Ofcom has confirmed that ITV's Love Island is the most complained about television programme of 2025, with five episodes featuring in the top 10 list. The broadcast regulator received a total of 14,121 complaints about the reality dating show and its All Stars spin-off, accounting for around three in 10 complaints overall.
The most complained about episode aired on July 24, attracting 3,547 complaints, largely concerning the alleged bullying of contestant Shakira Khan. Viewers expressed concern for her treatment by fellow contestants. The July 22 episode ranked second with 2,509 complaints, also related to bullying and the return of Megan Forte Clarke.
GB News's Headliners show placed fifth with 1,391 complaints after a presenter's comment that complainants believed linked the LGBTQ+ community to paedophiles. Ofcom found the programme had broken broadcasting rules, calling the remark 'highly offensive'.
Celebrity Big Brother ranked ninth following an April 9 episode where Hollywood star Mickey Rourke made offensive comments to singer JoJo Siwa. Rourke asked Siwa about her sexuality and later stated he would 'vote the lesbian out real quick'.
Ofcom noted that complaint numbers have fallen from 2024, with levels consistent with 2021. Reality TV continues to attract scrutiny, making up more than half of the ten most complained about programmes.
