Relief, tears and sadness: Married at First Sight UK cast react to show being axed

I’m delighted and relieved that no one else will have to endure this again.

A woman who alleged she was raped on Married at First Sight UK sent me this message as the cancellation news broke.

Another woman, who says her on‑screen husband raped her, was in tears upon hearing the news. She said she felt great, consuming relief, and was astonished that it took an external review for Channel 4 to finally cancel the show.

She commented that proposing the programme continue with a ‘safe word’, a ‘panic button’, or a lockable bathroom with an extra bolt is absolute insanity.

The Channel 4 show entered crisis in May after the BBC’s Panorama programme revealed rape allegations from two female cast members, and a third woman—Shona Manderson, the only woman identified—claimed a non‑consensual sexual act.

The men involved have denied all the allegations.

When the news broke Thursday morning that Married at First Sight UK (MAFS UK) was being cancelled, my colleagues and I contacted the three women who had contributed to our investigation.

They said none had been informed in advance of the cancellation decision, though two had taken part in the review.

Shona Manderson told me over the phone that her primary feeling was relief that their voices had been heard.

“Speaking out wasn’t easy, but knowing our voices helped bring about change makes it all worthwhile,” she said.

Source link