Two women who participated in Channel 4's reality television show "Married at First Sight UK" have alleged they were raped by their on-screen husbands during filming, according to a BBC Panorama investigation.

The allegations involve incidents that occurred while the couples were participating in the show, which pairs strangers who marry upon first meeting and are filmed throughout their relationship.

Channel 4 was aware of at least one of the rape claims before the show aired, yet the woman who made the allegation still appeared in the broadcast episodes, according to the BBC investigation.

The British government has responded to the revelations, with officials describing the rape allegations as "serious." The government's statement comes as questions arise about safeguarding procedures and duty of care responsibilities for reality television participants.

The BBC Panorama investigation has brought renewed scrutiny to the reality television industry's protocols for protecting participants and handling serious allegations that may arise during production.