The Island bosses DEFEND decision to give warm clothing and food to contestants after fans complain about ‘cheating’
Viewers said the contestants were 'weak' after they got food and shelter during a storm
THE Island bosses have defended their decision to give warm clothing and food to contestants during Monday night's episode.
A huge storm hit the island and crew had to step in to give shelter and food to help the islanders during the night.
Viewers slammed the contestants as "weak" for being helped out and said it was tantamount to "cheating".
However, Channel 4 have said a series of "exceptional circumstances" meant they had to step in.
The safety crew supplied the islanders with dry clothes, rations and a tarpaulin to keep them safe during the night.
A Channel 4 spokesperson told : “It was clear in the programme that the weather was extreme. These were exceptional circumstances and as is shown in the episode, the intervention allowed was for duty of care to the islanders’ health and safety.”
The statement comes after Bear Grylls' latest bunch of off-grid survivors threatened to QUIT the show following the 90mph cyclone.
He told Square Eyes: "It was a tropical storm cyclone, which is just under a hurricane. It was full-on: you can’t shout to each other, you can’t stand up. You’re being blasted by 90mph wind and torrential rain.
“That’s bad enough for half an hour but you try going through that for several days. It really took people to the edge."
Bear added the response of the survivors - who were forced to radio for emergency help - had left him impressed.
They developed extreme dizziness and starvation after the gales prevented them from lighting fires to cook food.
One, retired police officer Jane Gates, said she would "top herself" if it wasn't for the support of her on-show pals.
He added: "It was incredibly hard. It was a reminder that survival isn’t about the skills and knowledge, it’s about heart and spirit and a dogged determination to just hang on in there.”
The petrified bunch finally agreed to stay after being placated by producers.
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