Channel 4 axes Married at First Sight UK after rape allegations
Channel 4 has scrapped Married at First Sight UK after two reviews into claims made by three female cast members. Chief executive Priya Dogra said on Thursday that the show had "run its course" and apologised to the women.
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…
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