ITV's Love Island has been named the most complained about programme of 2025, according to figures from the broadcasting regulator Ofcom. The reality dating show dominated the complaints list over three consecutive days in July, sparked by the treatment of contestant Shakira Khan.
Ofcom received 3,547 complaints about the 24 July episode alone, with more than 2,000 on each of the two preceding days. Viewers alleged that Khan was subjected to bullying by other female contestants, including jibes and eye rolls, and was often shown alone or in tears. Tensions escalated when she ended a relationship with Conor to pursue Harry.
Despite the thousands of complaints, Ofcom decided not to investigate, stating that the negativity towards Khan was not celebrated and that such scenes were within viewers' expectations for reality shows. Some also complained about a contestant returning to the villa after leaving, but ITV noted that producers can reintroduce previously evicted islanders.
In fourth place was a Vanessa Feltz programme on Channel 5, in which fashion designer Karen Millen called mothers who breastfeed beyond six months “selfish”. Ofcom concluded the comments did not breach rules, as medical guidance was provided. Fifth was a GB News item from January, where presenter Josh Howie made a comment linking the LGBTQ+ community to paedophiles, which Ofcom found breached broadcasting rules.
GB News also apologised this week after a guest wrongly claimed that the Duchess of Sussex's mother, Doria Ragland, had spent time in prison.
