Married at First Sight UK will not return. Channel 4 announced the decision on Thursday after two reviews that followed a BBC Panorama investigation. In the programme, broadcast in May, two women alleged they were raped during filming. A third woman alleged she was subjected to a non-consensual sex act. According to the BBC, the men involved deny all the allegations.
The format pairs single people who "marry" strangers they meet for the first time on their wedding day. The marriages are not legally binding. The BBC reported that the show was one of Channel 4's biggest hits, with audiences often topping three million. After Panorama aired, Channel 4 removed every episode from its streaming and linear services, the Guardian reported. A major sponsor also pulled out, according to the BBC.
A review led by former BBC One controller Lorraine Heggessey found the show's safeguards were of a high standard. It said the show could reasonably continue with a stronger welfare framework and changes to the format. It also found that some elements could put implicit pressure on contributors to be intimate. Her suggestions included constantly monitored CCTV in all areas of the apartments, panic buttons and "safe words". A second review, by law firm Clyde & Co, found the welfare protocols complied with Ofcom's broadcasting code. However, it identified a small number of instances where the protocols were not fully applied.
Chief executive Priya Dogra said that applying all the recommendations would fundamentally change the idea of the show. She said the show had run its course after 10 years. She also said she was very sorry for the distress the women had felt. According to the BBC, the show's budget will go into new programming. Series six, which was in production, will not be broadcast. A spin-off, Second Married at First Sight, will not resume production.
Lia Perin, a lawyer for one of the women, said the findings "raise more questions than they answer". She said the risks were built into a format designed to create drama. Dame Caroline Dinenage, who chairs the House of Commons culture and media committee, said the decision "makes sense" given the seriousness of the allegations. Dogra noted that the reviews had no authority to rule on the women's allegations.
Ofcom said it would study the reports as it works to strengthen its guidance for broadcasters. The BBC reported that the regulator has also launched an investigation. Lawyers for CPL, the company that makes the show, had earlier described its welfare system as "gold standard". They also said CPL acted appropriately in all the cases.