An RAF serviceman, Alex Henry, who went absent without leave to participate in the TV show Married at First Sight, has reportedly found himself behind bars upon his return.

Henry left his position at an electronic warfare base in pursuit of love and fame on Channel 4's popular dating programme.

A representative for Henry stated: "He returned after filming of his own volition and handed himself into the military authorities. He was sentenced to 34 days in a military prison and served 24 as a model inmate."

Henry, who is a 28-year-old aviation operator, was stationed at RAF Spadeadam in Cumbria. Henry’s spokesperson said: “He returned after filming of his own volition and handed himself into the military authorities. He was sentenced to 34 days in a military prison and served 24 as a model inmate.”

Earlier this month, The Sun reported that Henry faced accusations of abuse after Channel 4 aired his promotional video, with one woman labelling him a "dangerous individual". The RAF declined to comment on the matter when approached by The Mirror.

Married At First Sight UK's Troubled Casting

Last week, The Mirror reported on how MAFS UK had already been plunged into chaos before the show has even started as a contestant has faced claims over his 'behaviour towards women'.

The hit E4 series is gearing up to return to screens later this month. After three hugely successful series, two BAFTA nominations and even a baby, the upcoming fourth series has been teased to be filled with the usual cocktail of love, romance and drama, as a fresh batch of brave singles prepare to say "I do" at the alter to a complete stranger.

However, the groom named Alex Henry has been hit by allegations after he was featured in promotions for the new series, it has been reported. The broadcaster posted a promo reel online, to which one social media user branded him a “dangerous individual”.

A group of women have come together to launch a petition to Channel 4.

They want the broadcaster to reconsider airing scenes including the personal trainer from Birmingham. The group have also reportedly reached out to Married At First Sight UK's celebrity dating expert Mel Schilling. The women have claimed to have presented allegations to Channel 4. Despite acknowledging the claims, Channel 4 has confirmed Alex will remain in the edit.

A Channel 4 spokesperson said: “MAFS UK contributors are subject to rigorous background vetting, including multiple independent psychological evaluations and a criminal record check before they can be cleared to take part. We cast contributors based on the information we are legally able to access and we continue to review this process to ensure checks are as thorough as legally possible.”

Alex was announced as part of the Married At First Sight UK cast earlier this week. The 28-year-old said he wants to rid himself of his ‘man about town’ reputation and find a stable relationship. The unique E4 show sees hopeful singles only see their future husbands and wives for the very first time as they tie the knot.

Alex is set to join barber Adam, 31, from Nottingham; Head Gardener Caspar, 34; Newcastle based mechanic Kieran, 28; engineer Nathan, 24, from Somerset; project engineer Orson, 41; Manchester based painter and decorator Ross, 32. They will be paired up with Bristol sales manager Emma, 31; beautician Holly, 29; dog walker Kristina, 31; office manager Lacey, 27; Kent based career advisor Polly, 28; Head of Alternative Investments Richelle, 48; aesthetics practitioner Sacha, 29.

A Controversial Past

This is not the first time the casting process for Married At First Sight UK has drawn controversy. In 2022, George Roberts was accused of controlling and coercive behavior before the series premiered. However, Roberts was later cleared of the charge.

When approached by The Sun, a Channel 4 spokesperson said: “MAFS UK contributors are subject to rigorous background vetting, including multiple independent psychological evaluations and a criminal record check before they can be cleared to take part. We cast contributors based on the information we are legally able to access and we continue to review this process to ensure checks are as thorough as legally possible.”

Despite the controversy, MAFS UK's upcoming season is expected to be a popular draw.

With a new cast of hopeful singles and an abundance of drama, this series promises to be one of the most compelling yet.

MAFS: A Risky Bet

The reality show, where strangers marry each other at first sight, has become a phenomenon. The show has been praised for its honest portrayal of love and relationships. But the show has also been criticized for its tendency to produce dramatic and unpredictable storylines, with some arguing that the format of the show can lead to toxic or unhealthy relationships.

The latest scandal, involving the potential abuse allegations against Alex Henry, highlights the challenges involved in creating a show about love and relationships in a way that is both engaging and ethical.

The show has to walk a tightrope between entertainment and responsibility. While the show can be a source of entertainment and insight into the complexities of love and relationships, it's crucial that the show is produced in a safe and respectful manner.

The producers of the show are also responsible for taking into account the potential impact of their casting decisions on the participants, the viewers, and the wider community.