Reality TV risks sinking 'into the gutter', warns ex-Channel 4 and Ofcom boss Michael Grade

Reality TV risks sinking 'into the gutter', warns ex-Channel 4 and Ofcom boss Michael GradeJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GooglePA MediaChannel 4 has launched an external review of welfare on Married at First SightThe TV industry faces "a watershed moment" and must not "sink into the gutter" in the name of ratings, a former boss of Channel 4 and Ofcom has warned in the wake of sexual abuse allegations made by three participants on Married at First Sight.Michael Grade, who ran Channel 4 in the 1980s and 90s and was media regulator Ofcom's chairman until last month, said: "There is a line, and we're really in danger of crossing it. I'm really worried about it."Although people sign up willingly to appear on reality shows like MAFS, they can't fully know what they're getting themselves into, Lord Grade told BBC Radio 4's Today programme."And in the name of what? In the name of ratings and clicks. We're in danger of going down a very nasty plughole here."His comments came after an investigation by BBC Panorama revealed that two women who appeared on MAFS UK said they were raped by their on-screen husbands, and a third alleged a non-consensual sex act.Channel 4 chief executive Priya Dogra said the women's accounts were "very troubling", adding: "Their distress is clear, and for that, I am of course deeply sorry."The broadcaster has launched an external review of welfare on the show, while holiday company Tui has ended its sponsorship of the UK, Australian and US versions of the hit reality franchise.Dogra also said Channel 4 can't investigate the women's allegations, which the men have denied, adding: "We are a broadcaster, not an adjudicator."On Tuesday, police urged potential victims of sexual assault on reality the UK TV show to get in touch.Getty ImagesLord Grade recently finished a four-year term as chairman of OfcomLord Grade said b...