Is reality TV a form of exploitation? Several shows have been criticised for their cruelty. Now one former contestant is suing Simon Cowell’s record company over her mistreatment.
'TV show ruined my life,' says X Factor star
Is reality TV a form of exploitation? Several shows have been criticised for their cruelty. Now one former contestant is suing Simon Cowell's record company over her mistreatment.
<h2 class=" eplus-wrapper" id="crosshead">Complex factors</h2>
The 24-year-old from North London is full of hope as she gets ready for her audition. "I want to be a star," she says. "I want to be a legend!"
But when the time comes to sing, she breaks down in tears and has to start again. The judges hesitate - but finally give her the thumbs up. "I think she's one of those people who's going to divide opinion," says Cheryl Cole:
"You're either going to love her or to hate her. But at least you're going to have an opinion on her."
That was Katie Waissel in 2010 - and when she performed on The X Factor, there was no shortage of opinions. She was called the "most hated" person in the series, and received threats which led to panic attacksA sudden episode of intense fear. They can cause physical symptoms such as shaking and feeling sick. .
But last year she decided to fight back. She trained as a lawyer, and is now suing the company that made the programme for not looking after her properly.
During the show, she says, "I didn't eat, I didn't sleep. It felt like they owned all of me."
British reality TV has been called a "theatre of cruelty". Two people who appeared on The Jeremy Kyle Show are believed to have killed themselves shortly afterwards.
Love Island's record is even worse. Since 2018, three people involved in it have committed suicide.
But now the programme's makers seem to be looking after the islanders better. According to a psychologist who has worked on several reality TV shows, the care is outstanding.
For the new series, the contestants are being asked to do without posts on their Instagram feeds. It is hoped that this will stop things becoming too heated.
And in an article for the BBC website, Louis Staples argues that such shows can be a force for good. The Great British Bake Off, he writes, proves that "camaraderieFriendship and trust among people who spend a lot of time together. and kindness can triumph over cut-throat competitiveness".
Is reality TV a form of exploitation?
Yes: These programmes only exist to make money for the producers and TV stations, and are designed to be viciously competitive - so of course they show little concern for the contestants.
No: They offer a chance of fame and fortune to people who would otherwise have little hope of it. They have been running long enough for contestants to know what they are letting themselves in for.
Or... There is no such thing as "reality" TV. All these programmes are stage managed and edited to point where they bear no resemblance to real life. "Gladiatorial" TV would be a better term.
Panic attacks - A sudden episode of intense fear. They can cause physical symptoms such as shaking and feeling sick.
Camaraderie - Friendship and trust among people who spend a lot of time together.
‘TV show ruined my life,’ says X Factor star

Glossary
Panic attacks - A sudden episode of intense fear. They can cause physical symptoms such as shaking and feeling sick.
Camaraderie - Friendship and trust among people who spend a lot of time together.