Trigger Warning: This article contains references to alleged sexual assault and rape.
All of MAFS UK’s episodes have been removed from streaming services after the BBC reported on potential rape and sexual assault during filming. Two women came forward and alleged they were raped while on the show, and a third claimed she was sexually assaulted in a Panorama documentary.
While the UK broadcaster Channel 4 was aware of some allegations involving the victims before the show was broadcast, all of their episodes made it to air and were previously available to stream online.
The production company, CPL, has also come under fire from the brides.
One bride, known to the BBC but reported on under the pseudonym Lizzie, described her harrowing experience. Her on-screen husband would leave bruises on her from sex, and although she “kept saying stop”, he would continue. “He said that if I told anybody what had happened, that he would get someone to throw acid at me,” she alleged.
“I kept saying no, that I didn’t want to do it. But he kept saying, ‘You can’t say no, you’re my wife. And he just did it anyway.'”
Lawyers representing Lizzie’s on-screen husband have denied rape and sexual assault allegations.
Shona Manderson, who is the only bride to come forward publicly, starred on MAFS UK in 2023. While the pair were having sex without contraception, they had agreed on using the pull-out method.
However, during one sexual encounter, her husband Bradley Skelly allegedly ejaculated inside her without warning or permission.
Channel 4 and CPL removed Bradley and Shona from the show shortly after, although Bradley has since denied “any allegations of sexual misconduct”, and claims he believed Shona had given her consent.
What is being done about the MAFS UK rape allegations?
Channel 4 CEO Priya Dogra commissioned an external review into contributor welfare on MAFS UK last month. The law firm Clyde & Co will be looking into CPL’s welfare protocols at the time of complaint, and how the production company and network responded.
“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,” Dogra said in a statement.
“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.”
According to Dogra, she believes Channel 4 acted “quickly, appropriately, sensitively and with wellbeing front and centre” when concerns about contributor welfare were raised, and “based on information available at the time”.
More to come.
If you need help with domestic, family or sexual violence or support, please call 1800RESPECT or visit www.1800respect.org.au. If it is an emergency, call 000.
Stream MAFS 2026 on 9Now.
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