Ofcom opens Married at First Sight UK probe after Channel 4 review
The UK regulator is looking at the Channel 4 dating show under fairness and privacy rules after welfare concerns and rape allegations.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
2 min read
Ofcom has opened a formal investigation into Married at First Sight UK, the Channel 4 reality hit that has been under scrutiny following serious welfare concerns and rape allegations reported by BBC News.
The UK media regulator said the case is being handled as a “Fairness and Privacy” investigation. It did not give further details about the scope of the probe.
The move follows earlier comments from Ofcom’s group director of broadcast to British lawmakers. The official said the regulator would review an advance copy of Channel 4’s own welfare report into the programme and consider urgently whether regulatory action was needed.
Channel 4’s welfare reviews have not been published. Ofcom’s decision means the regulator has now moved from reviewing material to opening a case of its own.
Allegations put the hit show under pressure
BBC News previously reported that two women alleged they were raped by partners they met through Married at First Sight UK. A third woman alleged she was subjected to a non-consensual sex act, according to the broadcaster’s investigation.
One contestant has been arrested on suspicion of rape, according to the reporting. No response from that contestant has been reported.
Lawyers for CPL Productions, the company behind Married at First Sight UK, told BBC News at the time that they disputed parts of the allegations.
In May, Channel 4 began two separate investigations into welfare on the show. One is being overseen by a law firm. The other is being led by Lorraine Heggessey, the former controller of BBC One.
Channel 4 also removed all Married at First Sight UK episodes from its streaming service while the matter was being examined.
Channel 4 chief apologised
Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon Dogra apologised in late May to the women who had made what she described as “very troubling” rape allegations.
Married at First Sight UK is among Channel 4’s best-known unscripted shows and has been on air for more than a decade.
The format sends contestants into marriage-style ceremonies where they meet their partner for the first time at the altar. The couples then go on honeymoon and later decide whether they want to stay together.
Ofcom’s investigation adds a new layer of scrutiny for Channel 4 and CPL Productions. The regulator has not said when it expects to publish findings or whether any enforcement action could follow.
This story draws on original reporting from Deadline.