Channel 4 Cancels Married at First Sight UK After Welfare Review
Decision follows serious allegations and independent investigation into contributor protocols, despite review finding format not inherently unsafe.
Sarah Connor
Channel 4 has cancelled Married at First Sight UK.
The cancellation follows an independent review into contributor welfare protocols. This investigation began after three female contestants made allegations in a BBC Panorama program, including two instances of rape by on-screen matches; a male cast member was arrested in June on suspicion of rape.
The investigation found elements of the show could implicitly pressure contributors to be intimate. It also noted participants could lose touch with reality due to restricted outside contact.
The review also noted isolated incidents where the welfare framework was not fully implemented. Contributors contravened the code of conduct relating to 'prohibited substances' but received only a warning.
Proposed format changes included scrapping 'Intimacy Week' and allowing contestants to leave the show independently. The review also suggested installing panic buttons and CCTV in participants’ apartments.
The review team examined over 31,000 documents and 20 hours of footage. They conducted interviews with individuals from Channel 4, CPL, and the contributors.
Law firm Clyde & Co investigated whether welfare protocols fulfilled Channel 4’s duty of care obligations under the Ofcom Broadcasting Code. Former BBC One controller Lorraine Heggessey assessed whether changes should be made to current welfare protocols.
Channel 4 Chief Executive Priya Dogra stated the show had run its course after ten years. Dogra said, "Whilst the review praised the welfare protocols in place and made no findings that Channel 4 breached the Ofcom Code or that the format is inherently unsafe, I have to consider when is the right time for Channel 4 to move on from a format."
Dogra also revealed the budget used on MAFS UK would be reinvested into new programming. She added, "I hope our actions – in swiftly commissioning the review and taking clear, decisive steps – demonstrate our commitment to the wellbeing of all contributors and our desire to relentlessly strengthen industry standards."
Channel 4 confirmed that season six of the show, filmed earlier this year, will not be broadcast. The men involved in the allegations have denied all claims.
I hope our actions – in swiftly commissioning the review and taking clear, decisive steps – demonstrate our commitment to the wellbeing of all contributors and our desire to relentlessly strengthen industry standards.
Lawyers for CPL claim its welfare system is 'gold standard' and industry-leading. They assert it acted appropriately in all cases.