Love Island aired its 2026 final on Monday 27 July, but viewers were quick to complain after a twist reduced the number of couples from four to three.
The finale initially featured four couples: Lorenzo Alessi, 28, and Julia Majchrzak, 26; Kavan Murphy, 21, and Jasmine Muller, 27; Kudyiwa, 24, and Angelista Gunda, 24; and Tommy Stagg, 23, and Yasmin Hadlow, 23. However, former Islanders Mica Harris and Samraj Toor were tasked with dumping one last couple before the final.
Twist sparks viewer backlash
Mica and Samraj, who had been booted off the programme in Sunday's show, chose to eliminate Tommy and Yasmin before the final. This left only three couples competing for the £50,000 prize.
Taking to X, viewers shared their frustration. One person said: "it has to be the most stupid twist ever like why are 3 couples in the final #loveisland". Another added: "I just cant why have they made it 3 people #loveisland."
A different fan commented: "Never do this 3 couple malarkey again @itv @loveisland #loveisland". Another echoed: "This is the strangest final ever, beginning on last nights cliffhanger, no public vote until the actual show, no declarations of love (again), shorter finale duration and only 3 finalists, it feels so off #loveisland #loveislanduk."
Some fans enjoyed the change
Not all viewers were unhappy. One wrote: "I for one am pleased they switched up the format this season and didn’t waste the last week reading poems to people they won’t be with in 3 months time. Drama till the end. Television. #LoveIsland". Another added: "Top 3 makes sense #loveisland."
Love Island: The Live Final aired on Monday at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
