ITV's Love Island has become the most complained about programme of 2025, according to Ofcom. The regulator received thousands of complaints over the treatment of contestant Shakira Khan by other female islanders, with episodes across three consecutive days in July topping the complaints list.
The 24 July edition alone drew 3,547 complaints, while more than 2,000 were filed for each of the two preceding days. Viewers alleged Khan faced bullying, as she was often shown alone, subjected to jibes and eye rolls, and broke down in tears multiple times. Tensions escalated when she ended a relationship with one islander to pursue another.
Despite the volume of complaints, Ofcom decided not to investigate, stating that the negativity towards Khan was not celebrated and that viewers of reality shows expect such scenes. Other complaints concerned a contestant being allowed back into the villa after leaving, but ITV noted that producers can reintroduce previously evicted islanders.
In fourth place was a Vanessa Feltz show on Channel 5, where fashion designer Karen Millen called mothers who breastfeed beyond six months 'selfish'. Ofcom ruled the comments did not breach rules, as medical guidance was provided. Fifth was a GB News segment where presenter Josh Howie linked the LGBTQ+ community to paedophiles; Ofcom found this broke broadcasting rules, and GB News later apologised for a guest wrongly claiming the Duchess of Sussex's mother had been in prison.
