Celebrity Big Brother Star Ian ‘H’ Watkins Reveals Dramatic Impact on Health
Former Celebrity Big Brother star Ian ‘H’ Watkins has spoken out about the dramatic impact the show had on his health, claiming that there was "no aftercare" for stars following their exit from the house. The Steps singer, 48, who was a finalist on the fifth series in 2007, has revealed that he was left feeling paranoid and convinced that people were watching him from behind mirrors long after the show ended.
In an interview with The Daily Mail, Watkins said: "I do know that the aftercare is a lot better these days. It does affect your mental health. Because when you’re in there, in the night time people are watching you. And back then you could watch people sleeping 24 hours." He added: "I came out of there – and it was ridiculous because I know it wasn’t sane – but I would think people were watching me through mirrors for weeks afterwards."
Watkins also claimed that no aftercare was provided after his appearance on the show and contestants were left to "fend for yourself". He said: "I think it’s a bit of a poisoned chalice. It can be a great experience, but it can also be a bit of a challenge."
The star’s comments come as ITV continues to face scrutiny over its handling of reality TV shows, particularly Love Island. In 2021, the broadcaster expanded its aftercare program, which includes mental health support and other resources to protect contestants’ mental health.
According to The Daily Mail, ITV listed the show’s new duty of care protocols in a statement, which supports contestants before, during, and after filming. The protocols include comprehensive psychological support, detailed conversations with contestants regarding the impact of participation on the show, and a proactive aftercare package which offers support.
Other measures in place include training for contestants with social media, handling potential negativity, financial management, and taking on management. The duty of care process is regularly reviewed and evolves in line with the increasing popularity of the show.
Watkins starred in Celebrity Big Brother alongside Jade Goody and Shilpa Shetty, which erupted into a huge racism and bullying row. However, he doesn’t believe the same thing would happen today, adding that "the game has changed".
The interview comes after Watkins revealed in March that he had not recovered from an "awful virus" that he caught several months ago, discussing his health woes and teasing a huge career move. The singer shared that he had lost half of his vocal range after falling ill several months ago during the Birmingham launch of Steps The Musical.
When asked if he has any more plans to tour as a band, Watkins revealed that he would have had to cancel if he had been asked to do a show, due to his health issues. However, the star hinted that the band will do something to mark their 30th anniversary in a couple of years.
In addition to his music career, Watkins has also revealed his plans to start a new career as an art teacher. Admitting that he is very privileged to be able to work when he wants to, Watkins said: "I am going to our local school to teach the kids art. I’m very privileged that I can do the school run, paint, take a little job here and there."
The former frontman of the late 90’s pop band spends the majority of his time working as a professional artist – selling his paintings for thousands of pounds. Steps ruled the charts after forming in 1997, with mega-hits such as Tragedy, 5, 6, 7, 8, and Deeper Shade Of Blue.
Love Island Duty of Care Protocols
In response to concerns over contestants’ mental health, ITV has implemented a range of measures to support contestants before, during, and after filming. These include:
- Registered mental health professional engaged throughout the whole series – from pre-filming to aftercare
- Thorough pre-filming psychological and medical assessments, including assessments by an independent doctor, psychological consultant, and reports from each contestant’s own GP to check medical history
- Potential contestants are required to fully disclose any medical history that would be relevant to their inclusion in the villa and the production’s ability to provide a suitable environment for them
- Managing cast expectations: detailed explanations both verbally and in writing of the implications, both positive and negative, of taking part in the series are given to potential cast members throughout the casting process and reinforced within the contract
- Senior Team on the ground have received training in Mental Health First Aid
- A welfare team solely dedicated to the contestants both during the show and after
Aftercare Support
ITV’s aftercare support includes:
- Bespoke training on dealing with social media and advice on finance and adjusting to life back home
- A minimum of eight therapy sessions will be offered to each contestant when they return home
- Proactive contact with contestants for a period of 14 months after the series in which they have appeared has ended, with additional help provided where applicable
- Encouraging contestants to secure management to represent them after the show and manage them should they choose to take part in other TV shows, advertising campaigns, or other public appearance opportunities.
