EXCLUSIVE: ITV’s popular reality TV game show Love IslandOnce again, it is the focus of attention. For its many admirers, the polarizing dating program is back on UK TV screens for a eighth season. Others have concerns about the format.
The eight-week season started with a bang, and the interest in it has not slowed down. The launch episode in early June hit 5 million views, making it the franchise’s biggest premiere since 2019.
Last week’s dramatic Casa Amor recoupling achieved the show’s highest overnight audience since the 2019 Love Island final. 3.9 million viewers tuned in on all devices and a TV audience was 3 million. That’s up by 800,000. Every night, memes and quips related to the show have been a big hit on social media.
Season 8 features the recurring bust-ups and love ins, outsized characters, and social media ‘villains’There are many funny, hilarious, and heart-warming moments. This season, however, has deviated in many ways.
It has featured an above average amount of stardust with contestants like Gemma Owen, the daughter of soccer star Michael Owen and Jack Keating who is the son of Boyzone frontman Ronan Keating. Becky Hill, Brit Awards winner, gave a live performance to Islanders last night.
Producers also decided to bring back Adam Collard, a bombshell Islander for the first time.
A Bombshell Returns
“This series has landed really well,” long-time Love IslandMike Spencer is executive producer.
“We’ve looked at different ways to, if not rip up the rule book, then certainly adjust it. One of the ways we wanted to do that was by bringing back a former Islander, something we’ve been working on for a while. Adam is a lovely guy, he’s still single and looking for love and he’s popular with the audience.”
Spencer won’t be drawn on which other contestants were in the running to return but says the move has prompted strong interest from previous Islanders.
“I’ll tell you, my phone has been off the hook with former contestants since Adam’s return. We wanted to be able to concentrate on Adam, and so far he’s done a fantastic job.
Prior to Casa Amor, this year’s show had progressed at a relatively leisurely pace, with perhaps fewer major fireworks or bust-ups than previous editions. As the show’s inimitable longtime narrator Iain Stirling told us, the season up until that point had a “more light-hearted, funny and loving vibe to it.”
But, as it often does, Casa Amor, in which couples’ loyalties are tested by the arrival of more single men and women, proved a turning point.
In Casa Amor, the proud and confident Jacques O’Neill had his head turned, which led to turbulence in his relationship with Villa partner Paige. The addition of bombshell Collard, a rival for Paige’s affections, tipped O’Neill over the edge and ultimately he exited the show this week under mental and emotional duress, tearily explaining he “couldn’t be himself”.
Duty of Care
ITV this year introduced extended duty of care protocols for those producing and taking part in the show, an essential move after the franchise was rocked by three deaths in three years: former contestants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis died by suicide in 2018 and 2019 respectively, while the show’s host, Caroline Flack, died by suicide in 2020.
Both inside and outside, the Villa is a spotlight that shines on contestants intensely. Many contestants call it the best experience of their lives. Some couples still live together. Some make lifelong friends. But academic Ian Hamilton, a senior lecturer at the University Of York on addiction and mental health, has previously described the program as one that “thrives on manufacturing conflict”And that “unfortunately it’s the contestants who bear the brunt of this”.
Did Jacques’ unravelling prompt producers to intervene?
“Jacques is amazing,” Spencer says. “We love Jacques. When you date, your emotions are naturally up and down. Finding love is not a simple thing, that’s why the show is so relatable. Jacques was on his own journey and he had a strong connection with Paige but sometimes you have to think about yourself and that’s what Jacques did. We respected his decision to head home but I think he’s excited to be on Aftersun on Sunday to discuss his journey.”
Spencer responded to questions about whether producers feel more inclined to intervene in the case of a contestant who is having a hard time or seeing something that needs to be addressed.
“I find it very personal. We are like one big family. I still speak to Islanders from every season. It’s not often talked about in the press but there are many crew who have worked on every single season. We take it very seriously and we have updated duty of care procedures. I think Jacques felt like his time was up and as producers we have to respect his decision. Adam came in and got on with a lot of the girls. Did that impact Jacques’ decision to leave? That would be something Jacques would have to explain.”
Spencer is clear that it was O’Neill’s decision to exit the show. The contestant’s family has since revealed that his volatility could in part have been down to his ADHD.
If necessary, could a relative pull out a contestant?
“All the contestants are adults. We speak to the families of the Islanders every day. They have a point of contact and they’re updated every day. We have a great rapport with parents. We’ve never had a parent who told us they wanted to pull their child out of the show. The contestants are all adults so it’s down to them more than anyone else.”
Stirling points out that Islanders are better equipped to recognize when enough is enough.
“I think the young people in the Villa are growing up in an environment where people are more aware of mental health so they aren’t so afraid to talk about things. Even seven years ago, I couldn’t see two 23 year-old lads talking about their feelings together. The show is more aware of it, but people are in general.”
During his time on the show O’Neill himself was cast as something of a “villain”Paige was criticized on social media for his conduct towards her. They are as in the past. ‘toxic masculinity’ ‘gaslighting’These words were popular among people who were dissatisfied by the conduct of several male contestants.
Is Spencer aware of this behavior? Does he believe there is something the show can do to change it?
“I think it’s incredibly subjective,” Spencer says. “Everyone has different interpretations of behavioural traits. I think the program showcases normal relationships. There are also very empowered women on the show.”
The charity Women’s Aid has raised concerns multiple times about Collard’s antics, but Spencer believes the term ‘toxic masculinity’It is too much when it comes to Love Island.
“I would be cautious about using a phrase like toxic masculinity. We showcase real relationships and real people, which is why the show is relatable. There are ups and downs in every relationship. We care for our Islanders and make sure they are protected. I wouldn’t want to bandy about a term like toxic masculinity which is so serious when globally there are people going through very extreme things in their relationships.”
Since O’Neill’s emotional exit, the mood has lightened on the show with the Becky Hill performance, a low-stakes challenge, and a drama-free recoupling. Maybe producers saw the need.
Scripted? Favourites?
The most common question is about Love IslandIs the stage management or scripting of the BAFTA-winning show extensive?
“From my end, I’ve never heard of anyone being told you have to do something,” says Stirling who was speaking to us just after he had finished recording the voice over for that night’s show. The Villa is a reflection of what TV viewers see. It was recorded 24-48 hours prior.
“We have Villa producers who help us tell the story,”Spencer explained. “They have chats with contestants to see where things are going. Those conversations will be fed back to us. We never tell anyone how to think or what to feel. We give them minimal direction. At most, in the morning, we will ask the girls and boys to head to the terrace or poolside”.
Was it a coincidence that Luca walked into the villa this week while Adam was speaking to Gemma?
“Adam was playing the field as soon as he came in,” Spencer says. “He spent a long time with Gemma that afternoon. It wasn’t as orchestrated as you might think. I think the reality gods have been looking out for us this season, anyway.”
The Islanders are restricted in what they can eat and drink. They are constantly checked for signs of dehydration and allowed to drink no more than two alcoholic drinks per evening.
Are creators able to pick their favourites?
“I do,”Stirling admits “but my favourites also change as they do for most people. I try to stay neutral but sometimes you do get invested.”
This season, stand-up Stirling (who is married to the show’s presenter Laura Whitmore) has been particularly taken with fiery couple Davide and Ekin-Su, as well as fellow Scot Jay (who was voted off this week).
He is unsure of who he believes could make it all the way this season.
“Pre-Casa Amor I would have fancied Jacques and Paige; Dami and Indiya too. Luca and Gemma is an interesting one. Having done this so many times, it’s always really hard to win it if you’re a couple from very early. There isn’t the same journey with highs and lows. The initial reception to both Davide and Ekin-Su when they both arrived was contentious but now they’re both like national treasures.”
Cashcow
The Love IslandITV and many others involved continue to make money from brand.
Love Island USACBS will soon relaunch the show with Stirling as the host. ITV has announced that it will produce two seasons of the UK version in the meantime. Many spinoffs also have involved former characters.
In what should be music to actress Ekin-Su’s ears, Spencer says, “There is such a great cross section of people in there this year, I’m sure there could be other shows on the horizon for them”.
ITV updated its terms of care to include inclusion. Fans have requested a queer or LGBT version. That’s something Stirling would welcome.
“We are always, as a country, as a society, looking for more inclusion and everyone is welcome as far as I’m concerned. It’s a good thing, so absolutely.”
“We are constantly developing different shows,”Spencer agrees. “We are always looking to be as inclusive as possible but we’re not currently working on a queer or LGBT Love Island specifically, but we hope to have some exciting news soon.”
The Love Island finale airs August 1st.