Ofcom says "alarm bells were particularly rung" over the deaths of two ‘Love Island’ contestants, as well as ‘The Jeremy Kyle Show’ participant Steve Dymond.
The UK government-approved broadcasting regulator’s chief executive Sharon White has told MPs the media regulator has been "particularly concerned about what’s then happened to participants after the programmes", and admitted there were worries after former ‘Love Island’ stars Sophie Gradon, 32, and Mike Thalassitis, 26, died.
She told the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee: "As well as the most recent tragedy with Steve Dymond, alarm bells were particularly rung with the two suicides, ‘Love Island’, some months after the broadcasts.
"What happens after transmission at the moment, there is a window between filming and transmission where there is advice on the media and social media and going often from being a private person to suddenly to being cast into a media world.
"I guess my question, which I am asking my team, is to think about whether that needs to be extended somewhat after transmission.
"So it is that sort of regime guidance we are thinking for reality shows and factual programmes."
‘The Jeremy Kyle Show’ was axed last week following 14 years on air after it was revealed participant Steve was found dead 10 days after he appeared on the show.
Ofcom asked ITV to investigate the death in five working days, but the channel have requested "more time".
Sharon added: "ITV have now asked for more time to complete their inquiries."
Steve is said to have failed a lie detector test on the show, and Ofcom will now look into whether the polygraphs and other tools are a "fair treatment" for "vulnerable individuals".
Sharon said: "We will be looking at lie detectors and other tools used by the production companies, as to whether … it’s fair treatment for vulnerable individuals."
Ofcom: ‘Alarm bells were rung’ after Love Island deaths
