Love Island: ITV divides viewers with reasoning for excluding gay people from reality show
The IndependentSign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy ITV has divided viewers with its reasoning for excluding gay people from appearing on Love Island. The reality show, which sees straight couples partnering up, is returning this month, but ITV commissioner Amanda Stavri has shut down speculation that there will be any gay contestants, saying the move would present a “logistical difficulty”. There’s a sort of logistical difficulty, because although Islanders don’t have to be 100 per cent straight, the format must sort of give Islanders an equal choice when coupling up.” Stavri said that there is “more sexual diversity” on the channel’s other realty series, The Cabins. But that’s the difficulty with Love Island.” Stavri’s comments have divided viewers, with one describing them as “a tired, uninspired and lazy take”, and others thinking ITV should simply create a gay version of the hit series.