Two women who appeared on Channel 4’s reality series Married At First Sight UK have come forward with allegations that they were raped by their on-screen partners, with a third woman accusing her “husband” of sexual assault. The claims have prompted Channel 4 to remove all episodes of the show from its streaming services and linear channels, and to launch an independent review into contributor welfare.

Married At First Sight UK features singles who "marry" strangers upon meeting them for the first time on their wedding day, though the unions are not legally binding. The show follows their lives as they embark on a “honeymoon” and move in together, documenting their relationships as a social experiment.

One woman, identified only as “Lizzie” to protect her anonymity, described an instance in which her partner became violent during sex after the cameras were off. She said she repeatedly expressed a lack of consent but was overpowered and subsequently threatened with an acid attack if she disclosed the incident. Lawyers for CPL, the series’ production company, told the BBC that Lizzie did not report the comment about consent and that the acid threat was conveyed as a passing remark rather than a direct threat. CPL stated it acted promptly when Lizzie expressed feeling unsafe.

A second participant, Chloe, alleged that she was raped by her husband during filming. She said she informed the producers and Channel 4 before her episodes aired but that the content was still broadcast. Chloe reported the incident to the show’s psychiatrist after filming concluded, triggering internal welfare procedures. CPL asserted that it followed established welfare protocols and that Chloe had previously indicated that all sexual activity was consensual. Both men deny the allegations made against them.

A third former participant, Shona Manderson, publicly accused her ex-partner Bradley Skelly of sexual assault. Skelly has denied any wrongdoing, asserting their relationship was consensual and based on mutual care.

Following the revelations, Channel 4 said it was made aware of “serious allegations” in April concerning a small number of past contributors but maintained that appropriate and timely action was taken under existing welfare frameworks. The broadcaster emphasized that it has "some of the most comprehensive and robust welfare protocols in the industry" and strongly rejected claims that it failed in its duty of care.

Channel 4’s new chief executive, Priya Dogra, expressed sympathy for contributors who have experienced distress but maintained confidence in the broadcaster’s response after concerns were raised. Dogra has initiated an external review of the show’s welfare processes to investigate and address these issues.

Meanwhile, CPL reportedly sent a letter to current and former staff advising them against speaking publicly or posting about the matter on social media amid ongoing scrutiny. The development has sparked debate over the ethics and safeguards in reality television production environments, particularly those involving sensitive and potentially vulnerable participants.