A former Love Island champion has said ITV should consider changing the show's rules for future series, including raising the minimum age for contestants.
The 13th series of the ITV dating show ended last week, with Lorenzo Alessi and Julia Majchrzak winning the public vote and taking the £50,000 prize.
Cara De La Hoyde, who won series two with Nathan Massey in 2016, has now shared her thoughts on the show. The couple are still together and married with children. Cara was 26 when she appeared, and she believes producers should look at raising the minimum age for islanders.
Raising the minimum age
Speaking to Zingo Bingo, Cara said: "It wouldn't be a bad idea to make it over 21s. Love Island is a huge show and it's a big thing to do. There's a lot that comes after it. I also think it would be great to move the age to older. Sometimes I feel weird watching all these 21 year olds as a 36 year old!"
This year's cast ranged in age, but none were 30 or older. The oldest members were Lola, Lorenzo, Tommy and George, all 28. Unlike previous series, there were no teenagers; the youngest contestants were 21 – Kavan, Mica and Robyn. The most common age was 25, with seven islanders that age. ITV's website says applicants must be at least 18.
Life after the villa
Cara also warned this year's cast that adjusting to life outside the villa is like adapting to post-lockdown life. "It's definitely an adjustment," she said. "Being around crowds of people after getting used to life in the villa is strange. I think it's like when we were first able to go out again after Covid. It feels weird at first but you soon get used to it."
The reality TV star also said Love Island has changed a lot since her time on the show, and there are things she would like to see return – including the smoking area and more risqué scenes.
"I know they won't because they want to be seen as BAFTA-worthy television," Cara said. "But I'm telling you, bring it back and the drama will follow!"
Love Island is streaming on ITVX.
