BBC Actress Discovers Hidden Spy Camera Installed by Landlord

A BBC actress has recounted a harrowing experience after discovering a hidden spy camera placed in her bathroom by her landlord. The incident, which occurred in July 2025, has raised significant concerns regarding privacy violations and the safety of tenants in rental properties.

The actress, who has appeared in various prime-time television comedies and dramas, expressed her shock upon finding the concealed camera inside a washing basket shortly after taking a shower. In an emotional interview, she described her immediate reaction: "I was in a state of absolute shock. He filmed me when I was at my most vulnerable."

According to local police reports, the actress had moved into the property in France the previous summer following a breakup. She noticed suspicious behavior from her landlord, a man in his forties whom she suspected might be a drug user. "Something didn’t feel right with him," she noted, recalling previous encounters that had raised her suspicions.

The situation escalated when she found two holes drilled into the bathroom wall, which she had plugged with cotton earbuds. The night before the discovery, she alleged that her drink had been spiked by the landlord, heightening her sense of danger.

“I always used to notice this little black dot in the washing basket across from the shower. I never in a million years thought he’d be spying on me,” she said. Upon closer inspection of the washing basket, she was horrified to discover the camera. "My heart just stopped and I burst into tears. There was a green light flashing on the camera. I knew that it was on and I was being recorded."

In a state of panic, she initially remained in the bathroom, fearing the landlord could be lurking outside. Eventually, she managed to flee the property, returning days later with police to investigate the situation further. After mustering the courage to view the recorded footage, she expressed her horror at seeing intimate clips of herself, along with footage of her landlord changing the memory card on the device.

Police have since launched an investigation into the matter. A spokesperson for the police stated, “The subject of the complaint is a violation of privacy by filming or recording or transmitting the image of a person of a sexual nature.”

This incident highlights a growing concern about privacy violations in rental properties, particularly with the increasing prevalence of surveillance technology. Dr. Emily Roberts, a professor of criminology at the University of Edinburgh, commented on the implications of such incidents: "The use of covert surveillance devices in private spaces is not only a breach of trust but also a serious violation of personal privacy and safety."

The actress’s experience resonates with broader issues surrounding tenant rights and the responsibility of landlords to ensure the safety and privacy of their tenants. With similar cases reported in various locales, this incident may prompt calls for stricter regulations governing the use of surveillance equipment in residential properties.

As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how this case will influence public discourse on privacy rights and tenant protections. Advocates for tenants’ rights are likely to push for legislative changes that address privacy violations and enhance protections against invasive surveillance practices in rented living spaces. The actress's ordeal underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and action regarding privacy issues in rental agreements, as well as the psychological impact such violations can have on victims.