This year’s crop of Love Island contestants were forced to take a cold shower before even appearing on the show as they were warned they might not get famous – and that it’s possible no one will fancy them.
According to reports, ITV have drafted contracts that bluntly warn of the downsides of featuring on the hit reality romance series.
While many contestants that have featured on the series in recent years have gone on to find fame and fortune – as well as going on to feature in a string of other TV shows – many more have disappeared back to obscurity.
TV bosses are said to be making sure that the contestants of this year's show are well aware of all the downsides of fame before they are allowed to step inside the villa as part of their ‘duty of care’ to hopeful singletons.
According to The Sun, a clause in the contracts warn contestants: "There's no guarantee as to how long your stay in the villa will last - you could be the first person to leave and nobody may fancy you."
While a source told the publication: "It was brutal to read but at least everyone knows what to except now and there's no surprises."
A further alleged clause in the contracts reportedly warns that contestants my only experience very limited time in the spotlight – and are warned their fame could be very short lived, or may not happen at all.
The contract warns: ”If you're hoping that you will become famous by taking part in the show there are no guarantees that this will happen.
"It may not change your life in any way."
The contracts also warn that contestants can find themselves subject to “negative attention” amid fears some could be targeted by online trolls, or will be criticised over their personalities, behaviour, or simply their appearance, while on the show.
And the contestants are said to be warned the public can swiftly lose interest in them once their time on the show is over, and that lucrative post-show endorsement deals can disappear.
Contestants for the 2021 series have reportedly been subject to the most rigorous recruitment process of the show so far following the death of two past contestants, Sophie Gradon in 2018 and Mike Thalassitis in 2019, as well as series host, Caroline Flack, in 2020.
Earlier this month it was revealed new duty of care protocols dictate that all those taking part this year will receive comprehensive psychological support before, during and after the show.
Contestants are also given training in dealing with trolls, guidance on financial management and direction on how to find representation after leaving the show.
The protocols also state contestants will receive advice on how to deal with job offers that they might also receive after featuring on the show – from ad campaigns to public appearances and to featuring on future TV shows.
The stars of the series are also to be granted access to professional psychologists for 14 months after they appear on the show – and are also assessed by phycological and medical experts before appearing on the series.
