MAFS UK cast react to the axe: relief for some, sadness for others

When Channel 4 cancelled Married at First Sight UK, the reactions from the people who were on it were far from uniform. Some felt relief. Some felt sadness. Many said they still want answers.

What happened?

Channel 4 announced on Thursday that it was scrapping the show, better known as MAFS UK. The decision followed an external review of safety and duty of care on the programme.

One woman who alleges she was raped on the show said she was "delighted and so relieved no-one else will have to go through the same again". Another woman, who also says her on-screen husband raped her, cried at the news. She felt "great, consuming relief" but was "astounded" it took an external review to end the show.

Shona Manderson, who alleges a non-consensual sex act, said knowing their voices helped bring change "makes it all worthwhile". None of the three women were told in advance, and two had contributed to the review. The men involved have denied all the allegations.

Not everyone sees it the same way

Several cast members welcomed the decision, but others said it did not go far enough. One anonymous cast member said: "Cancelling the show does not make what happened go away." They want those responsible held accountable.

April Banbury, from the 2022 series, said the show should have ended years ago. Others were sad to see it go. Jay Howard (2023) said it gave her friendships and opportunities. Marilyse Corrigan (2021) looks back on it "with fond memories".

Lara Eyre (2022) said it was a shame for fans and for those who filmed this year's series, which will never air. Several people also voiced concern for staff who worked on the show.

What's next?

Only a summary of Channel 4's review has been published, not the full report. It found no breach of Ofcom's broadcasting code (the UK media regulator's rules) in how Channel 4 and production company CPL handled issues at the time. It did not rule on the allegations themselves, which are a matter for the authorities.

Channel 4 bosses are due before Parliament's culture, media and sport committee on 17 November. An Ofcom investigation is ongoing, and a male cast member was arrested in June on suspicion of rape. Channel 4 has also said it will not show international editions such as MAFS Australia again.