Love Island recoupling drama sparks nearly 200 Ofcom complaints

‘We take the emotional well-being of all the Islanders extremely seriously,' says ITV spokesperson

The fallout from Love Island’s dramatic recoupling has sparked 196 complaints to Ofcom, the watchdog has revealed.

During Wednesday night’s episode of the hit ITV show, several islanders chose to couple up with new contestants, resulting in arguments, upset and heartbreak in the villa.

As a result, a spokesperson for Ofcom has revealed that it received almost 200 complaints all relating to the drama from the islanders’ decisions.

The spokesperson added that the broadcasting regulator is assessing the complaints against broadcasting rules, but that it is “yet to decide whether or not to investigate”.

During the episode, islander Amy Hart was left heartbroken after her partner Curtis Pritchard told her he had feelings for fellow contestant Jourdan Riane and that they had kissed during a game. He also revealed that he had wanted to couple up with Jourdan but was rejected, resulting in him choosing to stay coupled up with his original partner.

The news devastated Amy with the 26-year-old revealing she had planned to tell Curtis that she loved him – a revelation which resulted in several Love Island viewers tweeting their support for the heartbroken contestant.

“I’m worried for Amy, can the producers make sure she’s okay,” one user tweeted.

Another added: “Really hope they offer Amy some support :((“

The episode also saw contestant Michael Griffiths and Amber Gill part ways after the former chose to couple up with newcomer Joanna Chimonides.

The former couple argued over Michael’s decision, with Amber saying she had been “loyal” to him by not choosing one of the male newcomers while in Casa Amor – a second temporary villa in which the women stayed last week for a few days.

A spokesperson from ITV tells The Independent: “We take the emotional well-being of all the Islanders extremely seriously.

“We have dedicated welfare producers and psychological support on hand at all times who monitor and regularly speak to all of the Islanders in private and off camera, especially if someone appears to be upset.

“All the Islanders are therefore fully supported by the professionals on site and by their friends in the villa. This means Islanders are always able to reach out and talk to someone if they feel the need. We will of course continue to monitor all of our Islanders in line with our robust protocols.”

Former Love Island contestant Yewande Biala, who was eliminated from the programme last week, appeared on ITV’s Good Morning Britain on Thursday and said that she was surprised by the events that took place after she left the villa.

She stated: “I’m just really disappointed in the way he (Michael) handled yesterday’s situation, I felt he could have handled it in a different way, like he came in guns blazing, didn’t once apologise to Amber or even back what he’s done, and he was so quick to call her childish.

“It’s important to go with your gut, and if you do have a connection with someone else it’s also important to highlight it to the person you’re coupled up with.”

Biala added that she was equally “shocked” with Curtis’ actions, saying: “I’m still confused about how you can go from 100 to 0 real quick.

“He said to Amy that he’s been lying from the start, which makes you question everything really.

“Did you have a game plan from the start, how have you kept lying to her for four weeks? That’s a long time to lie to someone.”

Love Island continues on ITV2 at 9pm.