Disappointed TV chef urges Love Island to 'do better' after 'damaging' scenes
TV chef Lorraine Pascale has shared her opinion, claiming Love Island is 'reinforcing the idea there's only room for one Black cast member' at a time after newbie Billykiss Azeez replaced OG contestant Alima Gagigo. The recent episode saw Alima and bombshell Ryan Bannister get kicked out of the villa in a double elimination.
As per the show's format, the stars chose who to partner up with in the recoupling. Conor Phillips chose to couple up with Billykiss after they bonded during their first date, leaving Alima single and dumped from the villa. This Morning chef Lorraine took to her X, formerly known as Twitter, to complain about the show's "tokenism", writing: "Wow @LoveIsland. You finally cast a Black woman who was thriving, and then you replace her with another Black woman?
READ MORE: Boots' new 'by far the best' range including gut powder that 'really helps with bloating'
"This isn't representation, it's tokenism. You're reinforcing the idea that there's only room for one of us at a time. That's not diversity - that's damage. Do better."
It is understood ITV refutes any suggestion that any editorial decision it makes is based on race
Some fans shared how Alima could have been saved, with one user writing: "This is actually Ben's fault when you think about it cause if he really liked Alima he would've recouped with her a few days ago, then Connor and Helena would've been coupled up and she would've been dumped tonight."
"Bro, they should've asked if anyone wanted to couple up, Ben would've stood up for Alima, Helena would've been finally dumped ffs we were so close ugh," another said.
During her time in the villa, Alima formed a connection with Remell; however, it came crashing down when she learnt he had shared a number of kisses with Poppy at the sleepover.
Upon her exit, Alima has spoken out about where she stands with Remell on the outside, and all things villa life. "Remell and I were getting stronger and stronger by the day," she said of their relationship.
"When he got the text about the sleepover, I was with him, and as soon as he started smiling.
"I knew this guy; he wasn't going to be up to any good. When I saw the clip, from that moment on, I knew it would take a lot for us to go back to how we were before. I wasn't surprised by his behaviour at all."
She was asked whether she'd be open to having a conversation with Remell after leaving the show. She said: "I don't hate him and I'm more than happy to be civil, he was part of my experience after all! But in terms of anything romantic, I'll keep myself away from that."
After Remell left the villa, Alima found a connection with Ben, but her time was cut short before they could really give it a go. However, Alima's departure doesn't mean the end of the road for the couple.
"I want to see how he acts now that I'm not there and if he finds a connection. If he comes back single, I would be interested in seeing if there's something we could continue…" she teased.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Jota was that rare breed - a player you admired regardless of who you support
If you don't follow football but you're wondering why the torrent of tributes to Diogo Jota has been so relentless, here are some of the reasons. Yes, the Liverpool footballer was an outstanding, versatile player, arguably the best finisher in the English champions' squad on his day. Yes, he lifted everything there was to win during his five years at Anfield. And yes, he scored crucial goals last season to help them to win the title, including the winner - his last ever goal - in the Merseyside derby against Everton in April. But he was also low maintenance, high in the good energy that attracts kindred spirits and universal respect. He wasn't ever pictured falling out of nightclubs, engaging in unseemly Twitter/X controversies or involved in the pantomime, Baller League-type flare ups we see on Instagram. Jota, the man, was summed up by the pictures that have so dominated the news agenda over the past 24 hours. A family man, a devoted man, taken too soon when the car he was in with his younger brother, Andre Silva, came off the road in north-west Spain on Thursday night. They'd been driving through northern Spain to catch an overnight ferry to the UK for pre-season which had been due to start on Monday. Jota had been advised not to fly following lung surgery, according to reports in Portugal. But the Lamborghini the siblings were in was said to have blown a tyre while overtaking on the A-52 at Cernadilla near Zamora - just ten miles over the border. We continue to await confirmation of the full, tragic circumstances. But what we do know is that Jota was loved. He was cherished within his club and adored within his native Portugal. He was the kind of guy who played computer games in his spare time. A guy who was still paying to play for his local club Gondomar at the age of 16, an age when some talented players in England are already pushing for a place in Premier League teams. He was a footballer whose lack of malice, hostility and animosity during matches came as a refreshing antidote to so many of the tiresome antics we see at the elite level of domestic and European football. He was a father, a son, most recently a husband whose low key life away from the game was summed up by the fact that he was with his brother when the tragedy struck. It doesn't seem real to be talking about him in the past tense. Jota - aged 28. A man barely past the first few chapters of his life. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to suggest he was that rare breed - the kind of player you admired regardless of which team you support. An army of top clubs and their fans had admired Jota and the 17 goals he'd scored to help Wolves into the Premier League as champions before Liverpool gazumped them all to sign him, five years ago. How do the Premier League Champions now focus on football beyond this? How do they park their grief and get on the game again? It is a given that the game will wrap its collective arms around Jota's family. But if we as journalists and fans are rocked by his sudden heartbreaking loss, what about Jota's close friends and colleagues in that dressing room. What about his bosses even? Sadly, Liverpool have a history stretching back decades of dealing with the kind of trauma they simply should not have to bear. And the sadness of it all is in the timing. He was just 28. No age. In May, he'd celebrated winning the Premier League title with Liverpool, he posted pictures all over his socials. In June he helped Portugal to win the Nations League international tournament alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo. And less than two weeks ago he was married. Gorgeous pictures on his social media accounts of him with his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso and his three children. Now, in the blink of an eye, she is a widow. He has been taken away from them. Football comes very much second to the magnitude of the chasm left in the Jota family. It will never be filled. What we do know is that he will never be forgotten.
Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
New Look's ‘absolutely on trend' summer dress that ‘doesn't crease in your suitcase' is flying off rails for just £20
Fashion lovers are urged to be quick with some sizes nearly sold out FROCK ON New Look's 'absolutely on trend' summer dress that 'doesn't crease in your suitcase' is flying off rails for just £20 Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A NEW LOOK summer dress that "doesn't crease in your suitcase" is flying off the rails for a bargain price. Shoppers are flocking to snap up the bargain buy with only a few sizes left. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 New Look's Blue Floral Print Slit Hem Crepe Midi Dress is flying off the rails Credit: New Look 2 Impressed customers say it's 'absolutely on trend' Credit: New Look The elegant Blue Floral Print Slit Hem Crepe Midi Dress can be yours for just £23.99. The ultimate summer dress, it can be donned for weddings and summer parties. Or you could even opt as a casual outfit for running errands. It could be paired with trainers, summer wedges, or some high heels, depending on the venue. And, it is also machine washable for convenience. But fashion lovers are urged to get their orders with some sizes nearly sold out. Both size 8 and size 20 have just a few left in stock. The product description reads: "The figure-skimming silhouette of this blue midi dress is offset by puff sleeves and a hem slit. "The white floral print heightens the maximal appeal." One impressed customer who nabbed the outfit said: "Lovely lightweight summer dress! "Great fit and a good length." And it's perfect for when you jet off abroad on holiday too with another customer saying it "doesn't crease in your suitcase". "It's absolutely on trend," said another. This comes as shoppers have been rushing to pick up another New Look summer dress that's flattering for all body types. The £27 maxi dress is perfect for the hot weather with its airy design and stylish puffed sleeves. The Black Puff Sleeve Midi Dress features a ruched bodice and a flared skirt that will give a cinched appearance on all figures, finished with an elasticated waist. Everyone loves a dress with pockets, and the practical feature makes the dress even better for everyday wear. The New Look Pink Floral Print Puff Sleeve Lace Insert Milkmaid Midi Dress is also currently on sale at £37.49 - reduced from £49.99. It's fitted waist and intricate cut-out pattern, will create a cinched affect. Meanwhile, the square-cut neckline and puffy sleeves both add a touch of sophistication. The length also lends itself to both formal, or laid back events.
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Love Island twist looms as Maya Jama drops 'huge hint' chaos is on the way
Love Island fans may be in for a huge treat, as host Maya Jama gave away a 'huge clue' that a major twist may be coming to the ITV2 dating show very soon... Love Island fans have predicted a huge twist on the way for the ITV2 dating show, as host Maya Jama gave away a 'huge clue' that something major is coming. Yesterday, fans were left in shock when Alima and Ryan were brutally dumped from the villa. However, their dumping was done via text, as host Maya was nowhere to be seen. It's not unusual for Islanders to be dumped without Maya in the villa, but when she does rock up, Love Island fans know something huge is coming. The 30-year-old host was last seen in the sleepover villa, as she informed the Islanders that their actions had consequences. In scenes last week, Helena chose to recouple with Giorgio, and bring him to the main villa, when Maya later informed her that it meant her current partner, Shea, had been dumped from the villa. As the Islanders returned to the main villa, Maya disappeared from screens, but from her Instagram stories - it looks like she'll be back very soon. On Thursday evening, the host took to her Instagram story to inform fans she was back in Mallorca, with some stunning sunset views. Seeing as she has to get back to London by Sunday to host the After Sun show, it's safe to say she'll be heading into the villa in the coming days, if she hasn't already. Should that be the case, it means the scenes will be playing out on our screens sometime soon - but what could the huge twist be? Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan said: "Maya is going back to the villa soon as she's back in Mallorca from what i saw on her IG." What she'll be entering the villa for is currently unknown, but many predict the iconic Casa Amor will be starting soon... "I smell Casa Amor coming very soon," wrote one fan, while another said: "Casa Amor is soon and there's no strong couples… There will genuinely be 30 people in that villa." Despite Casa Amor being a fan favourite segment in the show, this year, fans don't think it will bring the same level of drama. In previous years, the new villa has been known to break up some of the strongest couples. Fans now predict that due to there not being many solid couples in the villa, more Islanders than ever before will chose to couple up. This series promises more twists and turns than ever, so is Maya heading into the villa for Casa Amor? Or could it be something else? Love Island 2025 airs every night at 9PM on ITV2 and ITVX.
