‘One of the darkest’ weight loss shows is returning after 16 years despite backlash

One of Britain's most controversial weight loss shows is said to be making a return in 2026 - and people don't know what to think.

We're of course talking about Fat Families, which has been branded 'one of the darkest' and most 'brutal' weight loss programmes in the world.

For those unfamiliar, the reality TV show was broadcast on Sky1 in January 2010 for just two series but is still clipped up and shared on social media over a decade later.

It followed host Steve Miller, a self-described 'former fatty turned fat-buster' as he 'moved into the homes of overweight families with the aim of changing their lifestyles'.

Each episode showed the so-called 'weight loss expert' chat to the family who told him about their diets, before he then spends 24 hours with them and makes modifications to encourage them to shed the pounds.

At the end of the host's time with each family, he gave them a nine-month weight loss deadline and visited them later for an update.

As we say though, the show was a very controversial one, particularly due to some of the language Miller used.

From calling families 'chubby tribes' to shouting out 'fatty alert,' it's safe to say the programme hasn't exactly aged well.

But despite this, it looks like it could actually be making a return in 2026, which is something no-one saw coming.

While there's yet to be an official announcement or release date, Miller took to Instagram this week to share a video alongside the caption: "Fat Families 2.0 to s coming in 2026."

Speaking to his 11,000 followers, he said: "Fat Families 2.0 - will it be happening? Massive fatty alert? Absolutely.

"And a couple of weeks ago, I had a great meeting. So, listen up, I'm gonna tell you the gossip. The gossip is that we're looking at one or two different ways of doing it this time."

He explained: "I think you're gonna quite like it and also it could include one or two other people as well, potentially.

"Now, the thing to remember here is that you all love the catchphrases and you might be thinking, 'Will those disappear?' Absolutely not, may I tell you. Massive fatty alert? Large police in town?"

Miller affirmed: "No, not at all. It'll be slightly different with a different tempo, would have different, you know what I mean?

"But trust me, will it be as strong? Absolutely. So if you are a Fat Families fan and you want some of it back and you enjoy it and you want a giggle and to support and you want the love through the screen all the way, all of that, you'll be in the right place."

The surprise news has warranted a mixed reaction, with some welcoming the British show back with open arms and others slamming it.

One Instagram user commented: "I’m fat myself and I love the catchphrases. I’d be sad if they weren’t included."

While a second added: "I think people are ready for your brutal honesty again. Five years ago people would have been too PC for it but people are ready to say it like it is again."

And a third and fourth wrote: "British TV is so back" and "YES FINALLY".

However, others argued: "Nobody wants this" and "You should also raise awareness for eating disorders, a lot of the people you mock have EDs."

"Hope not. Shows like that traumatised me as a kid. Really made me conscious of my weight and other people’s weight from a very early age," penned a third, "Being OverWeight is a massive global issue but having a man going around calling them fatties is not helping anyone and it certainly isn’t entertainment."

Meanwhile, someone else questioned: "Aren’t we better than this nowadays?"