Nine offers 24 / 7 helpline for reality stars
In addition to show psychologists, Nine is offering access to a 24/7 helpline for reality talent.
- Published by David Knox
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Nine is offering access to a 24 / 7 counselling service for Reality TV stars in addition to counselling already attached to productions.
Daily Mail reports Nine has been contacting former Married at First Sight talent, reminding them that while the show’s psychologist, in connection with Endemol Shine, has always been available, Nine will now offer an ‘additional line of support’ via a 24/7 helpline.
TV Tonight understands it will also be available to other Nine reality talent such as The Block and Love Island.
It comes after a ruling by the NSW Workers Compensation Commission that a former House Rules contestant was deemed an employee and is entitled to have medical costs covered for psychological help.
That ruling is now being appealed and expected to be resolved in early 2020.
There are also media reports speculating that the next season of MAFS had to halt production to address behaviour on set.
In the UK ITV overhauled its duty of care following the deaths of several talent, including two from Love Island UK.
Nine said in a statement: “While we won’t comment on this matter as it’s private and confidential, both former and current participants are given access to support as appropriate.”
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- Tagged with House Rules, Love Island, Married at First Sight, The Block
12 Responses
People choose to put themselves on these reality shows and should take full responsibility of the repercussions instead of blaming others all the time. We have a huge problem in this country with people always putting the blame elsewhere and not taking personal responsibility for their actions! I think instead of creating a helpline, they should only cast people who can handle the pressure on and off the screen. It’s the same in the workplace, to many people in the wrong job.
Why do I feel like Channel 7 are about to come out with something similar…?
Last thing they’ll do is sacrifice the highest rating non sport program in the country. Mental health is second to winning ratings and profiting at people’s expense.
Bandaid solution.
Wouldn’t it be better to address the cause first?
Here’s an idea, stop making shows that subject the contestants to mental abuse. MAFS, The Block and everything in between, these shows push people to breaking point for ratings and then they walk away when the season is cut. I think the government needs to step in and make more regulations over duty of care of the networks creating these absolute rubbish TV shows. Axe MAFS, nothing good comes from it for anyone involved. It’s just fame hungry idiots and greedy executives
Agreed. They act like they care for everyone by offering these services, but if they really cared about people’s wellbeing they would never sacrifice contestant’s mental health for entertainment and company profits in the first place.
I wonder if it’s the same helpline Channel 9 staff have access to, that asks you to call back during business hours ?
One of the best ways to get them back down to the real world would be to stop calling them “stars” …
It was Tom Gleeson who said the Gold Logie should go to someone from MAFS or State of Origin, they rate the highest.
“Someone” maybe, just not the contestants …
So channel 9 are purposely creating an environment for a help line to be set up afterward? Ok then. How about not creating that environment in the first place.
But…but…profits!