A group of MPs has written to Channel 4 to ask for answers about what they say are ‘horrifying’ allegations relating to reality series Married at First Sight UK, according to BBC reports. The MPs are seeking clarification from the broadcaster following a BBC Panorama investigation that revealed serious claims from participants in the show.

Allegations Include Rape and Non-Consensual Sex Acts

A recent BBC Panorama investigation heard from two women who said they were raped by their on-screen husbands, and a third who alleged a non-consensual sex act. The House of Commons Culture. Media and Sport Committee has written to both Channel 4 and the broadcast regulator Ofcom with questions about their actions and responses to the claims.

“The horrifying allegations about Married at First Sight raise serious concerns over whether enough is being done to protect people taking part in reality television,” said committee chairwoman Caroline Dinenage MP. “Both Channel 4 and Ofcom, as the broadcasting regulator, have urgent questions to answer.”

Questions About Channel 4’s Response and Welfare Practices

The letter to Channel 4 asks the network about the complaints process for contestants on the programme, the steps taken to ensure the allegations were fully investigated, and the review announced by the broadcaster. It also asks about Channel 4’s approach to duty of care to participants on its other reality TV programmes.

The committee’s letter to Ofcom asks about the regulator’s role in the complaints process, its powers to investigate potential breaches of the broadcasting code, and the timeline for launching its own investigation into the Married at First Sight allegations.

Channel 4 has commissioned an external review of welfare on the show “after being presented with serious allegations of wrongdoing.” The channel’s chief executive Priya Dogra has said she believes the broadcaster “acted quickly, appropriately, sensitively and with well-being front and centre” when concerns were raised.

Police Encourage Alleged Victims to Come Forward

On Tuesday. The Metropolitan Police urged potential victims of sexual assault on Married at First Sight UK to get in touch. A police spokesperson said the force was “aware of media reporting relating to allegations of rape and sexual assault” following the broadcast of Panorama on Monday.

“At this time. We have not received any criminal reports in relation to this matter,” the spokesperson said. “We will be making approaches to the relevant production teams to ensure that anyone they have spoken to is aware of how to report any criminal allegations to police. We continue to encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of sexual assault, no matter how long ago it happened, to get in touch with us.”

Lawyers for CPL. The independent production company that makes the UK version of the show, said its welfare system was “gold standard” and industry-leading, and that it acted appropriately in all these cases. Channel 4 has removed all episodes of the programme from its streaming and linear services, alongside MAFS UK social channels.

Prime Minister’s spokesperson called the claims “extremely serious” and said they must be investigated. “It’s right that Channel 4 has commissioned an external review and that all allegations are referred to the appropriate authorities and investigated with the full co-operation of those involved. Where wrongdoing or criminality is found there must be consequences and appropriate action taken to ensure it can never happen again,” the spokesperson said.