Britain's television watchdog has unveiled its annual list of the programmes that sparked the most viewer outrage, with ITV's flagship reality series Love Island dominating the rankings. According to Ofcom's latest report, the show and its All Stars spin-off were responsible for nearly three in ten of all complaints received in 2025.
Reality TV Under the Spotlight
The data shows a clear trend, with reality television accounting for more than half of the top ten most complained-about episodes. An episode of Love Island broadcast on 24 July attracted the highest number of complaints at 3,547. The vast majority centred on the alleged bullying of contestant Shakira Khan.
This pattern continued throughout the series. The episode from 22 July, which saw the return of Megan Forte Clarke, drew 2,509 complaints. Similarly, the 23 July instalment received 2,002 complaints, while the 25 July episode was seventh on the list with grievances about bullying and the way contestant Blu Chegini spoke to Toni Laites.
An episode of Love Island: All Stars from 12 February also featured, taking eighth place with 1,240 complaints related to alleged bullying between contestants. In total, the 2025 series of Love Island amassed a staggering 14,121 complaints to the regulator.
Controversy Beyond the Villa
While Love Island led the field, other genres also provoked significant viewer backlash. In fifth place was GB News's Headliners show, which generated 1,391 complaints. Viewers objected to a presenter's comment that was perceived to link the LGBTQ+ community to paedophiles. Ofcom later ruled that the programme broke broadcasting rules, describing the remark as "highly offensive." In addition to public complaints, the segment prompted a further 71,851 complaints gathered by the Good Law Project.
Vanessa Feltz's chat show on 5 found itself in the top ten after a 10 June episode discussing breastfeeding drew 1,866 complaints, with some viewers calling the segment misleading.
News programming also featured prominently. Today With Samantha Washington on Sky News on 7 June received 1,302 complaints for its coverage of the Madleen aid boat bound for Gaza. Complainants argued that a presenter's comment misrepresented the mission's peaceful nature.
Awards Show Scrutiny and Celebrity Spats
Entertainment events were not immune from viewer censure. ITV1's coverage of the Brit Awards on 1 March racked up 938 complaints. Viewer objections focused on Sabrina Carpenter's opening dance routine and the outfit worn by fellow performer Charli XCX.
Meanwhile, an episode of Celebrity Big Brother on ITV2 from 9 April landed in ninth place. The 1,008 complaints submitted were related to comments made by actor Mickey Rourke to singer JoJo Siwa.
Despite the high-profile controversies, Ofcom noted that overall complaint numbers have fallen compared to 2024. The regulator stated that while it has opened and concluded fewer investigations, the current levels are consistent with those seen in 2021. ITV has been contacted for comment regarding the complaints about Love Island.
