There's a huge issue with this year's Love Island that viewers only clocked last night

Love Island's return marks the start of summer for many viewers, but there's one surprising detail fans have only just picked up on, and it's changing the way they're watching the show.

Series 13 has already delivered drama, from explosive recouplings and unexpected bombshell arrivals to fiery confrontations that have left relationships hanging by a thread.

Yesterday’s episode saw the arrival of four new bombshells as the sleepover returned. Mica, Simba, Kavan and Yasmin left the villa to meet Finley, Chidi, Halle and Tina to see if any new connections were on the horizon.

With loyalties constantly shifting and several islanders already finding themselves at the centre of heated debates such as hook up culture and 'double standards', viewers have had no shortage of talking points as the latest season gathers pace.

But while the villa continues to dominate the conversation, some fans could be missing out on the action altogether. With the FIFA World Cup now taking place and set to continue through to July, and with many matches kicking off during the evening, viewers are finding themselves torn between keeping up with the latest Love Island drama and watching some of football's biggest teams battle it out on the pitch.

Love Island's sleepover returned on Wednesday (ITV)

ITV promoted this series of Love Island with a football-themed launch campaign too.

Naturally, viewers have taken to social media to reflect on this very specific conundrum. “I’ve been watching all these World Cup games I forgot Love Island was on,” said one fan.

While another viewer complained on Wednesday: “Love Island UK have lost their minds by being on when England is playing a big World Cup match. Love Island UK will have their lowest-ever audience tonight. Crazy to be on when a big match is on.

Other fans have pondered how the Islanders decided to join the world’s biggest dating show when the world’s biggest football tournament is happening at the same time. “Imagine going on Love Island when the World Cup’s on,” a third person on X asked.

Love Island clashes with the World Cup (Francois Nel/Getty Images)

A fourth person revealed: “World Cup started & I’ve only watched 3 Love Island eps since.”

What’s more, England had their first match of the World Cup on Wednesday night and it seems some fans decided to skip Love Island to watch. And in case you decided to watch the ITV2 dating show live, the team won 4-2 against Croatia.

Of course, this isn't the first time Love Island fans have found themselves choosing between romance, aspiring influencers and football. The show has previously gone head-to-head with major international tournaments, but with events like the World Cup only coming around once every four years, many viewers may have forgotten just how tricky it can be to keep up with both.

Love Island airs weeknights at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.