ITV Defends Big Brother Safeguarding After Omar and Rhianna Backlash

ITV is facing scrutiny over contestant welfare on Big Brother after confrontations between housemates Omar El Mayer and Rhianna Collins left viewers concerned and prompted Women’s Aid to urge producers to consult domestic abuse specialists. On October 20, 2026, the broadcaster defended its safeguarding procedures as criticism grew over interactions shown in the current season.

The controversy centers on exchanges in which Rhianna became distressed during discussions with Omar, both aged 21, about their relationship. Viewers called on producers to intervene, while Women’s Aid warned that presenting potentially controlling behavior as entertainment could affect how audiences understand abuse.

During an episode aired on October 19, Rhianna acknowledged that she had been struggling emotionally and apologized for her behavior. Omar challenged her account of the situation and questioned whether she was mature enough to have the conversation. Later, she told him she wanted their relationship to improve but felt it was going nowhere.

In another exchange, Omar told Rhianna not to cry and asked her to look at him while they argued. Big Brother subsequently summoned her to the Diary Room to check on her wellbeing.

Rhianna described her feelings during the conversation with producers.

"I'm not that good but I'll be fine," Rhianna said.

She also expressed the emotional difficulty of their relationship during the episode.

"I love him so much, and it's just so difficult," Rhianna said.

She explained that she wanted their relationship to return to its previous state but was uncertain how to achieve that.

"I want to go back to how we normally are, but I just don't know how," Rhianna said.

ITV's response emphasized the training and monitoring arrangements in place for contestants. A Big Brother spokesperson said participants receive guidance before entering the house and have access to a dedicated welfare team throughout their involvement in the program.

"All housemates receive respect and inclusion training and an extensive briefing from the Big Brother senior team to prepare them for living in the house and to set out Big Brother's expectations for appropriate behaviour and language," the spokesperson said.

The broadcaster said staff monitor contestants continuously and respond to inappropriate conduct. Its statement also stressed that support remains available before, during and after filming.

"Housemates are monitored 24 hours a day and any instances of inappropriate behaviour are responded to appropriately," the spokesperson said.

The production team described contestant protection as a continuing priority.

"Welfare and safeguarding are prioritised throughout the production, with a dedicated welfare team available to support housemates before, during and after their time in the house," the spokesperson said.

Women’s Aid, meanwhile, said the exchanges had prompted concern among viewers who contacted the organization. Veronica Oakeshott, the charity's head of external affairs, said controlling behavior can precede other forms of abuse and urged television producers to recognize the potential consequences.

"The nature of abuse means that it often begins with 'red flag' coercive and controlling behaviours like isolating you from friends or repeatedly putting you down, before escalating into other forms of abuse. Coercive control creates invisible chains and a sense of fear that impacts every element of a survivor's life. It's worrying to see behaviours like this being given a platform in popular media like Big Brother.

We've been contacted by many viewers who have expressed concern. Not only does Big Brother risk minimising survivors' experiences, it also risks presenting abuse as a form of entertainment. We must do better to call out and reject abuse as soon as we see it, so women and children can learn the signs and themselves feel confident in speaking up and seeking safety," Oakeshott said.

She added that reality television participants require meaningful protection because they are real people dealing with potentially difficult situations under public scrutiny.

"Producers should understand their responsibility to keep contestants emotionally and physically safe. The women in these programmes are real people and need real support," Oakeshott said.

Women’s Aid called on ITV and other broadcasters to work with specialists to improve their understanding of abuse and strengthen contestant protections. Oakeshott said the charity was willing to discuss the matter directly with the Big Brother team.

"We continue to urge television companies such as ITV to engage with experts like Women's Aid to understand the nature of abuse and how they can do better to protect contestants. We would welcome a discussion with the Big Brother team," Oakeshott said.

Separately, The Sun reported claims from an unnamed source familiar with the production about an overnight consent procedure for housemates sharing a bed. According to the report, participants indicate their consent with a thumbs-up or thumbs-down, and a negative response prompts a conversation with producers in the Diary Room. The claims have not been independently verified in the supplied reports.

Big Brother remained on ITV2 and ITVX following the controversy, while viewers continued to call for the production team to address concerns about Omar's behavior toward Rhianna.