British broadcaster Channel 4 has decided to end its popular reality television series Married at First Sight UK following allegations of sexual misconduct involving former participants during production.
The decision was announced on November 5 after the broadcaster commissioned an independent review into the programme’s welfare and safety procedures.
The controversy emerged after a BBC Panorama investigation in May reported that two women alleged they had been raped by their on-screen husbands during filming, while a third woman accused her on-screen partner of sexual misconduct.
All three men involved have denied the allegations.
Channel 4 said the independent review found no breach of the broadcasting code by the broadcaster or production company CPL. However, it identified some instances where the programme’s welfare procedures were not fully implemented.
A separate review led by former BBC executive Lorraine Heggessey recommended additional safeguards to strengthen the protection of participants.
Channel 4 chief executive Priya Dogra said the broadcaster had decided that it was time to move on from the programme, which had run for 10 seasons. The show’s budget will be redirected towards new programming.
The broadcaster also clarified that the reviews did not determine whether the allegations were true, as those matters remain for the relevant authorities to investigate.
