Married at First Sight UK cancelled following rape allegations

Channel 4 has cancelled the reality television show Married at First Sight UK following rape allegations, BBC News and The National Scot reported. As FTMQ News reported earlier, the broadcaster made the decision to cancel the series and pull the already-filmed sixth season after a BBC Panorama investigation detailed the claims against male cast members. [1][4][5][11]

Outlets differed on the number of accusers involved in the investigation. BBC News reported that three former cast members made allegations during the investigation. However, The National Scot reported that the cancellation followed rape allegations from two cast members. [1][4][5]

Former contestants expressed relief at the cancellation of the series, BBC News and the Exmouth Journal reported. One woman who alleged she was raped on the show stated she was relieved that no one else would go through the experience, according to BBC News. Another woman who alleged her on-screen husband raped her described feeling great consuming relief, while criticizing suggestions from an external review that the show could continue using safe words, panic buttons, or lockable bathrooms. [1][4][6]

Married at First Sight is a British reality television programme where strangers enter a marriage-like relationship, meeting just minutes before their wedding ceremony. The participants live together and attend commitment ceremonies to decide if they will remain in their relationships. [7]

The men involved in the allegations have denied all claims made against them, as FTMQ News reported earlier. [11]