Love Island explains why they don’t feature LGBTQI+ contestants

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Love Island explains why they don’t feature LGBTQI+ contestants

August 31, 2021

The producers in the UK said it poses “logistical difficulties”

Fans of the popular British dating show, Love Island, have had a thrilling time watching the latest season of the program, which came to an end last week.

A lot of viewers have, however, in the past queried why the show does not do more to feature LGBTQI+ contestants. In a previous season, they did feature one gay contentant, but this is few and far between.

Speaking to RadioTimes about the upcoming season, ITV commissioner Amanda Stavri explained that the show wants to include a more diverse contestant pool, but that LGBTQI+ contestants pose practical difficulties.

“I think the main challenge is regarding the format of Love Island. There’s a sort of logistical difficulty, because although Islanders don’t have to be 100% straight, the format must sort of give Islanders an equal choice when coupling up,” she said.

ITV Boss Kevin Lygo also recently commented on the success of the show. He said he doesn’t think the show has even peaked in terms of viewership just yet. Speaking about the LGBTQI+ issue, he was sceptical about how this can be implemented on Love Island’s current format.

“Love Island is a particular thing, it’s about boys and girls coupling up so if you want to do a gay version, or widen it, it is discussed and we haven’t yet found a way that would make it suitable for that show,” he explained.

Season 7 of Love Island UK came to an end on 23 August. It was hosted by Laura Whitmore and featured contestants that ranged from OnlyFans stars to bloggers and teachers.