TV watchdog opens investigation into Married At First Sight UK

The media regulator has opened an investigation into the Channel 4 dating show Married At First Sight (MAFS) UK following a "fairness and privacy" complaint.

Ofcom said it is investigating an unspecified complaint against the reality TV show.

The reality series, in which single people are matched and married to complete strangers, was investigated by the BBC's Panorama earlier this year.

Its report, broadcast in May, included allegations by two women that they had been raped during production of the show. Another woman alleged a non-consensual sexual act.

All three said the Channel 4 show, made by production company CPL, did not do enough to protect them.

The three men have denied the allegations.

On Monday, an Ofcom spokesperson said it is "investigating a fairness and privacy complaint about Married At First Sight UK".

It is understood the complaint has come from a person or organisation that took part in the show.

Ofcom has also looked into a complaint of unjust or unfair treatment on MAFS, the Press Association understands.

A male MAFS UK cast member was arrested in June on suspicion of rape and bailed, the Metropolitan Police said.

Neither the arrested man nor the alleged victim can be named.

Following the Panorama documentary, chief executive of Ofcom Dame Melanie Dawes said the allegations raised "really serious concerns" and added the regulator is prepared to tighten its guidance around reality shows if necessary.

Channel 4 launched a review into contributor welfare in April, shortly after being contacted by the BBC regarding the accusations featured in Panorama.

The broadcaster's chief executive Priya Dogra has said reports that the show had been cancelled were "wholly inaccurate" and "no decision has been made" regarding the broadcast of the next series.

Ms Dogra said, after watching the programme, she was "deeply sorry" for the distress caused to MAFS UK participants who alleged they were raped and sexually assaulted by their partners.

MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee have written to Channel 4 and Ofcom about their response to allegations in the BBC documentary.

Committee chairwoman Dame Caroline Dinenage said the accusations were "horrifying", adding: "Both Channel 4 and Ofcom, as the broadcasting regulator, have urgent questions to answer."

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Billed as a "bold social experiment", MAFS sees single people agree to "marry" total strangers, after meeting for the first time at their mock weddings.

The "marriages" on the show are not legally binding but the couples go on a "honeymoon" and move in together after their weddings.

The UK version of the reality series, which has been running for 10 seasons, is one of Channel 4's biggest shows, with audience numbers often topping three million.

But, in May, the broadcaster pulled all episodes of the show from its streaming service just hours before the edition of Panorama was aired.

Channel 4 has not yet decided whether to go ahead with the latest season of the show, which has already been filmed.

(c) Sky News 2026: TV watchdog opens investigation into Married At First Sight UK