ITV's Love Island has become the most complained-about programme of 2025, receiving over 9,000 complaints to Ofcom, the broadcasting regulator. The majority of complaints related to the treatment of contestant Shakira Khan, whom viewers accused of being bullied by other female islanders.
Episodes across three consecutive days in July topped Ofcom's complaints list, culminating in 3,547 complaints for the 24 July edition. Complaints alleged Khan was subjected to negativity, jibes and eye rolls, and was often shown alone and in tears. Tensions peaked when she ended a relationship with Conor to pursue Harry.
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 eviction, but ITV clarified this is a known possibility.
ITV said participants receive training before entering the villa, including avoiding behaviour patterns associated with controlling and coercive behaviour. The fourth most complained-about programme was a Vanessa Feltz show on Channel 5, where Karen Millen described breastfeeding beyond six months as 'selfish'. Ofcom found no rule breach.
Fifth was a GB News item where presenter Josh Howie linked the LGBTQ+ community to paedophiles. Ofcom found the remark broke broadcasting rules. GB News also apologised after a guest wrongly claimed the Duchess of Sussex's mother had been in prison.
