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MAFS UK dealt blow as six cast members threaten to sue over 'welfare failures'

As the scandal engulfing Married at First Sight UK continues to rumble on, the show has been hit with more legal troubles as more cast members are reportedly set to sue

[MAFS UK]

Married at First Sight UK has been dealt another blow as another legal battle could be on the horizon(Image: Grab)

Married at First Sight UK (MAFS UK) has been hit once again with potential legal action. It has been reported that six former cast members of the show are due to sue the show over claims their welfare was failed.

The Channel 4 show has already been engulfed in scandal in the wake of a BBC Panorama documentary that aired in May. In the documentary, allegations of rape and sexual misconduct were made by three former brides against their husbands all three suspects deny the claims.

Just days ago, a man was arrested on suspicion of rape in connection with the show. Now, further claims could be brought to court claiming the show failed in its duty of care to its participants.

[MAFS UK ]

Sources have said the show could be facing more legal action (stock)(Image: Channel 4)

According to the Sun, at least six former cast members of the show are now alleged to be speaking with a lawyer to evaluate their options. If the group decides to proceed, they will take action against CPL Productions the company behind the show and could appeal for more cast members to join in the case.

Speaking to the publication, a source said: "The claims on Panorama opened the floodgates. And now a number of former MAFS cast members intend to take action against CPL for what they see as a severe lapse in participant care."

Meanwhile, Channel 4 has taken all seasons of MAFS UK off its streaming platform while a police investigation is ongoing. An external review is also being carried out after the claims were made.

[Channel 4]

Channel 4 has confirmed the external review into the show is underway(Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire)

As well as this, an all-stars edition of the show dubbed Married at Second Sight has since been shelved in the wake of the scandal. Principal filming had been due to get underway this month, but this has since been paused.

However, the show is likely to stay on the air, after Channel 4 brought in a new editor to make "extensive" cuts to the upcoming series of the programme. The editor, from Netflix hit Love Is Blind, will make changes to the show, which has just been filmed.

In a statement, Channel 4 confirmed the external review is now ongoing following its commission back in April. The broadcaster said: "We commissioned an external review into contributor welfare on MAFS UK, which has two elements.

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"The first part is examining welfare protocols in place at the time claims were raised, as well as the handling by Channel 4 and CPL of those claims. The second part will examine if any changes should be made to current protocols for MAFS UK to strengthen contributor welfare. The review now needs to run its course."

Ahead of the Panorama documentary airing, Priya Dogra, chief executive of Channel 4 said: "I want to express my sympathy to contributors who have clearly been distressed after taking part in Married At First Sight UK. The wellbeing of our contributors is always of paramount importance. It would be wholly inappropriate for me to comment on what are very serious allegations made against some MAFS UK contributors.

"Those allegations - which I understand are disputed by the contributors accused - are not something that Channel 4 is in a position to adjudicate on. We are also mindful of our ongoing duty of care to all contributors, and the need to preserve the anonymity and privacy of all involved.

"On the claims that Channel 4 may have failed in its duty of care, I believe that when concerns about contributor welfare were raised, and based on the information available at the time, Channel 4 acted quickly, appropriately, sensitively and with wellbeing front and centre."

The Daily Star has approached MAFs and Channel 4 for comment.

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