Channel 5 has apologised and removed an episode of its celebrity plastic surgery series from its streaming service after the show's subject, Charlotte Crosby, condemned it as 'immoral' and 'insensitive'. The episode, part of the series 'Celebrities: What Happened to Your Face?', featured medical professionals dissecting the reality TV star's appearance, with surgeons making offensive comments about her 'cookie-cutter' and 'plastic' face.
Crosby, 30, who rose to fame on MTV's 'Geordie Shore', said her agent had warned Channel 5 of the detrimental impact on her mental health before the episode aired. In a statement on social media, she described the programme as 'unbelievable' given the industry's focus on mental health, referencing the #BeKind campaign that followed the death of Caroline Flack.
The broadcaster said it 'takes duty of care very seriously' and acknowledged the programme was Ofcom-compliant, but removed the episode from its My5 platform after taking on board Crosby's feedback. Crosby's co-star Holly Hagan urged followers to report the show to Ofcom, while 'EastEnders' star Jacqueline Jossa expressed disgust, asking 'Whatever happened to “be kind”?'.
Crosby has been open about her cosmetic procedures, including nose surgery and lip fillers, and her struggles with body image. She questioned how society had reached a point where 'trolls are the mainstream TV channels', and called for accountability for the resulting press coverage and impact on her self-esteem.
