Reality TV in Britain has seen a significant amount of change over the years due to increased scrutiny and concern over the well-being of contestants. Shows like The Only Way is Essex (TOWIE), Made in Chelsea, Love Island, Big Brother, and Geordie Shore have all faced their fair share of controversy. These shows, which often feature shocking moments, drama, and conflict, have had to adapt their duty of care protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of their participants. Producers have been forced to rethink their approaches to filming, handling difficult situations, and supporting contestants throughout and after the show.
TOWIE, which is officially the longest-running reality TV show in Britain, has had its fair share of drama and controversy over the years. Participants, like Lauren Goodger, have spoken out about the gruelling filming schedules and the pressure to create entertaining storylines. The show has evolved over time, with producers now focusing more on the well-being of the cast members and providing them with the necessary support. Other shows like Made in Chelsea have also faced backlash for showcasing toxic relationships and conflicts, prompting a reevaluation of duty of care practices in reality TV.
Love Island, another popular reality show in Britain, was forced to enhance its duty of care processes following the deaths of former contestants and concerns over the mental health of participants. Shocking moments, like contestants being removed from the show for violent behavior or inappropriate conduct, prompted changes in how these shows are produced. The duty of care protocols for Love Island now include increased psychological support and training to avoid gaslighting and controlling behavior.
Big Brother, which recently made a comeback on ITV, also faced controversy in its original run, with instances of violence and unacceptable behavior among contestants. With the show’s return, new duty of care protocols have been implemented to ensure the mental health and well-being of participants. Likewise, Geordie Shore, which has featured numerous shocking moments and conflicts fueled by alcohol, has also adjusted its protocols to address concerns over the well-being of its cast members.
Overall, reality TV in Britain has had to navigate the challenges of promoting entertaining content while ensuring the safety and well-being of participants. As these shows continue to evolve and adapt to changing standards and expectations, duty of care protocols will play an increasingly important role in how they are produced. By prioritizing the mental health and safety of contestants, reality TV shows can continue to provide engaging and entertaining content while also upholding ethical standards and responsible practices.
