Amid swirling speculation, a Channel 4 insider has addressed reports that the 2026 series of Married at First Sight UK has been axed. The rumours gained traction following a damning Panorama episode aired on Monday, May 18, which featured allegations of sexual assault by three former brides, including Shona Manderson, against their onscreen husbands. The documentary focused on how production company CPL handled welfare concerns.
Channel 4 Responds to Allegations
In response to the Panorama episode, Channel 4 announced last month that it had commissioned an external review into contributor welfare on MAFS UK. However, some critics argue that the show should be cancelled entirely to prioritise participant safety. A Channel 4 insider told The Telegraph: "No decision has been made on the broadcast of MAFS UK [2026]. We have just announced an external review into contributor welfare on MAFS UK and we need to see what that finds before deciding what happens next."
CEO Addresses Duty of Care Concerns
Priya Dogra, Chief Executive of Channel 4, addressed concerns about the channel's duty of care, stating: "I believe that when concerns about contributor welfare were raised, and based on the information available at the time, Channel 4 acted quickly, appropriately, sensitively and with wellbeing front and centre." She added: "Nevertheless, because we aspire to the highest standards of contributor welfare, I felt strongly as Channel 4’s new CEO that it was right that we look again at how we handled issues raised at the time and ask whether changes should be made to further strengthen contributor welfare. That’s why last month I commissioned an external review of contributor welfare on MAFS UK. That review will report to me in the coming months."
Shona Manderson Speaks Out
Shona Manderson, one of the three brides who came forward, has publicly alleged that her onscreen husband Brad Skelly went "too far" during intimacy and crossed a boundary without her consent. She explained why she chose to share her story three years after appearing on the show: "I chose to speak because I hope that sharing my experience could contribute to a wide conversation around welfare and positive change." Brad has categorically denied any claims of sexual misconduct, stating that their relationship was based on "mutual consent, care and affection." The other two brides have chosen to remain anonymous.
As the external review progresses, the future of MAFS UK remains uncertain, with Channel 4 awaiting its findings before making any definitive decisions.
