Helen Kitchener

reporters.edenbridge@courier.co.uk

VIEWER complaints have led the media regulator to launch a probe into a reality television programme about mental health filmed at Hever Castle.

But a leading charity has offered strong support to the two-part BBC2 Horizon show, entitled How Mad Are You?, which concluded on Tuesday.

The programme featured 10 volunteers, half of whom had histories of psychiatric conditions such as anorexia and bipolar disorder, taking part in a series of challenges set in and around the castle including performing a stand-up comedy routine and mucking out cows.

A panel of mental health experts were then given the task of identifying which of the volunteers had been diagnosed with the conditions.

Spokesman for Ofcom Ed Taylor confirmed the watchdog was following up complaints from viewers following the first showing.

Mr Taylor said: "We have received complaints about the programme broadcast.

"These complaints are being assessed against our broadcasting code."

The programme has drawn some criticism for its title and the reality show format it uses to explore the subject of psychiatric illness.

However a representative from mental health charity Mind was quick to point out that the programme exposed some of the stereotypes and preconceived ideas surrounding the issue of mental health.

Spokesman for the charity Alison Kerry said: "Once you got beyond the arguably inflammatory title to the programme and its reality TV style we found it to be an excellent show which encourages viewers to re-examine their preconceptions about mental health.

"It was also very interesting as it showed how difficult it can be to diagnose mental health problems as well as examining the consequences of giving people a label."

BBC spokesman Lauren Gildersleve said the show, which was watched by 1.8 million viewers in the first week, attempted to appeal to a wide audience which would not usually watch a science documentary about mental health.

"Horizon worked with a number of different charities including OCD Action, Shift and Rethink to find volunteers to take part," she said.

"All of the contributors were keen to raise public awareness about mental health and the wellbeing of the participants was of the utmost importance to the programme makers."

She added that the programme had been well received by those involved.

"We have had a positive response from the volunteers, expert panel and charities who have seen the film."

Hever Castle publicity manager Ann Watt added: "We were happy for them to use us as a venue and we understand that the issue was sensitively dealt with in the programme."