Channel 4 has confirmed that the reality show Married at First Sight UK will no longer be aired. This decision comes after an independent review into the welfare procedures for participants.
The review was launched following claims made in May by two women who stated they were raped by their on-screen matches during filming, with a third alleging sexual misconduct by her on-screen husband.
Findings from the external review indicated that while the show could continue with adjustments, its format meant some contestants might "lose touch with reality" due to limited contact with the outside world. It also suggested that some elements of the format "could implicitly put pressure on contributors to be intimate."
Despite the review concluding that production could reasonably continue with enhancements to safeguarding, Channel 4's chief executive Priya Dogra stated on Thursday (5 November) that the show had "run its course over 10 years." Dogra also expressed regret for the distress felt by the women who made allegations.
The forthcoming series of MAFS UK, which has already been filmed, will not be broadcast, as it was not produced under the recommended strengthened protocols. MAFS Australia, however, is not affected and is expected to return in 2027.