Love Island bosses ‘want bisexual contestants to make up almost half the new cast’

Producers are aiming for 40% of the contestants to be bisexual.

Love Island bosses are reportedly looking to sign up bisexual islanders ahead of the new series of the show. Whilst this wouldn't be the first time that the show has had bisexual contestants, previous seasons have focused almost entirely on mixed-gender pairings. ITV bosses are said to be aiming for up to 40% of the contestants this year to be either bisexual or pansexual. A source reportedly said: "Love Island has always been inclusive – the only criteria is that you’re over 18 and looking for love. "But this is the first year that finding contestants with more fluid sexuality has been part of the briefing." The casting team are said to be "doing their best to tick that box" as they begin the search for contestants for the new series. The show will be making a return this summer after being cancelled last year because of Covid-19, just like everything else in existence. Preparations have reportedly begun at the villa in Majorca, with the series set to begin filming in June. The creator of Love Island, Richard Cowles, has previously spoken about his desire to include more LGBTQ+ contestants, but has said that "there is a logistical element which makes it difficult." Love Island logistics. There have been some bisexual contestants that have featured on the show over the years, including Megan Barton Hanson, who has previously backed a "whole gay series" of the show. There has only ever been one same-sex pairing on the show though. This was in 2016 when Katie Salmon and Sophie Gradon dated during the series. The new series this year will be the seventh (I know - seventh!) aired since the show made a comeback in 2015.