ITV’s Big Brother has introduced an intense welfare package catered to contestants and staff ahead of the show’s return on October 8.
The hit reality series had fans at the edges of their seats during its heyday and left many eager to see it back on their screens. But new channel hosts ITV and production company Banijay UK have confirmed that a comprehensive package along with strict social media rules will take precedence to ensure the safety of everyone on the show.
Before filming the new series, all contestants will have undergone psychological and medical assessments. They must also undergo intense background and medical checks.
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The Housemates will receive “respect and inclusion training” and they and their families will be prohibited from using social media throughout the duration of their time in the house. After the series has ended, those who have entered the house as a contestant will receive ongoing contact from the Head of Welfare for a period of 14 months.
(Image: ITV)
A statement released by Banjay UK read: “All Housemates will be supported with an individual support plan that includes sessions with the show’s mental health professionals prior to entering the House, throughout their time in the House and beyond. Housemates will be required to adhere to a social media blackout and will undergo respect and inclusion training to set out expectations around use of language and acceptable behaviour in the House.
“The welfare protocols in place for Big Brother Housemates have evolved over the show’s more than 20-year global history. The protocols in place for the 2023 ITV series have been evaluated and reviewed with ITV’s compliance and Duty of Care team, the mental health professionals engaged for this series and Big Brother’s welfare team, including Banijay UK’s Head of Welfare.”
(Image: ITV)
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The production company also revealed that experienced mental health professionals will be involved throughout the entire series. The statement added: “The protocols include a comprehensive package of welfare measures to ensure Housemates are fully supported before, during and after their time in the Big Brother House.
“Registered and experienced mental health professionals are engaged throughout the whole series, to assess and support Housemates. An experienced Big Brother welfare team is solely dedicated to the welfare of the Housemates before, during and after the show.
Big Brother: The Launch airs Sunday, October 8 on ITV1, ITV2 and ITVX at 9pm
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
