WARNING SIGNS MAFS UK groom appeared on TV while on bail for domestic violence as show refused to act as ‘judge & jury’ by axing him

A MARRIED at First Sight contestant was allowed to appear on TV while on bail for domestic violence offences, The Sun can reveal.

Channel 4 bosses were warned the man had been arrested for allegedly battering his ex five days before his episode was due to be shown.

But producers chose not to pull the show despite pleas from the alleged victim’s family.

A senior executive is said to have told them: “We are not judge and jury.”

The man, in his 20s and who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was later told he would face no further action.

Last night a family friend said: “They tried to warn Channel 4 that the contestant had been arrested over domestic violence accusations and that they should axe the episode but they were ignored.

“It seemed like bosses were more worried about their ratings. Contestant welfare should take priority.

“There should have been a more rigorous safeguarding system. This show needs to be shut down.”

The alleged victim is said to have been left with black eyes and broken ribs by her ex. He was also accused of attacking her pet dog.

The woman, who The Sun is not identifying, told pals she felt sick after spotting him in trailers and ads. Friends and family desperately tried to alert C4 about her claims.

In one email, seen by The Sun, a channel representative said MAFS stars are “subject to a rigorous, stringent vetting process” and the man’s DBS check had come back clear.

They said they were taking the concerns seriously and go to “considerable lengths” to ensure contestants’ suitability and welfare.

Another pal messaged the show’s relationship expert and matchmaker Paul Brunson.

He said “this isn’t an allegation that I take lightly” and promised to send her details to C4. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by him.

The family were eventually put in touch with an executive and shared their concerns with her over phone calls.

Five days before the episode was to air the contestant was arrested on suspicion of domestic abuse offences and later bailed.

C4 was made aware but still refused to drop him. He had previously been ditched from another C4 reality TV show but the broadcaster said it was unaware of this as a different firm makes MAFS.

A police spokesman confirmed yesterday that after a review of evidence, the suspect was told that he would face no action.

The allegation comes after two MAFS brides accused their on-screen husbands of rape. One claimed her show spouse threatened to get someone to throw acid at her if she spoke out.

The other said she felt suicidal when her series aired after she told bosses she was raped.

A third contestant, Shona Manderson, accused her on- screen partner Bradley Skelly of sexual misconduct.

Channel 4 was aware of some of the allegations before broadcast and all of the episodes featuring the women had been available on its streaming service.

The men deny the allegations and C4 said they are “wholly uncorroborated and disputed”.

C4 later said it had commissioned an external review of welfare on the show after learning of the allegations last month.

Lawyers for CPL, the show’s production company, said its welfare system is “gold standard” and it acted appropriately.

All MAFS UK episodes have been pulled from C4’s streaming service and the show’s social media channels taken down. Holiday firm TUI also confirmed it is pausing its sponsorship. TV chiefs are said to be in “crisis talks” over the show’s future.

The friend of the alleged domestic abuse victim said: “All of this could have been averted if Channel 4 had listened to us.”

A spokesperson for MAFS said: “The allegations against this individual were not related to his time on the show.

“He was arrested after filming had completed, not charged, and following an investigation the police took no further action. The allegations were reported on by the press at the time.”