Love Island criticised for lack of diversity as new islanders arrive: 'They look like they came out of the same factory'
As 12 new contestants land on the island, many fans appear to be irritated at the sight of a new horde of bronze, toned models replacing the ones who were just kicked out
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Love Island is being called out by viewers for its lack of diversity among the new islanders.
In a trailer for tonight's episode (Thursday 28 June), 12 new contestants were shown being thrown into the mix to stir things up between the current couples.
Seeing the new horde of buff, bronzed Adam clones, fans decided that they've had enough.
One fan asked why "they all look like they came out of the same factory... three of these lads look EXACTLY the same", while another complained: "You might as well send the people you kick off back in."
"When we ask for diversity you know we don't mean hair colour right?" another tweeted.
Love Island has been criticised for its lack of body diversity since the show's inception, with the new series coming under particular scrutiny amid a growing conversation about body image.
The male contestants in this season typically boast bulging biceps and an eight-pack apiece, while the women have a "distinct lack of body fat".
Liam Preston, head of the Be Real campaign which aims to tackle attitudes around body image, recently told The Independent: "Love Island continues to glorify the male and female body in a way which only promotes one stereotypical look.
"Given the programme's popularity among a young audience, it would have been an opportune moment to show that love isn't just about looks, however, the show's casting is encouraging a one-dimensional viewpoint on attraction. This could have easily been avoided by casting a more diverse range of body shapes and sizes."
In a surprise twist to last night's episode where two islanders had to leave the show; couples were spared the 'joint dumping' process, with girls being told to choose which boy to send home instead, and vice versa.
So Zara McDermott and Eyal Booker packed their bags (had Zara even had time to unpack?), with Zara claiming she left on "a really positive" note, sounding absurdly hopeful that Adam would "stay faithful".
Love Island continues weekday nights on ITV2 at 9pm.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments