Ofcom chief executive Sharon White has revealed "alarm bells" have been rung over Love Island following the suicide of a number of reality TV stars.
White was quizzed by MPs today as she addressed the Culture, Media and Sport Committee in the aftermath of the death of Jeremy Kyle contestant Steve Dymond.
She admitted shows could be forced to provide more aftercare as the broadcasting watchdog is "'particularly concerned" about what happens to contestants after their stint on telly is over.
The Ofcom chief said some stars can face "months and months where the media and social media pressure is building and is very significant on some of the participants."
White then named ITV dating show Love Island as a particular concern, following the suicide of contestants Sophie Gradon, who died in 2018, and Mike Thalassitis, who hanged himself in March.
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She told the committee: "As well as the most recent tragedy with Steve Dymond, alarm bells were particularly rung with the two suicides, Love Island, some months after the broadcasts.
"What happens after transmission at the moment, there is a window between filming and transmission where there is advice on the media and social media and going often from being a private person to suddenly to being cast into a media world.
"I guess my question which I am asking my team is to think about whether that needs to be extended somewhat after transmission.
"So it is that sort of regime guidance we are thinking for reality shows and factual programmes."
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ITV axed The Jeremy Kyle Show following news of Dymond's death last week, which came days after he filmed his appearance on the series.
White revealed bosses at the channel are still investigating the tragedy, saying: "ITV have now asked for more time to complete their inquiries."
Love Island is returning for another run on June 3 despite calls for the dating show to be cancelled along with Jeremy Kyle.
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