MAFS scandal deepens as SIX former cast members set to sue over ‘welfare failures’ – just days after rape arrest

FORMER Married At First Sight cast members are set to sue over claims of widespread welfare failures.

It comes after a past contestant was arrested last week on suspicion of rape.

Two women who appeared on the Channel 4 show claimed to have been raped by their on-screen husbands, and another accused her TV partner of sexual misconduct.

At least six ex-cast members are now understood to have engaged a media lawyer to take action against show maker CPL Productions, and more are lined up to join the group action.

The scandal emerged after a BBC Panorama probe into the show, where strangers meet for the first time at the altar.

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.

READ MORE ON MAFS

[newspress-collage-xmdad5epn-1783267451674.jpg]

moving on

MAFS groom hard launches new partner months after show romance fell apart

[newspress-collage-mjojtgiug-1783256316461.jpg]

I DO!

Controversial MAFS bride marries former footballer months after meeting

Channel 4 has pulled all old seasons of the show from its streaming service.

It also shelved plans for all-stars spin-off Married At Second Sight, which was due to start filming this month.

But the broadcaster still appears to be standing by the latest MAFS run, having signed an editor from Netflixs Love is Blind: UK to oversee necessary extensive edits to series 11, which has just been filmed.

Channel 4 said: We commissioned an external review into contributor welfare on MAFS UK, which has two elements.

Most read in TV

[An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows A couple holding up ultrasound images, with a child in front of them, by the ocean]

GROWING FAMILY

Neighbours star reveals she's expecting second child with 'step-brother'

[An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows The BBC logo on the facade of the BBC headquarters in London]

xmas gift

BBC comedy WILL return for Christmas special after being mysteriously axed

[An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows EastEnders logo on an aerial map of London]

duff duff exit

EastEnders star 'agrees to leave soap' after 13 years after meeting with BBC

[An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Coleen Nolan and Ryan Brockbank smiling at the camera]

COUGAR COLEEN

Coleen Nolan, 61, makes saucy confession as she opens up on toyboy lover, 41,

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.