Another Love Island series is drawing to a close with the jury still out on whether it's been a triumphant summer. Series 13 has served up heaps of drama, plot twists, surprises and romantic entanglements. Now in its final complete week, the live finale is merely days away.
Maya Jama is poised to be on location once more as the concluding episode broadcasts live from the villa itself. Throughout the past several weeks, devoted viewers will have felt like permanent fixtures both inside and beyond the confines of the Love Island villa.
Where is Love Island UK shot?
The overwhelming majority of Love Island UK series have been shot in Mallorca. Two of the primary series plus spin-off show All Stars have been produced in South Africa. Since 2023, the villa has been situated in Sant Llorenc, des Cardassar, which has served as the home of the villa in nine out of the 13 versions. When the programme launched it was shot in Santanyi.
Audiences have now become accustomed to the current setting, though the property has experienced some minor alterations between series. ITV opened its doors to several journalists ahead of the latest series, allowing fans an unprecedented glimpse into some of its hidden details.
One remarkable aspect was that there is just one loo in the villa. That's quite shocking when you consider at one stage there were approximately 20 islanders living in the villa simultaneously.
Changes to the villa
There are now additional seating spaces throughout the villa for contestants to conduct their daily conversations. This includes a seating zone close to the terrace doorway, which accommodates three people comfortably, potentially guaranteeing that romantic triangles get their moment in the spotlight.
One section of the villa that has been completely eliminated is the designated smoking zone. ITV didn't just remove this to meet updated broadcasting standards, but also introduced some rigorous new regulations. Islanders can now smoke or vape, but they must exit the villa entirely to do so. They're also required to go by themselves, ensuring no pivotal discussions are overlooked during their cigarette breaks.
Audiences will probably spot that the kitchen space, while outdoors, features a massive refrigerator. Within it, the Islanders receive eggs, bread, milk, juice, bacon and other basics they might require for breakfast. They're able to order additional meals, maintain a supply of ice creams to stay refreshed and have pizzas available for simple late-night treats.
Blue firepit controversy
Some supporters weren't thrilled with one major alteration to the villa this year. It featured a completely new blue firepit, which left numerous viewers feeling annoyed. During the opening episode, one viewer declared: "Blue fire pit is an absolute eyesore," while another commented: "Sorry but that blue firepit is ugly."
Love Island airs Sunday to Friday at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
