“A Former Celebrity Big Brother star’ has now revealed the dramatic impact the show had on his health as he claimed there was ‘no aftercare’ for stars following their exit from the house. ”, — write: www.dailymail.co.uk
The Steps singer, 48, who was a finalist on the fifth series in 2007, has said he was left feeling paranoid following his exit and was convinced that people were watching him from behind mirrors long after the show ended.
Reflecting on his experience during an interview with The Sun, he 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.
‘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.
The star also told the publication that no aftercare was provided after his appearance on the show and you were left to ‘fend for yourself’.
Whereas now, he imagines there are doctors and psychologists on hand to help any of the celebrities.
MailOnline has contacted ITV and Ian’s representative for comment.
In 2021, ITV expanded its aftercare program, which includes mental health support and other resources to protect Love Island contestant’s mental health. The ITV2 dating show enlisted another clinical psychologist ahead of series 8.
ITV listed the show’s new duty of care protocols in a statement, which supports Islanders before, during and after filming.
It comes after Love Island previously addressed their duty of care after two islanders; Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis, and host Caroline Flack, tragically died by suicide within a period of 20 months.
The current and full duty of care process sees comprehensive psychological support, detailed conversations with Islanders 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.
Ian starred in Celebrity Big Brother alongside Jade Goody and Shilpa Shetty which erupted into a huge racism and bullying row.
However, Ian doesn’t believe the same thing would happen today as he added ‘It can be a bit of a poisoned chalice’ and noted how the ‘game has changed’.
The interview comes after Ian revealed in March that he had not recovered from an ‘awful virus’ that he caught several months ago as he discussed his health woes and teased a huge career move.
The singer shared at the time 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, Ian revealed to Heat Magazine: ‘When we launched Steps The Musical in Birmingham, I had this awful virus and I still have not recovered from that.’
‘So, if I had been asked to do a show, I would have had to have cancelled. Half of my range has just gone. It knocked me for six.’
However, the star hinted that the band will do something to mark their 30th anniversary in a couple of years.
Elsewhere during the interview, Ian 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, Ian 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.
However, after years of chart-topping success, the band parted ways in 2001. And many years later, Ian rediscovered his love of painting and it wasn’t long before he became a professional artist.
Ian previously took to Instagram to share a clip with fans, giving them a glimpse at his third art exhibition of the year.
In the clip, he shared a sweet message about his decision to become an artist as he proudly showed all of his creations on the wall.
He captioned the post at the time: ‘My 3rd Art exhibition this year. This time at @cloudgalleryfineart ! I’m totally blown away!’
‘Still feeling a little overwhelmed by everyone who came. These are different kind of shows to what I’m used to! Usually I’m on stage and I have 4 other band mates.
‘But an art exhibition is up close and very personal. Nowhere to hide. Discussing my process and why I paint… and I love how that connects with people.
He continued: ‘My work will be on display at Cloud Gallery in Chichester.. so if you’re around, pop in to see Gavin and his brilliant team.’
When Ian was 18 years old he was accepted at Cardiff School of Art and Design but decided to defer his place as he wanted to dabble in the showbiz industry.
He previously told the BBC: ‘I packed up my artistic dreams in a box and put it on the top shelf.
Ian added: ‘I always knew I would open it up one day. And now’s that time.’
- 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 Islander’s own GP to check medical history.
- Potential Islanders 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 so it is clear.
- Cast are told they should consider all the potential implications of taking part in the show and work through this decision-making process in consultation with their family and those closest to them, to ensure they feel it is right for them.
- Senior Team on the ground have received training in Mental Health First Aid.
- A welfare team solely dedicated to the Islanders both during the show and after.
Aftercare
- 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 Islander when they return home.
- Proactive contact with Islanders for a period of 14 months after the series in which they have appeared has ended, with additional help provided where applicable.
- We encourage Islanders 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.