Relief, tears and sadness: Married at First Sight UK cast react to show being axed

"I'm delighted and so relieved no-one else will have to go through the same again."

That's what one woman - who alleged she was raped on Married at First Sight UK - texted to me, as the news broke that the show was being cancelled.

Another woman, who also says her on-screen husband raped her, was in tears at the news. She told us she felt "great, consuming relief", but added she was "astounded" it had taken an external review for Channel 4 to finally pull the plug on the show.

Commenting on the review, she said: "Suggesting the programme could reasonably continue with the implementation of a 'safe word', 'panic button' or 'lockable bathroom with an extra bolt inside' is absolute insanity to me."

The Channel 4 show was plunged into crisis in May this year, after the BBC's Panorama revealed rape allegations from two female cast members on the show, while a third woman - Shona Manderson, the only woman who was identified - alleged a non-consensual sex act.

The men involved have denied all the allegations against them.

As the news emerged on Thursday morning that Married at First Sight UK - better known as MAFS UK - was being axed, my colleagues and I reached out to the three women who had contributed to our investigation.

None of them had been informed in advance of the decision to cancel the show, they said, although two had contributed to the review.

Shona Manderson told me by telephone her main feeling was relief that their voices had been heard.

"Speaking out wasn't easy, but knowing that our voices have helped bring about change makes it all worthwhile," she said.

Others writing on social media said their experiences had been more positive, and that they were sad to see it go.

Jay Howard, from the 2023 series, external, said the show had brought her friendships and opportunities, while Marilyse Corrigan, a 2021 bride, external, said it was a chapter of her life she looked back on "with fond memories".

A number of cast members we spoke to also expressed concern for staff who had been working on the show, as well as sorrow for fans.

Lara Eyre, who appeared on the 2022 series, told me she felt we were now "on the edge of a curb on how we treat reality TV stars and safeguarding", adding it was a "real shame" for those who filmed this year's series, which will never be aired, as well as a shame for fans of the show.

"I know a lot of people loved it, I loved it," she said. "Yes, I know it was traumatic, for sure, and there was a lot of bad things that went with the good. But it was a big part of a lot of people's lives, so it's sad it's not going to be on any more, but I also think this could've been avoided."