4 hired law firm Clyde & Co to examine safety procedures and the handling of the complaints. The firm reviewed more than 30,000 documents and hours of footage, concluding that the network and production company complied with regulations from the U.K.’s Office of Communications. The review did not adjudicate the criminal allegations, which remain under police investigation.

A separate report by former BBC One controller Lorraine Heggessey highlighted aspects of the format that could pressure participants into physical intimacy and recommended changes such as ending "Intimacy Week" and "Partner Swap Week," installing continuous monitoring equipment in couples' apartments, providing separate bedrooms and panic buttons, and allowing unsupervised home visits. Dogra said implementing these measures would fundamentally alter the show's editorial premise.

CPL issued a statement acknowledging Channel 4’s decision and reiterated that its welfare protocols are extensive and of a high standard. The network said the budget allocated to the series would be redirected to develop new British television projects.

The controversy follows similar criticism of the franchise’s Australian edition, which has faced scrutiny over participant safety and vetting processes, though investigations by the Australian Communications and Media Authority found no code breaches.