Love Island bosses have denied reports that the ITV show’s production has been caught in a “gang war” in South Africa.
On Sunday (5 January), Extreme Security Measures owner Tim Lotter was killed in a gang-related incident in Cape Town just 25 minutes from the neighbourhood where the new villa will be located.
But an ITV spokesperson has denied any link between Lotter’s death and the show.
“There is absolutely no link whatsoever between Love Island and this person or firm,” they said.
They added: “The safety and security of our Islanders and crew are of the utmost importance.”
According to The Sun, Lotter’s death has been linked to the battle to prostitution and the drug trade in relation to ownership of nightclub security.
The winter version of the popular series will introduce 12 new hopefuls looking to find romance.
Going by its murder rate, Cape Town is the 11th deadliest city in the world.
The South African Cities Network last year reported 69 murders for every 100,000 people.
Laura Whitmore replaced Caroline Flack as host after she stepped down amid charges of assault following an alleged incident at her home with her boyfriend, Lewis Burton.
Love Island begins on ITV2 on 8 January at 9pm.
