The huge twist on next season’s Love Island that could change everything

It’s about time.

If there was one reality show that had the nation hooked last year it was Love Island. Yes, it became one of the biggest reality TV programmes of the year, seeing record numbers of applicants hoping to gain a place on the dating show. And with applications for 2018 already open, the lineup for the upcoming season could see a huge shakeup. Producers on the show are reportedly hoping to include gay and lesbian contestants on this year’s edition, after they were heavily criticised for the lineup on previous seasons.

"The main thing that came under fire for was sex on TV, which people have now started to accept, so come next series people won’t really care about that," a source told the Daily Star. "ITV want to increase the shock factor of the show and keep people talking, by having LGBT people included."

However, apparently, producers are worried the format of Love Island won't lend itself to having same-sex couples, and say they would have to change the entire structure of the show. ITV’s Head of Digital Channels Paul Mortimer agreed with that, saying in a statement:

“The format doesn’t really allow it. If you’re familiar with the programme, it’s about coupling and recoupling. To complicate it with same-sex relationships is to take something away from the format.”

While the current show might not allow for same-sex couples, the idea of a second ‘gay version’ of the show has not been ruled out either.