The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has weighed in on the Married at First Sight UK scandal, demanding that rape allegations involving the show be investigated and that any criminality or wrongdoing face consequences. Because apparently, 'love at first sight' has a dark side nobody saw coming.

The BBC reported that two women claim they were raped during filming of the dating show, while a third alleges a non-consensual sex act. The show, produced by CPL for Channel 4, has experts match strangers who then marry on camera - because what could possibly go wrong with thrusting two people into a mock wedding and expecting them to share a bed immediately?

One woman told BBC Panorama her onscreen husband raped her and threatened her with an acid attack; another said she was raped by her onscreen husband and informed Channel 4 and CPL before broadcast, yet her episodes still aired. A third accused her onscreen husband of sexual misconduct.

The DCMS statement called for 'full cooperation' and 'consequences for criminality or wrongdoing.' Channel 4 has pulled all previous seasons of MAFS UK from streaming and commissioned an external review into contributor welfare in April.

Channel 4 said it was 'presented with serious allegations of wrongdoing against a small number of past contributors' and that it 'acted quickly, appropriately, sensitively and with wellbeing front and centre' when concerns were raised. CPL's lawyers called their welfare system 'gold standard' - a phrase that might need re-evaluation.

None of the women had reported to police. Alex Mahon, former Channel 4 CEO, faces MPs on Tuesday. Committee chair Caroline Dinenage called the show 'an accident waiting to happen,' noting couples 'immediately have to assume a life as a married couple' under 'the glare of a TV camera.' Security minister Dan Jarvis said he was 'extremely concerned,' which feels like the bare minimum response.