Ofcom has launched a formal investigation into Married at First Sight UK after a Channel 4 cast member lodged a fairness and privacy complaint against the reality series. The move follows a BBC Panorama investigation in May that aired rape allegations from two female cast members against their on-screen husbands, claims the men deny, and it deepens the scrutiny facing one of Channel 4's flagship shows over how it safeguards participants.

Ofcom said it would assess the complaint "on a case-by-case basis through a detailed and careful assessment process"; a previous complaint from another cast member was dismissed after the watchdog found the broadcaster had no case to answer. Separately, Ofcom has told MPs it will examine Channel 4's own welfare review, due to conclude later this summer, though only a summary of findings will be published. Channel 4 pulled the show from streaming ahead of the Panorama broadcast, a cast member has since been arrested on suspicion of rape, and no decision has been made on whether to air the already-filmed new series; the production company CPL maintains its welfare system is "gold standard".