Travel company TUI has ended its sponsorship agreement with Channel 4's reality television program Married at First Sight following allegations of sexual abuse involving participants on the show.

The sponsorship termination comes as the dating reality series faces scrutiny over claims made by former contestants. The show, which pairs strangers who meet for the first time at their wedding ceremony, has been a regular fixture on Channel 4's programming schedule.

The allegations have prompted broader concerns about reality television standards from industry figures. Michael Grade, former chief executive of both Channel 4 and broadcasting regulator Ofcom, issued a warning that reality TV risks "sinking into the gutter" in response to the recent developments surrounding the program.

TUI's decision to withdraw its commercial support represents a significant development for the show, as major sponsors typically seek to distance themselves from programs facing serious allegations or controversies that could impact their brand reputation.

Channel 4 has not publicly commented on the sponsorship withdrawal or the specific nature of the allegations. The broadcasting regulator Ofcom has not announced any formal investigation into the program at this time.