All UK episodes have been pulled in the wake of tonight’s Panorama

Married At First Sight has come under the spotlight in a new Panorama documentary after shocking allegations were made by several former brides from the show.

The BBC doc airs tonight and centres on claims made by three women who previously appeared on the Channel 4 dating series.

All three women allege sexual misconduct by the husbands they were matched with during filming.
Married At First is at the centre of a Panorama investigation tonight (Credit: Channel 4)

Two of the brides claim they were sexually assaulted by the men they married on the programme.

The grooms deny the allegations.

This evening, Channel 4 announced it had commissioned an external review in April into the ‘contributor welfare’ of MAFS.

All episodes of the UK version of MAFS have now been pulled from streaming services.

Married At First Sight centre of Panorama doc

Panorama: The Dark Side of Married At First Sight airs tonight on BBC One. It is scheduled opposite the launch of the new series of Married At First Sight USA on E4.

The BBC says the documentary will “raise serious concerns” surrounding the welfare procedures used on the reality show.

It also claims some “vulnerable” contributors may have been left at “risk of harm”.

A synopsis for Panorama: The Dark Side of Married At First Sight reads: “Noor Nanji speaks to three women who allege sexual misconduct by their former on-screen husbands. Two of the women say they were sexually assaulted.

“The men deny all the allegations against them, and both Channel 4 and CPL, the independent production company that makes the series, say the welfare protocols are robust and comprehensive.”

ED! has contacted Married At First Sight production company CPL for comment.

‘We take these issues very seriously’

Priya Dogra, Chief Executive of Channel 4, has now released a lengthy statement confirming an external review has been launched.

“I want to express my sympathy to contributors who have clearly been distressed after taking part in Married at First Sight UK,” she said. “The wellbeing of our contributors is always of paramount importance.

“It would be wholly inappropriate for me to comment on what are very serious allegations made against some MAFS UK contributors.

“Those allegations, which I understand are disputed by the contributors accused, are not something that Channel 4 is in a position to adjudicate on. We are also mindful of our ongoing duty of care to all contributors, and the need to preserve the anonymity and privacy of all involved.”

Ms Dogra added: “On the claims that Channel 4 may have failed in its duty of care, I believe that when concerns about contributor welfare were raised, and based on the information available at the time, Channel 4 acted quickly, appropriately, sensitively and with wellbeing front and centre.

“However, because we aim for the highest possible standards of contributor welfare, I felt strongly as Channel 4’s new CEO that it was important to review how issues raised at the time were handled and consider whether further changes could strengthen contributor welfare.”

Ms Dogra confirmed she commissioned an external review into contributor welfare in April. She expects to receive the findings in the coming months.

“We take these issues very seriously and are committed to ensuring that we continue to lead the industry in our duty of care for contributors,” Ms Dogra added.
Married At First Sight USAMAFS USA starts tonight at the same time as the Panorama documentary (Credit: Channel 4)

How long has Married At First Sight been running?

Married At First Sight follows single people who agree to marry a complete stranger after being matched by relationship experts.

As the experiment continues, the couples decide whether they want to stay together or walk away from the marriage.

The format first launched in Denmark in 2013 before the American version followed a year later. The UK and Australia both introduced their own versions in 2015.

In recent years, MAFS has become known for explosive rows and controversial cast members.

Last week, the 2026 series of MAFS Australia finished airing in the UK on E4. Viewers regularly accused the show of being “toxic” because of some participants.

Read more: MAFS Australia’s Gia stirs the pot after Bec comes under fire from furious bridal hire shop owner

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