The broadcaster of the British version of Married At First Sight says the program will not return to screens following a review prompted after three contestants alleged they had been sexually assaulted during the making of the reality TV show.
The show, in which strangers are matched and first meet at a mock wedding to each other, is part of an international franchise that began in Denmark and spread across multiple countries, including Australia.
The series became a popular franchise, known as MAFS among fans, with Channel 4 broadcasting 10 seasons of the British version of the show.
Channel 4 removed all previous seasons of the show in May after a BBC report detailed allegations of rape by two women while they were contestants on the program.
Another woman accused her on-screen husband of sexual misconduct.
The men accused have denied all allegations against them, Channel 4 news reported.
The BBC reported in July that a cast member from the show had been arrested on suspicion of rape following its investigation, but did not name the accused or alleged victim to comply with legal requirements to ensure an alleged victim’s anonymity.
Welfare protocols reviewed
The broadcaster responded by launching a review of welfare protocols that were in place at the time of filming.
Now, the broadcaster has confirmed the series will no longer be returning to screens.
This includes the next season of the program that had been already been filmed.
The BBC aired an investigation into the reality show earlier this year. (BBC)
Channel 4 said the review, conducted by law firm Clyde & Co, had found its welfare protocols complied with broadcasting codes.
However, it found there were isolated incidents where the welfare framework was not fully implemented.
A second part of the review, by former BBC executive Lorraine Heggessey, found the protocols were “extensive, extremely thorough and of a high standard”, Channel 4 said.
Broadcaster says show has ‘run its course’
Channel 4 chief executive Priya Dogra said welfare across its programs was a primary concern.
“Whilst the review praised the welfare protocols in place and made no findings that Channel 4 breached the Ofcom Code or that the format is inherently unsafe, I have to consider when is the right time for Channel 4 to move on from a format,” she said.
Implementing all of the review’s recommendations would fundamentally alter the show’s format, she said, adding that she believed it had “run its course” after 10 years.
ABC with Reuters
Source: www.abc.net.au
