Channel 4 cancels Married at First Sight UK following sexual assault allegations

Channel 4 has cancelled the reality television show Married at First Sight UK, BBC News, the Daily Mail, Variety, and LADbible reported on Thursday. The decision follows a BBC Panorama investigation earlier this year that revealed allegations of sexual misconduct and assault from female cast members on the programme. [1][2][3][4][5]

BBC News reported that two female cast members made rape allegations, while a third woman alleged a non-consensual sex act. The Daily Mail noted that Shona Manderson was among the women who made allegations of sexual misconduct. BBC News added that the men involved have denied all of the allegations made against them. [1][2]

The chief executive of Channel 4, Priya Dogra, repeated her apology to the women involved for the distress they have clearly felt, according to BBC News. The Daily Mail reported that Channel 4 confirmed it will not air an already-filmed sixth season. BBC News added that the broadcaster plans to reinvest the budget from the show into distinctive new programming. [1][2]

The series is based on an Australian format in which relationship experts match single strangers who meet for the first time on their wedding day, Variety and Wikipedia explained. Couples then move in together and participate in commitment ceremonies to decide if they will remain in their relationship. [3][6]