Love Island bosses hit back over diversity row – ‘It’s an entertainment show’

Love Island bosses have spoken out in response to the criticism surrounding the lack of diversity in this year’s line up. 

The TV show has come-under-fire after failing to show a broad spectrum of body types.

Many people, including celebrities and ex-Islanders, have blasted the ITV2 programme for not showcasing bodies of all shapes and sizes. 

“You try and be as representative and diverse as possible, but it has to come back to, first and foremost, it’s an entertainment show”

Richard Cowles, Love Island’s co-creator and producer

However, the ITV2 show’s co-creator and producer Richard Cowles has revealed Love Island is merely “an entertainment show.” 

Speaking to The Sun before the show’s premiere, Richard defended this year’s hopefuls. 

He said: “You try and be as representative and diverse as possible, but it has to come back to, first and foremost, it’s an entertainment show, and it’s about people wanting to watch people on screen and them reacting and falling in love with one another. 

“Where else can you watch people who arrive as strangers fall in love in eight weeks?”

He added: “We’re not saying everyone in there is how you’re supposed to look.” 

“What we’re saying is: ‘Here’s a group of people you want to watch for eight weeks and we want to watch them fall in love.’ And it doesn’t mean that’s not in the front of our minds, but we do want to be as diverse as possible.”

Plus-size model Jade Sezer was rumoured to be heading to the villa, however she soon shut down the hearsay on her Instagram page. 

After running the Vitality 10k race in her bra and pants to celebrate body positivity last weekend, Jade posted that she will not be appearing on the programme. 

She said: “As the rumours have it, no, I won’t be going on Love Island. But good luck to all contestants!

“Diversity is so much bigger then seeing one ‘plus size’ girl on TV. We should all be seen!”

  • Love Island

Source: Read Full Article