Love Island Says LGBTQ+ Contestants Proves ‘Logistical Difficulty’ For Season 7

Love Island fans are not happy after the network’s commissioner Amanda Stavri spoke to the Radio Times about how the next season of Love Island looks set to disappoint us in terms of its representation on screen.

With hopes of seeing a more diverse cast on screen for the first time since the show started airing in 2005, it looks like those hopes are now being quashed as Amanda said there are ‘logistical difficulties’ with having LGBT representation on the show due to its format.

Now, this news is understandably causing uproar after the show was noted to be accepting applications from everyone of every sexual orientation for the first time in history. Giving us hope that things were moving in a progressive manner and that the show was finally getting a rejig. But it looks like the old format – for the most part – is here to stay.

“In terms of gay Islanders, I think the main challenge is regarding the format of Love Island. There’s a sort of logistical difficulty, because although Islanders don’t have to be 100% straight, the format must sort of give [them] an equal choice when coupling up,” explained Amanda.

Adding that ITV is aware of the need for more representation on screen, Amanda added that it’s something they strive for with their other dating shows like The Cabins.

“With our dating shows, such as The Cabins, there is much more sexual diversity. The formats don’t have as much restrictions as Love Island.”

Part of me understands, I know the format. But part of me gets so irritated by this too.

On principle, nowhere should be blocked off on TV because your sexuality. It’s 2021. If it’s causing a problem, change the show to make it work babes.

— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) June 2, 2021

Aware that Love Island comes with restrictions, it doesn’t look like a bridge the show is willing to cross any time soon as they seem fixed on their format for the next season with casting more than likely complete at this stage.

Could we potentially see the introduction of sexually fluid contestants this season? It’s possible, but as former Love Island contestant Megan Barton Hanson – who is bisexual noted, the programme really needs a “whole gay season” to avoid tokenism.

Will this be something we’ll see in the next year or two? It’s hard to say, but ‘logistical difficulties’ will happen time and time again if the show doesn’t rejig its evidently straight format. One structure doesn’t fit all and I mean, that’s apparent.

• love island
• reality tv