A high-flying television executive has launched a legal battle against a major production company after being sacked in the wake of a controversial stunt involving rugby legend Mike Phillips on a reality show.
Emma Webb, a respected creative director, was dismissed from her role at Expectation, the production giant behind the reality series Mike Phillips: Under the Sun. The termination followed an incident where the former Wales and British & Irish Lions scrum-half was filmed driving a golf buggy into a swimming pool at a luxury Spanish villa.
Webb is now suing Expectation for wrongful dismissal, claiming the company used the event as a "pretext" to let her go. Legal documents filed with the High Court allege her dismissal was "unlawful" and have ignited a serious debate about duty of care and health and safety protocols in unscripted television.
A Stunt Gone Wrong?
The incident, which occurred during filming in Mallorca, saw the 41-year-old rugby star behind the wheel of a buggy that ended up submerged in a pool. While the moment was reportedly intended to be a light-hearted segment, it prompted immediate internal concern.
Expectation investigated the matter and concluded that Webb, who had overall responsibility for the show, had "failed to ensure the effective planning and management of health and safety." The company stated her dismissal was a direct result of this serious failure in her professional duties.
The Executive's Defence
Webb's claim presents a starkly different narrative. It argues that Phillips, a seasoned reality TV personality following his appearance on Celebrity Love Island, was "frequently rowdy and badly behaved" throughout the shoot. Her legal team contends the buggy incident was an unforeseeable "act of stupidity" by Phillips himself, for which the executive should not be held responsible.
The claim further states that no formal risk assessment was required for the use of the golf buggy on the villa's grounds and that the production had adequate safety measures in place, including a first aider and a paramedic on set.
A High-Profile Clash
This legal clash pits a powerful production company, co-founded by former BBC executives, against a prominent industry figure. It throws a spotlight on the intense pressures and blurred lines of responsibility in reality TV production, where unpredictable behaviour from talent can create major ethical and safety dilemmas.
The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for how production companies manage duty of care and handle the aftermath of unforeseen incidents on their sets.
