ITV bosses have teased that Love Island is aiming to increase diversity with this year’s series – but that seemingly will not extend to the inclusion of gay contestants.
Love Island fans have long called for LGBTQ contestants to be represented on the hit ITV2 reality show, which is set to return to our screens this summer after a prolonged absence due to the pandemic.
Speaking to Radio Times, ITV commissioner Amanda Stavri said: “The line-up will be announced within time and it goes without saying that we want to encourage greater inclusivity and diversity.”
However, those hoping 2021 would be the year gay islanders would be making their way into the villa will be left disappointed, with Amanda highlighting the supposed “logistical difficulty” this would raise.
“In terms of gay Islanders, I think the main challenge is regarding the format of Love Island,” she explained.
“There’s a sort of logistical difficulty, because although Islanders don’t have to be 100 percent straight, the format must sort of give [the] Islanders an equal choice when coupling up.”
These comments have, unsurprisingly, sparked a big reaction online:
disappointing comments from the Love Island boss… https://t.co/OoPw7j04ib
— Lydia (@LydiaGreatrix) June 2, 2021
Arrogant of @ITV and @LoveIsland to call inclusion of gay contestants on the show as "a logistical difficulty". That's such a tired, uninspired and lazy take in 2021. Representation MATTERS! 👏🏼🏳️🌈🏳️⚧ #pride#LoveIsland#LoveIsLovehttps://t.co/LvriNa4ktG
— Artur Zaremba (@ArturZaremba) June 2, 2021
😂😂😂😂 I haven't heard a worse excuse in my life 🤣 https://t.co/R1XmLaNZep
— Mick minas (@MOVIESTVMAD) June 2, 2021
If your format only works with straight people maybe rethink the format? Do a lil spider diagram, have a lil thinkhttps://t.co/O3Uj5iAi7u
— Alexandra Pollard (@alexjpollard) June 2, 2021
“Logistical difficulty” = we don’t even wanna try https://t.co/HPfCZTZjhX
— Declan Cashin (@Tweet_Dec) June 2, 2021
I think by “logistical difficulty” they mean they just cba because there’s quite an easy solution. Chuck 20 people on an island regardless of sexuality. Easy. https://t.co/livYDvrSGu
— 👋🏻 (@Ohanthonio) June 2, 2021
If I'm A Celebrity can work without Australia, Love Island can work with gay/lesbian/bi contestants. #pride@itvstudioshttps://t.co/SibnqPOjU7
— Ruth Gregson (@RG_Bhaji) June 2, 2021
I’m sorry, we can’t reflect your sexuality on screen because of logistics hope you understand.
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) June 2, 2021
Part of me understands, I know the format. But part of me gets so irritated by this too.
On principle, nowhere should be blocked off on TV because your sexuality. It’s 2021. If it’s causing a problem, change the show to make it work babes.
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) June 2, 2021
Happy Pride Month https://t.co/cmUxrebNHn
— Minnie Stephenson (@MinnieStephC4) June 2, 2021
the way the show could really be freshed up with same sex pairings too sigh https://t.co/BZRojCwKGj
— TV GENERAL (@tvgeneral93) June 2, 2021
Been called many things since I first came out, but first time I’ve heard LGBTQ+ people described as logistical difficulty. https://t.co/V3UQtoWr63
— Nathan (@n_rh1992) June 2, 2021
HANDS UP if you're a "logistical difficulty" and you love it! 🙋♀️ 🌈🐙🍑✨ https://t.co/PDusLXTCRz
— Adam Zmith (@AdamZmith) June 2, 2021
Love Island has previously only featured one same-sex pairing in the past six series, when the late Sophie Gradon briefly coupled up with Katie Salmon.
Several former Islanders have come out as LGBTQ since leaving the show, including finalist Megan Barton Hanson, who claimed in 2019 she kept the fact she is bisexual hidden on the show out of concern there’d be a “stigma” attached to her.
Love Island will return for its seventh series later in the summer, with Laura Whitmore once again back on presenting duties.
