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EXCLUSIVE Inside racism scandal tearing apart Love Island USA: Show sources reveal 'anger' over Cierra Ortega's exit, tell what's going on backstage - and expose who's REALLY to blame

EXCLUSIVE Inside racism scandal tearing apart Love Island USA: Show sources reveal 'anger' over Cierra Ortega's exit, tell what's going on backstage - and expose who's REALLY to blame

Daily Mail​5 days ago
From surprise recouplings to steamy challenges, there's been no end to the drama throughout season seven of Peacock's Love Island USA.
But the onscreen antics have been overshadowed by the biggest scandal of all, when cast member Cierra Ortega's racist remarks resurfaced on social media – prompting her sudden removal from the show.
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EXCLUSIVE Love Island has lost its mojo and should be rested, says super fan SARAH PACKER who outlines 10-point plan to restore dating show to past glories - and that includes axing narrator Iain Sterling
EXCLUSIVE Love Island has lost its mojo and should be rested, says super fan SARAH PACKER who outlines 10-point plan to restore dating show to past glories - and that includes axing narrator Iain Sterling

Daily Mail​

time39 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

EXCLUSIVE Love Island has lost its mojo and should be rested, says super fan SARAH PACKER who outlines 10-point plan to restore dating show to past glories - and that includes axing narrator Iain Sterling

Love Island is one of Britain's most successful television reboots. Returning nine years after its first celebrity-themed incarnation, the ITV2 dating show eclipsed its predecessor and became a cultural phenomenon. The series invented its own language, made stars out of its contestants and frequently filled front pages. But now a decade into the show's second journey, Love Island is at a crossroads. ITV will happily point out it's still a ratings hit with the 16-34 demographic, but there's no denying the show has lost its mojo and to put it simply, nobody is talking about it anymore outside of its own fandom. Kem Cetinay and Amber Davies, Jack Fincham and Dani Dyer, Cara De La Hoyde and Nathan Massey, Olivia Attwood and Chris Hughes, Tommy Fury and Molly-Mae Hague, ask the man on the street seven years ago if they could name a Love Island couple, they would be able to roll off some of these pairs with ease. Not now, Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan anyone? After becoming the first black couple to win the show last year, they split, and fans have heard very little from them since. The same can be said for Jess Harding and Sammy Root who scooped the £50,000 prize in 2023, which is why even me, a diehard Love Island super fan who has reported on the series for a decade, feels ITV should make the tough decision and do the unthinkable – rest the show. But that shouldn't be the death knell for Love Island, it has the potential to flourish again but only if bosses follow my 10-point plan to restore the show to its former glory. Viewers couldn't get enough of the show in 2017 when Olivia Attwood and Chris Hughes starred on the series alongside winners Amber Davies and Kim Cetinay 1) Islanders With Substance The rise of influencers has certainly impacted the show, as far too many contestants in recent years have been plucked from TikTok. Mindful of ratings, producers see Islanders with already substantial online followings as a handy way to boost viewer numbers. However, it would not be unfair to point out the majority of these influencers lack the depth of former stars with far more interesting jobs. In the 2017 series, the show featured a bomb disposal expert in Camilla Thurlow and the following year had a doctor, Alex George. Their life experiences were far more interesting to hear than any of the current crop of Islanders populating the Majorcan villa, which included a DJ, ring girl, makeup artist and a personal trainer. So predictable, just like… 2) Format Change Every year, viewers know what's going to happen. It's become so samey, all the series feel like they have blended into one. Casa Amor is the prime example. The rival villa segment, where either the boys or girls are sent to meet a new batch of potential partners in a test of loyalty, always kicks in midway through the series. We know it's coming, the Islanders know it's coming - even the garden bean bags knew when it was en route. I say keep the second villa, but introduce the segment closer to the end – and why not occasionally send a mix of boys and girls? Will they behave differently if pals of their partners are in Casa Amor with them? It would sure make it more interesting, a bit like if they brought back… 3) Celebrity Islanders Introducing Joey Essex to last year's line-up was a genius move by producers. It gave the show a new dynamic and instantly made it feel fresher with that added shock factor. Despite the success of Joey's stint on the series, it was a surprise that producers didn't repeat the trick this year, meaning a return to the tried and tested format which had already become way too predictable. Imagine if Maura Higgins was convinced to appear? That would have triggered endless talking points. Likewise, Sam Thompson, he would have been perfect, and he's already shown outside of the villa he has a penchant for Love Island girls. Including at least one celebrity bombshell per series should be a given going forward, especially if they're willing to go all the way on camera, which leads us to… 4) Bring Back The Sex When Love Island returned in 2015 it came back with a bang, quite literally, and footage of the new era of Islanders' antics between the sheets was a big part of the show. But in recent years, Love Island has become increasingly PG, and the naughty stuff has been kept away from prying eyes, making the series far less juicy. ITV wanted the show to shift attention to emotional relationships and 'situationships', and even conversations about sex have become increasingly rare. But that's not what viewers want to see – or read about – which may explain the decrease of newsworthy Love Island articles during the series. That would all change if producers… 5) Introduce Bisexual Islanders The UK version could learn from the US series, which has attracted some big numbers across the pond. There has been the series' first girl-on-girl snog, between contestants Cierra and Chelley, which went viral online. Bringing in bi-curious contestants would certainly add another fresh dynamo to the series and spark all sorts of conundrums. Love Island has exclusively focused on heterosexual relationships but in 2025, with people of all ages increasingly experimental in their sexuality, it's high time more Megan Barton Hanson characters are given an opportunity to spice up the villa, just like… 6) Nepo Babies Seeing privileged kids of the rich and famous vying for attention is understandably a big turn off. But there's no such problem seeing nepo babies on Love Island. Indeed, viewers lap them up. Dani Dyer and Gemma Owen are two of the most well-known contestants ever on the show, and that's all down to their famous fathers – and digesting just what they must be thinking seeing their beloved daughters snogging fellas on the UK's biggest TV dating show. Each series should have at least one nepo baby if possible and the more uncomfortable they make their parents feel, the better. Speaking of awkwardness… 7) Employ A New Narrator Iain Stirling has got to go. The Scottish comedian has been the voice of Love Island for every series since its return, featuring on all the summer, winter and All Stars instalments. But in recent years, his commentary is becoming increasingly tiresome, and his gags simply don't hit how they used to. He deserves some sympathy, mind. The repetitiveness of the show combined with the carbon copy Islanders every year must make coming up with new material tough. But that's why a fresh face is needed, and you only need to turn over to E4 and watch Celebs Go Dating to see who should get the gig, fellow comedian Rob Beckett. Talking of upgrades… 8) Hotter Male Contestants I'm sorry, it just needs to be said. The girls on Love Island are strikingly beautiful, with perfect tans, sexy outfits, and stunning looks, there's not been one Islander to walk into this year's villa who hasn't been blown away by Shakira Khan's beauty. However, the lads, well, they're not quite at the same level. This year's series is evidence of that as none of the blokes have really got the girls in a spin and even producers must have quickly realised that postman Ryan Bannister, who only lasted 24 hours, didn't quite cut it, particularly given his lack of flirtatious chat. The majority of Love Island's viewers are female so they should really be catered for too. There must be plenty of hunks out there for ITV to get their hands on because gone are the days of adonis Islanders Ovie Soko, Davide Sanclimenti, and Adam Collard. After all, they don't seem to have any issues finding super attractive women. That said… 9) Diverse Body Types The girls may be knockouts, but there's not much variety in that villa. Indeed, to get on Love Island you need to have a slim body, it seems. What's wrong with throwing in women with different body types? Have Love Island producers forgotten about their sexiest ever contestant, Jessica Shears? When she entered the villa in 2017 her curvaceous figure had the guy's salivating – and the moment she was dumped her now husband Dom Lever didn't waste a minute before following her out of the door. Anna Vakili and Alexandra Cane were equally stunning when they showcased their curves on the show. More of that please, likewise... 10) Maya Jama more say As the glamorous host of Love Island, Maya Jama constantly causes both female and male Islanders' jaws to drop to the floor. But she's not just a pretty face, as Maya is someone with opinions and those views are highly valued by the audience, who rejoice when she shares her thoughts on the villa drama, which are few and far between. During Thursday night's episode, the star gave Islander, taxi driver Ben Holbrough, a dressing-down over his 'unnecessary' comments and she reminded air stewardess Helena Ford to have more respect for herself in her couple with Harry Cooksley. And with reports that Maya has signed a 'mega deal' with Amazon Video to front a new TV show, ITV will want to give Maya more of a role if they want to keep her on screen.

Six of the most unique Airbnbs in the US revealed, from a missile launch site to a giant shoe
Six of the most unique Airbnbs in the US revealed, from a missile launch site to a giant shoe

The Independent

timean hour ago

  • The Independent

Six of the most unique Airbnbs in the US revealed, from a missile launch site to a giant shoe

Feel your vacations have been missing the OMG factor recently? Then check out these six incredibly unique U.S. Airbnbs. There's an out-of-this-world flying saucer-shaped house, a five-story abode in the form of a giant shoe — even a rental inside a former ballistic missile launch center. Or perhaps you'd prefer the curvy home where there's barely a straight line in sight? Whichever one you choose, just remember to take a break from snapping photos to enjoy your leisure time there. 'Magic Fairy Tale Escape', Austin, Texas A stay at this property, called the Bloomhouse and set in the hills of West Austin, will be a 'vacation from the real world of right angles and ticky tacky boxes', say the hosts. That's because, aside from the sliding back doors, there isn't a single straight line or corner in the entire Texas structure. The listing describes the abode, located in a wooded valley, as "part Willy Wonka, part Big Lebowski ' — think Jackie Treehorn — 'and totally unlike anywhere else". What do guests think? They're generally wowed. Reviewer Courtney, from Baton Rouge in Louisiana, said: "What a unique, incredible stay we had here. My three daughters and I loved every square inch of this home. The views were incredible, and the home was well stocked with everything needed for a comfortable stay, plus more." Meanwhile, Katherine from Boulder, Colorado, describes the rental as a "delightful, rare gem", where "every surface is custom". Sleeps four. Cost per night from around $420. Airbnb Shoe House, Hellam Township, York County, Pennsylvania It's a property with sole — a whole lotta sole! The Haines Shoe House, modeled after a work boot, was built by "Shoe Wizard" Mahlon Haines in 1948 to promote his shoe stores. Mahlon requested the design by handing a work boot to an architect and saying, "Build me a house like this," according to Today, it's a worthy entry in the Airbnb OMG portfolio. The five-story abode features three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen/dinette and a recreation room. Airbnb reviewer Gregory from Thomasville, Pennsylvania, said: "My wife and I live locally and we decided to stay at the Shoe House for our wedding anniversary and had a wonderful time. "I have driven past this landmark all my life and never dreamed that someday I would stay there. "It's beautifully and thoughtfully decorated with wonderful artifacts and a history of the Shoe House mixed in." Sleeps six. Cost per night from around $450. Airbnb Nuclear missile silo, Roswell, New Mexico A stay here will launch you into the depths of Cold War history, with the Roswell rental being the former upper level of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) launch control center. The 1,250-sq-ft space, above the owner's living quarters on the lower level, comes complete with numerous books and displays showing the early days of the ICBM program, and the price includes a three-hour tour. The complex includes a utility tunnel leading to a nuclear missile silo nearly 180 feet deep and guests are free to explore as they wish, and are encouraged to take photos and video. The hosts say: "Please remember that this is an unforgettable experience. We want you to walk away with fabulous memories." Reviewer Lilly, from New Mexico, said: "We were so shocked at the size of the silo, and all the thoughtful and cool details in the bunker." Sleeps four. Cost per night from around $600. Airbnb Spaceship house, Brush Prairie, State of Washington There's no danger for budding Will Robinsons at this one-of-a-kind vacation pad — but there is a robot. With a design inspired by the "Jupiter 2" spaceship from the 1960s Lost in Space TV series, this is a rental that can be described as out of this world without fear of contradiction. Climb aboard and you'll discover there's a 60s-style spacecraft theme throughout, with glowing control panels, silvery pillars and angular chairs. Lawrence, from Seattle, commented: "The spaceship interior is roomy and full of great lighting effects, music options, control panels, coffee maker, fridge, kids' costumes, big cutout Robot from Lost in Space, Wi-Fi, and more." Reviewer Hallie was similarly thrilled, writing: "This was such a unique place to stay. The UFO was so much fun to explore. 'The lights, the themed games, and music (and using the 'old' stereo with tapes and CDs) was delightful. It really was like transporting to another world!" Sleeps eight. Cost per night from around $150. Airbnb The House of Pi, Whitingham, Vermont Part loading dock, part quirky rental, this 34-foot-high container home overlooks a southern Vermont lake and comes with private mooring. The home is spread across eight shipping containers, with guests sleeping in three master bedrooms that have "amazing panoramic views". What's more, a daily hot breakfast and lunch are included. Reviewer Jennifer, from Los Angeles, kicked off her review with "wow, core memories were made here", adding: "The house is gorgeous, very modern but thoughtfully designed to reflect the natural surroundings." She was particularly impressed with the "unreal" shower, which had "all the advantages of an outdoor shower - fireflies, sunsets, treehouse vibe - with the comforts of a luxury spa". Sleeps six. Cost per night from around $480. Airbnb Conestoga Wagon, Sandy Valley Ranch, near Las Vegas Just 45 minutes from Las Vegas, this rustic wagon rental could be just the ticket for some respite from Sin City's bustling dazzle. The wagon comes with electricity and outlets, a mini fridge, a toaster oven and a picnic table and firepit, while hot showers are available at the ranch house. Want to turn up the Wild West vibe to maximum? The ranch offers activities including "cowboy for a day", horse rides, cattle drives, and rodeos. Reviewer Adam said: "This is our second stay at Sandy Valley Ranch and both have been extremely memorable and enjoyable experiences. 'It is a beautiful ranch with friendly hosts."

Travis Kelce and brother Jason's boozy bet with each other at American Century Championship golf tournament
Travis Kelce and brother Jason's boozy bet with each other at American Century Championship golf tournament

Daily Mail​

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mail​

Travis Kelce and brother Jason's boozy bet with each other at American Century Championship golf tournament

Travis Kelce and brother Jason decided to shotgun a beer every time one of them three-putted during the opening round of the American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe. The famed celebrity golf tournament got underway on Friday with the Kelce brothers playing alongside fellow NFL legend Andrew Whitworth. Neither Kelce brother played particularly well on day one and were sat 62nd and 83rd on the leaderboard of 90 players after their opening round. But perhaps their erratic play could be explained by the fact that the brothers cooked up a wild bet with each other the night before - and their encounter with a terrifying killer. Jason revealed to Access Hollywood before their first round that they would be downing beers if they struggled on the greens. He said: 'Travis and I always have the side bets going for sure. At least they're having a good time🤣 — 🏈👑 | fan acct. (@TayvisHaze) July 11, 2025 'I think right now, the bet today we talked about last night is every three putt, you got a shotgun a beer. 'So once you miss that first one, if you're left with a four or five footer, it's gonna be a little nerve wracking standing over that thing.' Despite being a fierce competitor during his NFL career, Jason also explained that he was just there 'for the vibes'. 'That's what it's all about,' he continued. 'That's why everybody is here. Everybody's here to just have a good time. All these people are here mostly to have a good time. There's a handful of guys that actually expect to win this thing, but we all know who they are, and that's great. 'We're all here for the vibes. A lot of people come out here and lend their time to interact. So it'll be a good day. I love it.' It was certainly an eventful day for the brothers after they also came in close contact with a black bear. The scary incident, caught in photos taken by occurred as the high-profile NFL pair prepared to tee off on the 16th hole, when fans spotted the bear just behind the tee box. Play was temporarily halted as fans took videos and photos of the animal, which was behind a fence but came close to spectators who were out in their thousands watching the golf tournament at Edgewood. In a scary twist, the bear scare comes just days after one was euthanized just a few miles away after attacking a camper at a site in South Lake Tahoe. The Kelce brothers were followed around by hundreds of fans all day with some of Taylor Swift's most loyal fans there with hopes of seeing the popstar. Rumors circulated around Lake Tahoe that she would be turning up at some point but there was no sign of her during Friday's first round. At the other end of the scoring charts, the tournament leaders are ice hockey legend Joe Pavelski, former NBA star Vinny del Negro, while Steph Curry is tied for third with ex-USMNT player Taylor Twellman.

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