Random Facts About 'Love Island' British Reality Show (21 items)

• 

  (#3) The Show Brings On Contestants' Exes To Taunt Them

  One way the show stirs things up and attempts to throw the Islanders off their game is by bringing on the exes of some of the contestants. This twist was added during the fourth season of the show, which premiered in 2018. Since providing a comprehensive dating history is a prerequisite to being cast on Love Island, producers have access to all the dramatic details of Islanders' previous relationships. Of course, this move only brings more drama as the exes hold grudges, and are ready to exact some monumental payback.
• 

  (#1) It's Coming To America

  In August 2018, American company CBS snatched the US format rights to Love Island. 

  "Love Island has been a massive success overseas. It's currently seen, or about to premiere in several European countries as well as Australia, and we're thrilled that ITV has partnered with us to bring their most successful show to American television, CBS's head of alternative programming Sharon Vuong told Deadline. 
• 

  (#12) Politicians Weigh In On The Show

  Love Island has even rocked the British government. Politicians have spoken out about the outrageousness of the show, and even who they want to win. Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn urged viewers to vote for Marcel Somerville during the 2017 season. Parliament member, Brexit ringleader, and Trump BFF Nigel Farage said he wanted to be a contestant on Love Island. Lord Mike Storey criticized all the smoking that's done on the show. From every angle, Love Island invites strong viewer reaction.
• 

  (#9) Clocks And Watches Are Not Allowed In The Cast Villa

  To maintain tension and raise the stakes, the atmosphere on the Love Island set is purposefully kept as removed from the real world as is humanly possible. There are many ways producers accomplish this rarified air, including the removal of all clocks and timepieces from the villa. Kady McDermott, who came in third during Love Island's 2016 season, told Cosmopolitan:

  You don’t even know what time it is! You’re not allowed clocks... You don’t even know what day it is really. We started to figure out the time by where the sun was! If the smoking area was in the shade when we woke up, we knew it was before 7 AM, so we started figuring out timings. But the days were very long, and the producers never let us sleep in past 9:30 AM [because] that wasn’t entertaining.
• 

  (#7) One Contestant's Father Was So Embarrassed By Her Behavior That He Had To Take A Leave Of Absence From Work

  Love Island is so popular, even contestants' families are being hounded by fans and the media. And, not surprisingly, some family members are downright embarrassed by how their loved ones are behaving on the show. Megan Barton Hanson, a contestant on the 2018 season, was one of the Island's most polarizing characters. Her father, an insurance broker, was reportedly so ashamed of his daughter's antics he took three weeks off of work until the season was over, and hopefully forgotten.

  "If he could have taken three months off, I’m pretty sure he would have," a friend of his told the Mirror. "He’s a serious businessman. He’s not coped well with the thought of the country ogling his daughter in the Love Island villa."
• 

  (#17) The Villa Is Insanely Lavish, And You Can Stay There When The Show's Not Filming

  The 2018 season of Love Island was filmed in a villa on the Spanish isle of Majorca. Yes, there is one big shared bedroom, but the other amenities more than make up for it. There's a ginormous hot tub, pool, and gym. There is an al-fresco bar, firepit, and fully-stocked kitchen. The poolside area is set up with loungers and conversation areas to facilitate connection among the Islanders. When the show isn't in production, you can book a stay at the villa, but it won't come cheap. 2018 prices start at £3,000 per week (nearly $4,000).

New Random Displays    Display All By Ranking