A Married at First Sight UK cast member was arrested on suspicion of rape after allegations surfaced in a BBC Panorama investigation, prompting an ongoing police inquiry.
The individual has not been publicly identified, and the complainant’s identity remains protected under U.K. law, which grants anonymity to those reporting rape.
London’s Metropolitan Police told the BBC in a statement: “On Thursday, 18 June, Met officers arrested a man in his 30s on suspicion of rape. This relates to an ongoing investigation, being led by the Met Police.”
The statement continued: “He has since been bailed while inquiries remain ongoing.”
The arrest followed a Panorama documentary aired in May that examined alleged misconduct involving participants from the reality series. In the program, two female contestants accused male cast members of rape, and another woman alleged a non-consensual sexual act. The accused men have denied the allegations.
After the documentary aired, the Metropolitan Police issued a public appeal encouraging “anyone who believes they have been a victim of sexual assault” while on the show to come forward and speak with investigators.
These developments have increased scrutiny of the Channel 4 series and its participant protection measures. In response, the broadcaster commissioned a review focused on contributor welfare.
The review is ongoing and expected to conclude later this summer. Channel 4 has stated it will publish only “a summary of findings” rather than the full report.
The controversy also prompted the broadcaster to remove all episodes of Married at First Sight UK from its streaming platform shortly before the Panorama investigation aired in May. It remains unclear whether the show’s next season, which has already been filmed, will be aired at all.
Marketed as a “bold social experiment,” Married at First Sight UK pairs strangers who agree to a mock marriage ceremony upon first meeting. Over its 10-season run, it became one of Channel 4’s most successful reality shows, regularly attracting over three million viewers.
CPL Productions, which produces the U.K. edition, has defended its participant safeguarding measures. Through its lawyers, the company described its welfare system as “gold standard” and industry-leading.