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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Sarah Young

Love Island viewers complain that Yewande is getting less screen time than co-stars

Love Islandmight have only returned to our TV screens earlier this week but the show has already given viewers plenty to complain about, from Lucie’s use of the word “bev” to Joe’s “red flag” behaviour.

One of the biggest talking points of season five so far, has been the lack of screen time contestant Yewande Biala is getting.

The 23-year-old from Dublin has been in the villa since the very first episode but fans have taken to social media to complain that have not seen much of the scientist since she coupled up with Michael. 

“All I’ve seen is unemployed Molly. Have some respect for me please! Where’s Yewande?” one person wrote on Twitter.

Another added: “Instead of playing the game Where's Wally, we're gonna play WHERE'S YEWANDE?”

A third wrote: “Where is Yewande this season? A really clever girl who also seems lovely getting no screen time at all.”

Others suggested racism was behind the lack of airtime for the contestant. 

“This is actually racism at its highest level...we must fight,” one person wrote on Twitter. 

Another added: “It’s actually making me mad that Yewande is not getting any airtime. Like this show isn’t enough racist and anti-diverse as it is [sic].”

The Independent has contacted the show's producers for comment about the racism allegations. 

The reality show has already been accused of racism after Yewande was the final pick on the debut show. 

This meant an ethnic minority contestant had been chosen last for the fourth year in a row.

Former Love Island contestant Marcel Somerville highlighted the issue on Monday, tweeting: “This is mad!!!! #LoveIsland flashbacks!

"Black guy, black girl and mixed race guy all left unpicked. Mad!!!”

Somerville's tweet was liked more than 7,000 times. Several Love Island viewers made the same observation as the rapper.

Some fans also commented on the similarities between Yewande and former contestant Samira Mighty, who was in the last couple to pair up during the initial selection process on the fourth series of the reality television show.

"Soooo Yewande is receiving the same treatment as Samira, this is not okay," one person tweeted.

For all the latest on Love Island, follow The Independent's live blog here.

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