Channel 4 axes Married at First Sight
November 5, 2026



Channel 4 has shared a summary of the findings of an external review of contributor welfare on Married at First Sight UK (MAFS) with Chief Executive Priya Dogra stating that the series will not return, with the show’s budget instead to be “reinvested in distinctive new programming”.

Dogra commissioned the external review in April after being presented with allegations of wrongdoing against some past contributors by the BBC’s investigative documentary series Panorama – allegations that those contributors have denied.


The review had two elements. The first was a legally privileged and confidential review conducted by law firm Clyde & Co, examining whether the welfare protocols in place at the time the claims were initially raised, and the handling by Channel 4 and CPL of those claims, fulfilled Channel 4’s duty of care obligations under the Ofcom Broadcasting Code.

The Clyde & Co review found that, based on the evidence available and the balance of probabilities, Channel 4 and production company CPL’s welfare protocols were compliant with the Ofcom Broadcasting Code. Further, with respect to the handling of issues raised at the relevant times, there were no findings of a breach of the Code.

The Clyde & Co review also noted that, separately, there were isolated incidents where the welfare framework was not fully implemented; that Channel 4 and CPL could have undertaken a more structured longer-term review over multiple series; and found certain areas where it considered that the contributor welfare framework could be further strengthened, and made recommendations in this regard.

The Clyde & Co team reviewed 31,172 documents and 20 hours of broadcast and un-broadcast footage and conducted interviews with relevant individuals from Channel 4, CPL and contributors.

The second element of the review was led by former BBC One Controller Lorraine Heggessey and examined if any changes should be made to current protocols for MAFS to further strengthen contributor welfare.

Lorraine Heggessey reviewed documentation and conducted confidential interviews with individuals involved in MAFS production, welfare processes, commissioning and compliance in line with the terms of reference.

The Heggessey review found that the welfare protocols for MAFS were thorough and of a high standard from which other productions in the industry have learnt. It also offered observations on the specific challenges associated with the MAFS format and made future-facing recommendations.

The Heggessey review concluded that, with enhancements to the existing contributor welfare framework and adjustments to the format, it would be reasonable to continue to produce future seasons of MAFS .

Neither element sought to adjudicate on the serious allegations of wrongdoing highlighted by Panorama. Those allegations remain a matter for the relevant authorities, said Channel 4.

Dogra (pictured) commented: “I want to thank Lorraine Heggessey and Clyde & Co for their thorough and incisive work over the last few months. Welfare across all our programmes is a primary concern, so we welcome the review, its findings and recommendations. MAFS UK has been enjoyed by millions of viewers, made possible by the willingness of its contributors to embrace the social experiment at the heart of the show and the many talented people involved in its production. I am grateful to everyone at Channel 4 and CPL Productions who has worked on the show and want to thank them for their significant efforts to protect the welfare of contributors, something which was recognised in both reviews.”

“Whilst the review praised the welfare protocols in place and made no findings that Channel 4 breached the Ofcom Code or that the format is inherently unsafe, I have to consider when is the right time for Channel 4 to move on from a format. The recommendations are eminently sensible and feasible, but considering their wholesale implementation provoked fundamental questions about the editorial proposition of a show that, I believe, has now run its course over ten years. Channel 4 has always thrived on reinvention and this is a moment to kickstart a new era of creative renewal, using the considerable budget to find the next generation of distinctive and disruptive British television.”

“This review did not have the authority to adjudicate on the very serious allegations made by three women in the Panorama programme, but I would like to repeat that I am very sorry for the distress those women have clearly felt. I hope our actions – in swiftly commissioning the review and taking clear, decisive steps – demonstrate our commitment to the wellbeing of all contributors and our desire to relentlessly strengthen industry standards,” she concluded.

Commenting on Channel 4’s decision and on the publication of independent reviews into the programme, DCMS Committee Chair Dame Caroline Dinenage MP said: “The decision by Channel 4 to bring the curtain down on Married at First Sight makes sense, given the findings of the review and the seriousness of the allegations. It’s very clear that there are important wider lessons to be learnt, not just for programme makers, but for Ofcom too. Reality TV contestants have often been treated as a commodity, with duty of care a slogan rather than a genuine principle. Everyone involved in producing and regulating reality TV must now learn and act.”

The committee is scheduled to hold an evidence session on the work of Channel 4 with the broadcaster’s Chair and Chief Executive on November 17th.

The committee wrote to both Channel 4 and Ofcom about allegations raised against MAFS by Panorama in May.