BBC Panorama to address MAFS sexual assault allegations in last-minute schedule change
Warning: This article contains discussion of sexual assault which some readers may find distressing
Married at First Sight: UK is facing a major controversy after two contestants on the show have said they were raped by their former on-screen husband, with a new documentary by the BBC claiming there are three separate women who allege sexual misconduct.
The news first broke in July of last year, 2025, that a contestant on the show claimed they had been sexually assaulted during the filming of a dinner party scene.
Now, in a last-minute scheduling change, the BBC is releasing a Panorama documentary titled The Dark Side of Married at First Sight.
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BBC News have since released details about the horrifying allegations made by the on screen brides, with two anonymous women accusing their on-camera husbands of rape.
One alleges that her 'husband' began becoming rough with her in the bedroom during consensual sex and, after she said no to having sex with him one night, he repeatedly told her: "You can't say no, you're my wife." The 'husband' in question denies this.
A second woman alleges that on one occasion she was asked if she would have sex with her on-screen 'husband' and he proceeded even though she had said no, raping her.
A third woman came forward to forego her anonymity, with Shona Manderson stating that Bradley Skelly ejaculated inside her without her consent. She claims this led to her having an abortion after the pair had agreed on the withdrawal method of contraception.
In a statement to the BBC he denied 'any allegations of sexual misconduct' and claimed that he understood Shona to have consented to him ejaculating inside her.
Channel 4 announce an 'external review' following allegations
In a statement provided to LADbible, Channel 4 announced they were undergoing an 'external review' into contributor welfare, and also confirmed they would be removing all previous seasons of MAFS UK from its streaming and linear services.
A spokesperson for Channel 4 said: “MAFS UK is produced under some of the most comprehensive and robust welfare protocols in the industry. These include the most thorough background checks available, a Code of Conduct which clearly sets out behavioural standards, daily contributor check-ins with a specialist welfare team and access to additional support before, during and after filming.
“The physical and psychological wellbeing of all contributors is of paramount importance throughout the process. All duty of care processes are regularly reviewed and, where appropriate, strengthened.
“In April, Channel 4 was presented with serious allegations of wrongdoing against a small number of past contributors, allegations that we understand those contributors have denied. The channel is mindful of the privacy and continuing duty of care towards all contributors, and cannot comment on or disclose details of those allegations. Related to those allegations, Channel 4 was asked to respond to claims of failures in welfare protocols. Channel 4 believes that when concerns related to contributor welfare were raised through existing welfare and production protocols, prompt and appropriate action was taken, based on the information available at the time. Channel 4 strongly refutes any claim to the contrary.
“Notwithstanding the actions taken at the time, Channel 4’s recently appointed CEO, Priya Dogra instructed an external review of contributor welfare on MAFS UK last month. This review is now underway and has two elements. The first, conducted by law firm Clyde & Co, is examining the welfare protocols in place on this programme at the time claims were raised, as well as the handling by Channel 4 and CPL of those claims.
“Alongside the lawyer-led review, Channel 4 has commissioned an external industry expert to examine if any changes should be made to current protocols for MAFS UK to further strengthen contributor welfare. This work is being led by former BBC One Controller Lorraine Heggessey, who is a highly experienced media executive with deep understanding of programme making, as well as being a vocal advocate for rigorous welfare protocols in TV production.
“Channel 4 expects the review to report in the coming months and will share a summary of findings and recommendations at the appropriate time. While the review is ongoing and until we receive any conclusions and recommendations – and considering Channel 4’s ongoing duty of care to all contributors, the seriousness of the allegations levelled against a small number of past contributors, and out of an abundance of caution to avoid fuelling speculation or jigsaw identification – all previous seasons of MAFS UK have been removed from Channel 4 streaming and linear services at this time, alongside Channel 4’s MAFS UK social channels.”
Priya Dogra, Chief Executive of Channel 4 said: “I want to express my sympathy to contributors who have clearly been distressed after taking part in Married at First Sight UK. 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. 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.
“Nevertheless, because we aspire to the highest standards of contributor welfare, I felt strongly as Channel 4’s new CEO that it was right that we look again at how we handled issues raised at the time and ask whether changes should be made to further strengthen contributor welfare.
“That’s why last month I commissioned an external review of contributor welfare on MAFS UK. That review will report to me 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.”
How does MAFS work?
The series does exactly what it says in the title, bringing together two strangers paired up with one another by the show’s ‘experts’ and having them get first meet as they walk down the aisle. The couples then go on a honeymoon together with other newlyweds from the TV show.
The experts use a combination of psychological profiling with 'matchmaking logic' to pair up contestants on the show they think will be compatible.
Paul C. Brunson, an expert on the show, previously said on his podcast We Need to Talk (via The Sun) they use a '360 method' to matchmake, saying: "We would talk to their parents, we would talk to co-workers, we would talk to ex-lovers, to children." He said that, whilst people often don't know the values and specifics they want in a partner, those around them would.
He went on to add, addressing criticism of the matchmaking on the show: "In terms of the matching process I see a lot of critique on why people are matched and are we not asking certain questions. We’re matching them based on all sorts of different things."
LADbible Group has contacted Channel 4 for comment.
Topics: Channel 4, TV, UK News, Married At First Sight
Michael Slavin