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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Jasmine Allday

Love Island hit with nearly 800 Ofcom complaints in four weeks amid 'bullying' claims

Love Island has been hit with 781 Ofcom complaints since it began four weeks ago.

It has been revealed that the ITV2 show - which returned to screens at the start of last month as a string of sexy singletons joined the show in a bid to find love - has revealed nearly 800 complaints so far since this series began.

Complaints include the bullying of some contestants, whilst others have got in touch about the age gap between certain contestants. They have also been contacted about the mental health of some contestants as well as others being given more screen time.

ITV have confirmed they have a strict procedure in regards to the welfare of their Islanders, both those in the villa now and those who have since departed the show.

Love Island has been full of drama so far (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

A spokesperson for Ofcom told The Daily Star of the 781 complaints: "On background, the main themes have been certain contestants being bullied; certain contestants’ wellbeing and mental health; the age gap between certain contestants and certain contestants being given more screen time in the main show edit than others."

ITV offer all their Islanders support before, during and after filming. Ahead of the series, they were also offered video training as well as guidance on inclusive language around disability, sexuality, race and ethnicity, behaviours and microaggressions.

The show received over 200 complaints in its first week - with most coming from the age gap between Gemma and Davide.

The programme received 167 complaints for its episode of June 7 over the ages of the contestants on the show and this was the episode where we saw Gemma, 19, and Davide, 27, kiss whilst it also received 93 complaints for its show on June 12.

Gemma Owen came under fire for her age gap with Davide (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

The pair later addressed their age gap, as Gemma said: "It's not an issue for me at all. I feel like if it was, I wouldn't have wanted to get to know you in the first place. And as I've said, I've been speaking to guys and seeing guys who are much older than me."

They have since moved on from one another though, with Gemma now partnered with Luca and Davide with Ekin-Su.

It has also been hit with complaints over the boys' treatment of Ekin-Su, after Jay branded her a "f***ing headache".

Things are heating up in the villa! (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

He told her that Jay has "coupled up with you and he's found out what you are in two days mate, a f*****g headache," with fans immediately taking issue with his comment and rushing to social media to complain.

"Anyone else feels like ekin su is blatantly being bullied? Like ya she went about things the wrong way with Jay but she risked a lot? And everyone was happy because she brought entertainment?" one viewer wrote.

As a second added: "Ekin Su is getting bullied in that villa and nothing is being done."

Before they even arrive in Mallorca, all Islanders are given guidance and support on a number of things including the two week period before they enter the Villa, how to cope with being filmed 24/7, how producers will interact with them in the Villa, social media trolling and coping with that as well as adapting to life after the show. Family are also supported too.

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