Duty of care on television and reality shows

Protecting participants in the spotlight

Television and reality shows have become some of the most powerful forms of entertainment in the UK. Yet behind the scenes, the pressure, physical challenges and emotional strain can be immense. When things go wrong, whether through unsafe conditions, lack of medical support or emotional neglect, participants have legal rights.

At Taylor Hampton Solicitors, we specialise in advising and representing individuals who have suffered harm as a result of inadequate duty of care on television and reality productions.

What is duty of care?

A duty of care is the legal obligation broadcasters, production companies and studios owe to ensure that participants on their shows are kept safe and treated fairly. It requires organisations to take reasonable steps to protect against foreseeable harm, be that physical, emotional or reputational harm.

In the context of television, this duty extends to:

• Providing safe filming environments.
• Ensuring there is appropriate medical and psychological support at all times. This may extend to providing support even once the participant is no longer involved in the show.
• Respecting participants’ dignity and privacy.
• Avoiding situations designed to cause unnecessary distress.
• Taking reasonable precautions during stunts, challenges or remote filming.

When duty of care is breached

Breaches occur when broadcasters and production companies fail to meet expected safety or welfare standards or fail to follow their own internal safety procedures. Common examples include:

• Accidents during filming caused by inadequate safety checks or supervision.
• Psychological harm or humiliation resulting from manipulated scenes or editing.
• Lack of medical attention following injuries or illness.
• Failure to respond appropriately to complaints of bullying, isolation or mental health concerns.
• Exploitation of private or sensitive information for dramatic effect.

A breach of duty can give rise to negligence and personal injury claims, entitling participants to seek compensation for physical injury, psychological harm or reputational damage.

Legal basis for duty of care claims

Under English law, the elements of a negligence claim include:

1. Duty: the broadcaster or production company owed a duty of care.
2. Breach: they failed to meet reasonable standards of care or safety.
3. Causation: the breach directly caused injury, distress or harm which was reasonably foreseeable.
4. Damages: the participant suffered some form of loss or injury.

This framework is the same principle that governs safety in workplaces, schools and hospitals, and now increasingly applies to the entertainment industry.

Recent cases and industry scrutiny

The entertainment world has faced growing scrutiny over the welfare of contestants on major reality programmes. Tragic incidents and lawsuits, such as Janice Dickinson’s claim against ITV following injuries she suffered on I’m A Celebrity… South Africa, highlight the urgent need for appropriate safeguards and accountability on television sets.

These cases have drawn public attention to the responsibilities broadcasters have, even once the cameras stop rolling, particularly around mental health support and aftercare.

Your rights as a participant

If you have taken part in a television show, film or reality production and believe that:

• You were placed in danger or subjected to avoidable risk;
• You suffered physical or psychological injury during or after filming; or
• You were misled, manipulated or left without adequate support;

Then you may have a valid claim.

As lawyers, we can help you seek compensation for:

• Physical injury or illness.
• Psychological distress or trauma.
• Loss of earnings or career opportunities.
• Damage to reputation.
• Breach of privacy or contractual duties.

How Taylor Hampton Solicitors can help

At Taylor Hampton Solicitors, we are recognised leaders in media, entertainment and personal injury law, representing individuals in high-profile negligence, privacy, and breach of contract cases.

We can help you:

• Investigate whether a broadcaster or production company has breached its duty of care.
• Obtain medical and psychological evidence to support your claim.
• Negotiate for fair compensation and public correction where appropriate.
• Handle all communications discreetly, protecting your privacy at every stage.

Our team combines deep legal expertise with compassion and sensitivity, understanding that these cases can sometimes involve difficult incidents, trauma and emotional distress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ‘duty of care’ mean on a TV show?

It is the legal duty of producers to ensure the safety of participants and to act reasonably to prevent foreseeable harm.

Can I make a claim against a TV network for emotional distress?

Yes, if the distress stems from negligence, unsafe working conditions or inadequate support of causing foreseeable harm.

What if I signed a waiver?

Signing a waiver or confidentiality agreement does not remove a company’s or employer’s duty to act responsibly. Courts will scrutinise the validity of these agreements closely in any event.

Is there a time limit for making a claim?

Generally, you have three years to make a personal injury from the date of injury or from when you first aware of your injuries. You have six years to make a breach of contract or privacy claim.

Do I need evidence?

Yes, documentary evidence such as medical records, emails, contracts, footage and supporting testimonies from witnesses can all help establish liability.