Tears on camera - but is reality TV harming its participants?

Daniella Westbrook, a recovering cocaine addict, could take no more. And so, after eight days in the Australian jungle and the reality television show I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!, she cracked.

The former EastEnders actress launched into a tirade against the British public on hearing they had decided weather presenter Sian Lloyd would be the first voted off the show. She then decided to make her escape anyway.

Last night, she was with her husband, Kevin, at a five-star hotel but her near-breakdown has highlighted fears reality television producers are deliberately selecting brittle personalities in the hope of a ratings boost. They deny that.

Last night it emerged the British Psychological Society has set up a working party to investigate the mental damage caused to participants in such programmes. Cynthia McVey, a lecturer in psychology at Glasgow Caledonian University, said celebrities were often less prepared for reality shows than ordinary members of the public.

She said: "If they are naive about how experienced they are in the public eye then they are actually more vulnerable. Celebrities can often have very fragile egos."

Ms McVey, of the society's working party, said celebrities often went into shows under the impression their past experience in front of cameras would enable them to cope.

Away from the make-up artists and the normal support structure of the television studio, celebrities often struggle to retain the image they have worked hard to cultivate.

Ms McVey said: "If they have a public persona that is well-known or glamorous and they are seen shouting and screaming, their persona has gone."

Although reality shows have renewed interest in the flagging careers of Tony Blackburn and Les Dennis among others, contestants are making a considerable gamble. Under the pressure of being constantly filmed, Dennis almost broke down, much to the fascination of viewers and newspapers.

Ms McVey said: "I know all publicity is good publicity but when you are voted off, the public is sending out a message to people that might employ you that they don't want to see anymore of you."

Media commentators said the reality genre was most successful when contestants were breaking down on camera and that producers of such shows were unlikely to make too many concessions to contestants.

Conor Dignam, the editor of Broadcast magazine, said: "Reality TV at its best is people struggling to cope with the environment they have been put in. If it's all sweetness and light then it does not make gripping television."

When a new series of Big Brother opens later this month, the 12 contestants will be the latest under the goldfish bowl gaze of the viewing public.

Every applicant has been interviewed by a psychotherapist and a psychiatrist and has been subjected to police screening.

Lawyers point out that by putting contestants insuch abnormal situations and then presenting edited accounts of how they behave, television companies leave themselves open to legal action from angry or injured show participants.

Last year Ron Copsey, who lived on a barren Scottish island for the BBC's Castaway, was paid a £16,000 settlement by the makers after he claimed he had been misrepresented.

The guidelines the BPS working party are hoping to produce may help to keep similar cases out of the courts.

JUNGLE SURVIVORS?

ANTONY WORRALL THOMPSON

The chef, who presents the television programme Saturday Kitchen, includes among his jungle skills cooking (obviously) and growing organic vegetables. Odds of winning: 6/1

CATALINA GUIRADO

A model and star of Chris Evans' former show TFI Friday, she reportedly overcame her fear of snakes by playing with her friend's pet python. Cat's jungle skill is that she is "creative with her hands". Odds of winning: 25/1

CHRIS BISSON

The Coronation Street actor, who is apparently being cheered on by Manchester United, thinks of himself as an expert in DIY. Odds of winning: 20/1

PHIL TUFNELL

The former England cricketer, known as much for his spliff-smoking on tour as his ability to make a ball turn, "Tuffers" has dealt with the Australian bush in a suitably laid-back manner and has emerged as one of the stars. Odds of winning: 4/5

TOYAH WILLCOX

Former new wave singer and actress, who campaigned against asylum centres in the countryside. Toyah leapt at the chance of joining what she describes as "the best programme on TV last year". Her jungle skill is climbing. Odds of winning: 12/1

WAYNE SLEEP

The jungle holds no fears for the dancer and choreographer. "I just love being out there with nature and that whole experience of having to go camping again." Odds of winning: 12/1

JOHN FASHANU

"Fash the Bash", former member of Wimbledon FC's "Crazy Gang", has tried to stick to a disciplined exercise routine. He claims that his constant travelling in Africa means "the jungle is not really any different to me". Odds of winning: 16/1

LINDA BARKER

A television interior designer, she lists "decorating" among her jungle skills. Barker believes that living in the bush provides "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity". Odds of winning: 3/1