Nine responds to the cancellation of Married at First Sight UK
What are the implications for MAFS Au - if any?
Married at First Sight UK will not return, Channel 4 has said, following a BBC investigation into the reality show.
The Channel 4 show has been surrounded by controversy since Panorama revealed rape allegations from two female cast members, and a third woman alleged a non-consensual sex act.
The men involved have denied all the allegations against them.
A review was commissioned by Channel 4. On Thursday, the completed review recommended extra safeguards on the show.
But Channel 4 said the program had "run its course" and apologised to the women.
The broadcaster's chief executive Priya Dogra said she was “very sorry for the distress those women have clearly felt”.
The Panorama investigation revealed three women's allegations about the men they were partnered with, including:
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- One woman said her onscreen husband raped her and threatened her with an acid attack.
- A second woman told both Channel 4 and CPL, before broadcast, about being allegedly raped by her onscreen husband. Her episodes were still aired.
- A third woman - Shona Manderson, the only woman who was identified - accused her onscreen husband of sexual misconduct.
All three women accused the show of not doing enough to protect them.
Jacqui Burfoot was a MAFS AU 2025 contestant, who's now made serious allegations against the show - you can read them here. Image: Instagram
Nine responds to news that MAFS UK has been cancelled
A Nine spokesperson told Mediaweek:
"MAFS UK and MAFS Australia are separate productions and separate shows.
"Nine and Endemol Shine Australia are reviewing the report and the findings commissioned by Channel 4, and note that many of the recommendations for improvement are already in place for MAFS Australia.
"We are always reviewing our participant protocols to ensure our participants' safety and wellbeing.
“Production of MAFS Australia continues.”
Nine has always insisted they take care of their cast, in the face of numerous allegations from cast and crew.
After allegations emerged in late May, they told Mediaweek:
“Nine and Endemol Shine take their obligations in respect to the health, wellbeing and safety of the participants of MAFS Australia extremely seriously.
"When it comes to the health, wellbeing and safety of participants our approach is not a ‘set and forget’. We are continually looking at ways we can improve our process and support. At the end of each season we review and make adjustments where needed.
"All participants have access to the show psychologist and welfare resources during filming, during broadcast and once the program has ended.
"Nine also provides an additional service for participants should they like or need further individual and confidential psychological support. This service gives participants access to clinicians to support those involved in the program in relation to their experiences. This service is available to all participants for as long as they need it, with no end date.”
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