Love Island recoupling sparks almost 200 complaints to Ofcom

The fallout from Love Island’s explosive recoupling episode has seen almost 200 viewers complain to Ofcom, the broadcasting watchdog.

Following the show’s infamous Casa Amor episodes – where the islanders are split for several days and introduced to new “bombshells” – a number of the original contestants chose to couple up with different people.

In Wednesday night’s episode, two of the Love Island contestants – Amber Gill and Amy Hart – were left in tears, prompting furious arguments in the Majorcan villa.

ITV has said all the contestants are being “fully supported by professionals on site” as well as their friends on the the show.

A spokeswoman for Ofcom said the watchdog was assessing 196 complaints, all relating to the aftermath of the recoupling, but is “yet to decide whether or not to investigate”.

Original islanders Curtis Pritchard and Amy Hart, who have been together since the very start of the series on 3 June, remained a couple – although Pritchard confessed to developing feelings for newcomer Jourdan Raine in the four days they were apart.

Amy broke down in tears, telling him she had realised she had fallen in love with him while they were separated.

Many fans on social media were upset by the scenes, with dozens calling for producers to step in.

One said seeing the air hostess crying was “too cruel for TV” while another said: “Amy is actually struggling someone help her please.”

The episode also saw Michael Griffiths split with Amber, his “partner” of several weeks, after deciding to couple up with newcomer Joanna Chimonides.

Rather than apologising for his decision, he appeared to blame Amber for things that were wrong in their relationship, and called her “childish”.

The couple had previously been among the bookies’ favourites to win the ITV2 show and the £50,000 cash prize.

Many Love Island viewers took to Twitter during and after the episode to complain about the behaviour of some of the islanders.

In response, an ITV spokesman said: “We have a duty of care to all of the islanders and 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.

“We would strongly discourage anyone from following social media commentary that labels Islanders in potentially defamatory or damaging ways, especially when they have no opportunity to respond.

“Social media negativity is of course very distressing for their families to read, and we strive to protect them from this where we can.”

It is not the first time the show, now in its fifth year, has received complaints.

Last year, more than 2,500 fans complained after contestant Dani Dyer was shown a clip of boyfriend Jack Fincham reacting to his former girlfriend entering Casa Amor.

But producers left out evidence of Jack’s growing loyalty to Dani, the daughter of EastEnders actor Danny Dyer, and she was left in tears.

Fans said it was an unfair misrepresentation, and accused the show of emotional abuse.

The show has also faced criticism following the suicides of former islanders Mike Thalassitis and Sophie Gradon.

Earlier this year, bosses pledged to increase the level of care and advice offered to contestants.

Sky News has contacted Love Island for comment about the latest Ofcom complaints.

(c) Sky News 2019: Love Island recoupling sparks almost 200 complaints to Ofcom