Love Island bosses ‘want bisexual contestants to make up almost half the new cast’
Love Island’s seventh season was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, so fans are excited for the show to finally be back. (YouTube/Love Island)
Love Island bosses are reportedly looking “to sign up bisexual islanders” for the latest series after years of criticism over its lack of LGBT+ inclusion.
While the reality show has had bisexual contestants in the past, the format of the show focuses on mixed-gender pairings.
But now, ITV bosses are said to want bisexual or pansexual contestants to make up 40 per cent of the upcoming cast.
“Love Island has always been inclusive – the only criteria is that you’re over 18 and looking for love,” a source told The Sun. “But this is the first year that finding contestants with more fluid sexuality has been part of the briefing.”
The casting team are reportedly “doing their best to tick that box” as casting for the new series gets underway.
After COVID-19 forced ITV to cancel last year’s planned series, Love Island is making a big return this summer.
The Sun reports that preparations have already begun at a villa in Majorca, with plans to start shooting in June.
Previously, Love Island creator Richard Cowles said he wanted to include more LGBT+ contestants, but said “there is a logistical element which makes it difficult”.
There have been a few bisexual contestants in the past, including Megan Barton Hanson who has backed a “whole gay series” of the show.
The only same-sex pairing seen on the show thus far were Katie Salmon and Sophie Gradon, who dated during the 2016 series.
Gradon passed away in 2018. Salmon wrote a heartfelt tribute for her ex on Twitter, writing: “The world has failed you beautiful. I’m heartbroken for you Soph to have felt this pain. I wish there was more help out there. Your smile will be remembered forever.”
The upcoming series will be the seventh aired since the show was rebooted in 2015.
