The latest season of Love Island will not be investigated by Ofcom, the watchdog has confirmed, despite receiving tens of thousands of complaints from ITV viewers.
TV watchers logged over 14,000 complaints about the behaviour on the show, which saw Toni Laites and Cach Mercercome come out on top of the drama-filled season.
In what was the highest number of complaints since 2021, the 14,154 reports to Ofcom related to alleged bullying, abusive behaviour and misogyny.
The highest number of complaints came after the July 24 episode, in which viewers were concerned about the alleged bullying of Shakira Khan and 3,547 complaints were lodged.
In other scenes on the show, viewers were also unhappy with Dejon Noel-Williams’ behaviour towards Megan Moore.
Get personalised updates on Love Island
Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.
However, Ofcom has now said that they have decided not to take the complaints any further, saying the behaviour on the show was ‘not shown in a positive light’ and is in line with what viewers expect from the format.
A watchdog spokesperson said: ‘We carefully assessed the complaints we received about this series of Love Island.
‘We recognise that emotionally charged or confrontational scenes can upset some viewers. But, in our view, negative behaviour in the villa was not shown in a positive light, and contestants were seen supporting or apologising to each other.
‘We also took into account that the format of this reality show is well-established, and viewers would expect to see highs and lows as relationships and friendships are tested.’
Yet Love Island viewers at the time were not best pleased by the behaviour on the Maya Jama-hosted show.
Last year saw a much lower 3,500 complaints lodged, but did not surpass 2021’s series – which was won by Liam Reardon and Millie Court – when 36,000 complaints were submitted.
ITV has said that participants receive training about ‘mutually respectful behaviour in relationships’ and ‘behaviour patterns associated with controlling and coercive behaviour’ ahead of entering the villa.
They also receive psychological support throughout the show as well as an aftercare package which includes further support.
Through the season this summer, Love Island viewers took to social media to complain about the behaviour in the villa.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), @jadecvine wrote: ‘Never thought I’d do an ofcom complaint in my life and now I’ve done 2 in one week. #LoveIsland.’
@jwkioskk simply wrote: ‘I have never seen truly such vile behaviour on TV. #LoveIsland.’
@ninia_benjamin added: ‘This ITV is why you should have stepped in. But no you allowed this to go on watched by them. Then wonder why people are going Ofcom. A mean spiritedness was foisted on this series which was UNCALLED for. Love Island for shame.’
You can catch up on this season of Love Island on ITVX.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
