Married at First Sight UK contestants accuse on-screen husbands of sexual assault

Married at First Sight UK is facing serious allegations after two women told the BBC they were raped during filming of the Channel 4 reality dating series, according to a BBC Panorama investigation.

A third woman also alleged she experienced a non-consensual sexual act while appearing on the programme. All three women said they did not believe the show did enough to protect them during production.

Channel 4 has responded by removing all episodes of Married at First Sight UK from its streaming platform and related social media channels while an external review into contributor welfare is carried out.

The allegations include claims that one woman was raped and threatened with an acid attack by her on-screen husband. Another contestant said she reported allegations of rape to both Channel 4 and production company CPL Productions before her episode aired, but the programme was still broadcast. A third woman has also made separate claims of sexual misconduct.

Channel 4 previously described the allegations as “wholly uncorroborated and disputed,” while CPL Productions said it maintains what it calls a “gold standard” welfare system, including psychological assessments and on-set support.

The programme, which pairs strangers in legally non-binding marriages, is one of Channel 4’s most popular reality series and has run for multiple seasons on E4, drawing millions of viewers.

A BBC spokesperson said the women came forward because they felt they were not adequately protected while taking part in the show. The investigation also highlights wider concerns about safeguarding in high-risk reality television formats.

Channel 4 has confirmed that a full external review is underway, with findings expected to be published in the coming months.