Love Island‘s lie detector test is always one of the most gripping challenges of the series.
It sees couples put under pressure as one answers questions about the other while being monitored by a polygraph.
It may be a thing of the past however as the UK’s TV watchdog investigate how contestants are treated.
In the wake of the Jeremy Kyle Show scandal this month, reality shows are under fresh scrutiny – especially Love Island.
“We will be looking at lie detectors and other tools used by the production companies, as to whether it’s fair treatment for vulnerable individuals,” Sharon White, an executive with TV regulator Ofcom told a UK parliamentary committee.
Ms White also spoke about the new aftercare measures ITV has brought in for Love Island housemates following the suicides of former contestants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis.
She is looking into whether productions companies should do even more to protect participants.
“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.”
Jeremy Kyle Show contestant Steve Dymond passed away on 9 May, a week after filming an appearance in which he failed a lie detector test.
The programme, which was ITV’s most popular daytime programme, was permanently cancelled last week.
