ITV To Review Love Island After 5,000 Ofcom Complaints This Series
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With only a few days left before the villa doors close for the year, ITV boss Kevin Lygo has spoken out after Ofcom logged more than 5,000 complaints about Love Island this season.
Although the current eighth series has been a hit with viewers, there have been moments that have been surrounded in controversy and complaints.
In the last two weeks, the show has received 5,623 complaints to the regulator Ofcom, mostly related to alleged bullying and misogynistic and controlling behaviour on behalf of some of the male Islanders.
ITV is now planning to address viewers’ concerns by conducting an editorial review of the hugely popular dating show.
Kevin Lygo, the managing director of ITV Studios told Variety: “We continually assess the program as it’s going on, because it’s one of these odd, every night live shows.
“But when the series comes to an end, on Monday, we will always sit down and review what we think about it, what the reaction’s been, how well it’s done.”
Referencing the eighth series’ success with viewers, for which it consistently finishes as one of the most-watched shows among the important 16-34 demographic, Lygo added: “It’s the best one we’ve had in many years.
“To get five million people to watch your show every single night at nine o’clock is extraordinary in the modern era.”
The behaviour of the male islanders' in the villa has been heavily criticised by viewers at home, with Ofcom reporting 3,500 complaints in the space of just a week earlier this month.
One particularly controversial moment came on Sunday 17 July, after the islanders attended Mad Movies night in the villa.
After the episode aired, Love Island received 2,481 complaints from fans, accusing some of the boys of misogynistic behaviour.
Later that night, Love Island's extra show After Sun aired and received 427 complaints after fans accused guests of making inappropriate comments about Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu.
Viewers were also unimpressed at the treatment of former islander Jacques O'Neill following his emotional departure from the villa for mental health reasons.
The following Monday (18 July), Love Island received an additional 413 complaints relating to alleged bullying and misogynistic behaviour from the boys.
Love Island fanatics were particular disturbed by how Luca Bish and Dami Hope treated Tasha Ghouri following her return from Casa Amor.
She was left in tears over the Snog, Marry, Pie challenge after being targeted by Luca and Dami, which attracted 1,509 complaints. However, both Luca and Dami later apologised to Tasha for upsetting her.
ITV previously confirmed that the winter series will return in the new year followed by the summer series.
Topics: TV And Film, Love Island
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