A man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of rape in connection with an ongoing investigation into the Channel 4 reality show Married at First Sight UK. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest, stating that the individual has been bailed pending further inquiries.
The arrest follows a BBC Panorama investigation into the popular dating series, which was broadcast in May. Following the program's airing, the Metropolitan Police issued a statement encouraging anyone who believes they have been a victim of sexual assault after participating in the show to come forward.
Married at First Sight UK, known for its premise of pairing strangers who agree to marry upon their first meeting, has been a significant program for Channel 4, often drawing an audience of over three million viewers across its 10 seasons. In the wake of the Panorama investigation, Channel 4 removed all episodes of the show from its streaming service just hours before the documentary was set to air. The broadcaster is currently reviewing the show and expects to conclude its review later this summer, with plans to release a summary of findings rather than a full report. A decision on whether to broadcast the latest season, which has already been filmed, has not yet been made.
Lawyers representing CPL, the independent production company behind the UK version of Married at First Sight, have previously asserted that the show's welfare system is "gold standard" and industry-leading.