MAFS UK axed after allegations of rape during production

Close up of bride and groom in suit just married holding hands (Stock photo).

The UK version of popular reality dating show Married At First Sight has been cancelled following rape allegations made by former cast members.

Warning: This article contains details of alleged rape and sexual offences.

The Channel 4 show — produced by CPL Productions — involved a panel of experts matching up singletons with prospective romantic partners, and following their dating journey after the pair meet for the first time at the altar.

Earlier this year, BBC's Panorama programme reported two women had told them they were raped during the filming of the reality show, while a third alleged a non-consensual sex act.

Where to get help for sexual violence.

The programme reported that one woman said her onscreen husband raped her and threatened her with an acid attack.

A second woman told both Channel 4 and CPL, before broadcast, about being allegedly raped by her onscreen husband. Her episodes were still aired.

A third woman - Shona Manderson, the only woman who was identified - accused her onscreen husband of sexual misconduct.

The women all said the show did not do enough to protect them, the report stated.

The men involved have denied all the allegations against them.

Following the allegations, Channel 4 removed all episodes from streaming and linear services, alongside MAFS UK social channels and commissioned a review into contributor welfare on the show.

The findings of this external independent review by law firm Clyde & Co released Thursday recommended extra safeguards be placed on the show.

However, Channel 4 said the programme had "run its course" and apologised to the women involved in the investigation, according to the BBC.

The broadcaster's chief executive Priya Dogra said she was "very sorry for the distress those women have clearly felt", adding that the show's budget would be reinvested in "distinctive new programming".

Channel 4 headquarters in London, UK (File photo).

The marriages themselves were not legally binding, but viewers see the couples go on honeymoon, before moving in together and navigating their relationships - all while being filmed, almost every day.

The UK version, which had been running for 10 seasons, was one of Channel 4's biggest shows, with audience figures often topping three million.

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