Love Island producers were forced to intervene after male contestants snubbed a new female bombshell, a show insider has claimed. The source told The Daily Star that the boys 'slated' the newcomer and refused to engage with her, prompting producers to enter the villa and instruct the islanders to get to know her.
The insider said producers are 'very heavily involved' in the series, spending most of their time watching the action and communicating with islanders via a tannoy. On this occasion, they had to step in when no one fancied the new arrival, which is unusual as bombshells typically cause excitement.
ITV has defended the show's editing, stating that the final cut 'represents what happens over a 24-hour period'. A spokesperson said: 'The opinions they have, decisions they make and the relationships formed are completely within the control of the Islanders themselves.'
Former islander Billy Brown, who entered as a bombshell in 2022, revealed producers select contestants who can 'stir things up'. He said: 'They knew that I could chat to anyone and that I had the confidence to stir things up if needed.'
This series' latest bombshell Claudia Fogarty has had a warmer reception, with teasers showing at least one coupled-up boy developing feelings for her. Claudia picked Casey and Tom for dates, praising Tom's 'northern charm' and admitting she was 'drawn to' Casey.
