John Whaite calls for Bake Off and Love Island to have 'welfare ombudsman'

14 August 2023 , 22:30

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John Whaite calls for Bake Off and Love Island to have 'welfare ombudsman'

Strictly Come Dancing's John Whaite has called on major reality shows to have their own watchdogs to overlook things.

In recent days, the star who found fame on Bake Off has opened up about the turbulence he's faced over the years since first appearing on screens. The Chorly-born star previously opened up about finding love on the BBC One dancing competition, despite having a partner, who he is still with today.

But away from the fame and success, John, 34, explains there is a dark side to the television industry and hasn't shied away from sharing his experiences with depression. Although Bake Off is one of the biggest shows on telly, John had no idea that he would go on to have a successful career having appeared on the show aged 23.

He said: "It is a circus. A great spectacle that pulls a profit, I didn't go into Bake Off thinking it would lead to a TV career. Then when it became that, and then kind of ebbed and flowed, it became a turmoil for me." But having seen the repercussions of shows such as Bake Off and ITV's Love Island, both of which attract "vulnerable show-offs like me", he believes a welfare ombudsman should oversee the production.

Strictly star John Whaite believes reality shows should have an independent watchdog (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

The telly star who first appeared on screens aged 23 has secretly battled with his fame (Love productions/BBC/Toby Merritt)

Speaking to The Times, John said: "All it takes is to cast an eye over those people and just make sure they're OK." But while he experienced the rollercoaster of fame, John had no reservations about taking part in Strictly in 2021 which saw him become half of the first same-sex pairing on the show, along with South African dancer Johannes Radebe.

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While creating history, they stormed their way through the show and ultimately finished in second place, narrowly missing out to EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis. He explained that despite having no reservations, he knew there was "a lot to think about" as he's a flirtatious person who "seeks highs".

Following his brush with reality telly, John spiralled into a dark place and he previously opened up, claiming on some days, he wishes he hadn't appeared on Bake Off. Speaking to The Telegraph, John said: "It totally derailed me from a steady life path. I drank more than I should have and posted unwisely on Instagram and Twitter. If I knew then what I knew now, would I do it all again? Absolutely. But I'd approach it so differently."

Now, his life couldn't be further from his previous ways, having recently celebrated being sober for 200 days with his partner Paul even ditching alcohol as moral support.

Daniel Bird