Latest news with #MalinAndersson
Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Love Island legend shares dirty villa bathroom secrets girls had to go through
EXCLUSIVE: Love Island alumni Malin Andersson is not a fan of the current series and has shared a few behind-the-scenes secrets from her time on the ITV2 dating show Love Island alum Malin Andersson, who appeared on the show back in 2016 for their second series, is not holding back when it comes to her thoughts on the current series. Now 32, the body positivity campaigner and mental health advocate says she watches the new Islanders with a very different lens. 'I'm 32 so I'm a similar age to them on there,' she says, 'but I can see through it all completely now.' Malin, who famously left the villa after being dumped on day 25 has since distanced herself from the Love Island world. 'I don't talk to any Islanders at all,' she admits. 'The girls lower their bar because of the show and that's what makes it toxic. They're not understanding their worth.' She's also not afraid to share some unfiltered behind-the-scenes secrets. 'I was constipated at one point in the villa because I held it in for ages,' she laughs. ' Olivia Buckland [now Bowen] did the same. We used to go on poo watch and made sure no guys were near the toilet. One of us would guard, and Cara De La Hoyde [now Massey] helped.' Though she doesn't stay in touch with former castmates, Malin clearly remembers the realities behind the glam – and wants this year's Islanders to remember their value. 'It's easy to get lost in the show,' she says. 'But you've got to know your worth.' Last week, Malin spoke out about hitting "rock bottom" after her time on the ITV2 dating show and called for it to be axed. "Love Island. It starts tonight...I'm quite shocked this show is still on air to be honest," she said in an emotional statement on her Instagram Stories. "I was on it 8 years ago, and in that 8 years I've turned pain into purpose and used my platform for good. Within the 8 years that have passed I've had to hit rockbottom to find a strength I never knew I had - and awaken to the truth of who we are. "However what young Malin didn't know was, how dangerous a show like this is - portraying toxicity as love, unrealistic body standards and women who maybe broken inside but wanting love for the wrong reasons - and thinking fame will save them.. and as for the men - similar things." Malin added that she wants a show that helps contestants"find love for ourselves first" before finding it in someone else. She added: "We don't need a show making women especially feel bad about themselves - or fuelling eating disorders. That's outdated now. It's not it." ITV has introduced extensive duty of care procedures during the show's run, with contestants being offered comprehensive psychological support before, during and after filming on the show. They are also asked to pause any posting to their social media accounts while they're on the show and to complete video training and guidance on language around disability, sexuality, race and ethnicity, microaggressions, mutually respectful behaviour in relationships and behaviour patterns associated with controlling and coercing behaviour. The new series of Love Island began last week with a new line-up of singles stepping into the ITV2 villa and there has already been two shock dumpings and six bombshells.
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Love Island star calls for show to be AXED – eight years after hitting rock bottom on it
She took to her Instagram Stories to share a powerful statement hours before the new series kicked off Axe to grind Love Island star calls for show to be AXED – eight years after hitting rock bottom on it Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOVE Island star Malin Andersson has called for the show to be AXED - eight years after hitting rock bottom on it. Malin, 32, said it's 'shocking' the ITV2 staple is still on-air and accused it of fuelling eating disorders and glorifying toxic relationships. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Love Island star Malin Andersson has called for the show to be AXED Credit: Instagram She took to her Instagram Stories to share a powerful statement hours before the new series kicked off, nearly a decade after she appeared on it. Malin wrote: "Love Island. It starts tonight.. I'm quite shocked this show is still on air to be honest. "I was on it 8 years ago, and in that 8 years I've turned pain into purpose and used my platform for good. "Within the 8 years that have passed I've had to hit rockbottom to find a strength I never knew I had - and awaken to the truth of who we are. "However what young Malin didn't know was, how dangerous a show like this is - portraying toxicity as love, unrealistic body standards and women who maybe broken inside but wanting love for the wrong reasons - and thinking fame will save them.. and as for the men - similar things. "We need a show on how to show the world what it looks like to HEAL WITHIN & find love for ourselves first, then finding it in someone else. "We don't need a show making women especially feel bad about themselves - or fuelling eating disorders. That's outdated now. It's not it." Malin found fame on the second series of Love Island in 2016, spending 24 days in the villa where she was partnered with Terry Walsh. Though she's synonymous with the show, Malin has made it known before she isn't a fan. She previously told Bobby Norris on Fubar Radio: "I've not watched it. I haven't watched a single episode. I didn't even watch my own series. I ran my fingers through my hair and found another bald patch… I know what caused it to fall out, says Malin Andersson "From what I can see the format is the same and it's like the luggage belt at the airport arrivals and they're just spinning out the same characters. It's the same old bag every time. It sounds really bad.' She continued: 'I think Love Island has had its day a long time ago. And I think for the younger generation, there could be more put out there. I think all we're seeing now is a lot of dating shows.' Mum Malin recalled her obsession in the villa with viewers' perception of her appearance. She likened the experience to Jim Carrey's classic film, The Truman Show, in which his character is the central figure in a reality construct he has no idea about. 'I remember being in the villa and I kept asking the producers 'are there any bad comments about my weight?'" she said. "That's all I cared about. 'Are there any comments calling me fat?' That's all I remember asking them. "They would say no to everything. You're in the Truman show in there. It is literally like a bubble. No time, they tell you when to eat, when to sleep. It's such a different false reality." ITV has been contacted for comment. Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX. Love Island's duty of care Pre Filming and Filming - Registered mental health professional engaged throughout the whole series - from pre-filming to aftercare. - Thorough pre-filming psychological and medical assessments including assessments by an independent doctor, psychological consultant and reports from each Islander's own GP to check medical history. - Potential Islanders are required to fully disclose in confidence any medical history that would be relevant to their inclusion in the Villa and the production's ability to provide a suitable environment for them. - Managing cast expectations: detailed explanations both verbally and in writing of the implications, both positive and negative, of taking part in the series are given to potential cast members throughout the casting process and reinforced within the contract so it is clear. - Cast are told they should consider all the potential implications of taking part in the show and work through this decision-making process in consultation with their family and those closest to them, to ensure they feel it is right for them. - Senior Team on the ground have received training in Mental Health First Aid. - A welfare team solely dedicated to the Islanders both during the show and after. Aftercare - Bespoke training on dealing with social media and advice on finance and adjusting to life back home. - A minimum of eight therapy sessions will be offered to each Islander when they return home. - Proactive contact with Islanders for a period of 14 months after the series in which they have appeared has ended, with additional help provided where applicable. - We encourage Islanders to secure management to represent them after the show and manage them should they choose to take part in other TV shows, advertising campaigns or other public appearance opportunities. ITV's support for Mental Health In 2019 ITV selected mental health as the main focus for its on air health campaigns aimed at its viewers. ITV partnered with Mind and YoungMinds, alongside SAMH in Scotland, and Ant and Dec launched the Britain Get Talking campaign in Britain's Got Talent, with the aim of encouraging 10m people to take action to support their mental or physical health by 2023. Since it launched, Britain Get Talking has resulted in over 100 million more meaningful conversations, and in 2022 ITV announced a further target of encouraging 200 million actions for better health by the end of 2023. Alongside Britain Get Talking, ITV has a mental wellbeing initiative aimed at a younger demographic in partnership with mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). In 2022 it encouraged 1.8m young people to take action to feel better able to cope with life's ups and downs through the campaign 'What Gets You Through'. ITV's Mental Health Advisory Group, chaired by Ruth Davidson with members including CEOs of mental health charities Mind, YoungMinds and SAMH, provides guidance and support on all aspects of ITV, and STV's, approach to mental health and wellbeing among its people, production teams, participants in its shows and audiences. ITV also hosted the Mental Health in the Media conference in March 2023, bringing writers, producers, duty of care professionals, brands and broadcasters together to explore best practice around mental wellbeing on screen and behind the screens. 4 She said it's 'shocking' the ITV2 staple is still on-air Credit: Instagram 4 Malin accused it of fuelling eating disorders and glorifying toxic relationships Credit: Instagram
The Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Love Island star calls for show to be AXED – eight years after hitting rock bottom on it
LOVE Island star Malin Andersson has called for the show to be AXED - eight years after hitting rock bottom on it. Malin, 32, said it's 'shocking' the ITV2 staple is still on-air and accused it of fuelling eating disorders and glorifying toxic relationships. 4 She took to her Instagram Stories to share a powerful statement hours before the new series kicked off, nearly a decade after she appeared on it. Malin wrote: " Love Island. It starts tonight.. I'm quite shocked this show is still on air to be honest. "I was on it 8 years ago, and in that 8 years I've turned pain into purpose and used my platform for good. "Within the 8 years that have passed I've had to hit rockbottom to find a strength I never knew I had - and awaken to the truth of who we are. "However what young Malin didn't know was, how dangerous a show like this is - portraying toxicity as love, unrealistic body standards and women who maybe broken inside but wanting love for the wrong reasons - and thinking fame will save them.. and as for the men - similar things. "We need a show on how to show the world what it looks like to HEAL WITHIN & find love for ourselves first, then finding it in someone else. "We don't need a show making women especially feel bad about themselves - or fuelling eating disorders. That's outdated now. It's not it." Malin found fame on the second series of Love Island in 2016, spending 24 days in the villa where she was partnered with Terry Walsh. Though she's synonymous with the show, Malin has made it known before she isn't a fan. She previously told Bobby Norris on Fubar Radio: "I've not watched it. I haven't watched a single episode. I didn't even watch my own series. "From what I can see the format is the same and it's like the luggage belt at the airport arrivals and they're just spinning out the same characters. It's the same old bag every time. It sounds really bad.' She continued: 'I think Love Island has had its day a long time ago. And I think for the younger generation, there could be more put out there. I think all we're seeing now is a lot of dating shows.' Mum Malin recalled her obsession in the villa with viewers' perception of her appearance. She likened the experience to Jim Carrey 's classic film, The Truman Show, in which his character is the central figure in a reality construct he has no idea about. 'I remember being in the villa and I kept asking the producers 'are there any bad comments about my weight?'" she said. "That's all I cared about. 'Are there any comments calling me fat?' That's all I remember asking them. "They would say no to everything. You're in the Truman show in there. It is literally like a bubble. No time, they tell you when to eat, when to sleep. It's such a different false reality." ITV has been contacted for comment. Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX. Love Island's duty of care Pre Filming and Filming - Registered mental health professional engaged throughout the whole series - from pre-filming to aftercare. - Thorough pre-filming psychological and medical assessments including assessments by an independent doctor, psychological consultant and reports from each Islander's own GP to check medical history. - Potential Islanders are required to fully disclose in confidence any medical history that would be relevant to their inclusion in the Villa and the production's ability to provide a suitable environment for them. - Managing cast expectations: detailed explanations both verbally and in writing of the implications, both positive and negative, of taking part in the series are given to potential cast members throughout the casting process and reinforced within the contract so it is clear. - Cast are told they should consider all the potential implications of taking part in the show and work through this decision-making process in consultation with their family and those closest to them, to ensure they feel it is right for them. - Senior Team on the ground have received training in Mental Health First Aid. - A welfare team solely dedicated to the Islanders both during the show and after. Aftercare - Bespoke training on dealing with social media and advice on finance and adjusting to life back home. - A minimum of eight therapy sessions will be offered to each Islander when they return home. - Proactive contact with Islanders for a period of 14 months after the series in which they have appeared has ended, with additional help provided where applicable. - We encourage Islanders to secure management to represent them after the show and manage them should they choose to take part in other TV shows, advertising campaigns or other public appearance opportunities. ITV's support for Mental Health In 2019 ITV selected mental health as the main focus for its on air health campaigns aimed at its viewers. ITV partnered with Mind and YoungMinds, alongside SAMH in Scotland, and Ant and Dec launched the Britain Get Talking campaign in Britain's Got Talent, with the aim of encouraging 10m people to take action to support their mental or physical health by 2023. Since it launched, Britain Get Talking has resulted in over 100 million more meaningful conversations, and in 2022 ITV announced a further target of encouraging 200 million actions for better health by the end of 2023. Alongside Britain Get Talking, ITV has a mental wellbeing initiative aimed at a younger demographic in partnership with mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). In 2022 it encouraged 1.8m young people to take action to feel better able to cope with life's ups and downs through the campaign ' What Gets You Through '. ITV's Mental Health Advisory Group, chaired by Ruth Davidson with members including CEOs of mental health charities Mind, YoungMinds and SAMH, provides guidance and support on all aspects of ITV, and STV's, approach to mental health and wellbeing among its people, production teams, participants in its shows and audiences. ITV also hosted the Mental Health in the Media conference in March 2023, bringing writers, producers, duty of care professionals, brands and broadcasters together to explore best practice around mental wellbeing on screen and behind the screens. 4 4 4
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Love Island star calls for show to be AXED – eight years after hitting rock bottom on it
LOVE Island star Malin Andersson has called for the show to be AXED - eight years after hitting rock bottom on it. Malin, 32, said it's 'shocking' the ITV2 staple is still on-air and accused it of fuelling eating disorders and glorifying toxic relationships . 4 Love Island star Malin Andersson has called for the show to be AXED Credit: Instagram She took to her Instagram Stories to share a powerful statement hours before the new series kicked off, nearly a decade after she appeared on it. "I was on it 8 years ago, and in that 8 years I've turned pain into purpose and used my platform for good. "Within the 8 years that have passed I've had to hit rockbottom to find a strength I never knew I had - and awaken to the truth of who we are. read more on Malin Andersson "However what young Malin didn't know was, how dangerous a show like this is - portraying toxicity as love, unrealistic body standards and women who maybe broken inside but wanting love for the wrong reasons - and thinking fame will save them.. and as for the men - similar things. "We need a show on how to show the world what it looks like to HEAL WITHIN & find love for ourselves first, then finding it in someone else. "We don't need a show making women especially feel bad about themselves - or fuelling eating disorders . That's outdated now. It's not it." Malin found fame on the second series of Love Island in 2016, spending 24 days in the villa where she was partnered with Most read in Love Island Though she's synonymous with the show, Malin has made it known before she isn't a fan. She previously told Bobby Norris on Fubar Radio: "I've not watched it. I haven't watched a single episode. I didn't even watch my own series. I ran my fingers through my hair and found another bald patch… I know what caused it to fall out, says Malin Andersson "From what I can see the format is the same and it's like the luggage belt at the airport arrivals and they're just spinning out the same characters. It's the same old bag every time. It sounds really bad.' She continued: 'I think Love Island has had its day a long time ago. And I think for the younger generation, there could be more put out there. I think all we're seeing now is a lot of dating shows.' Mum Malin recalled her obsession in the villa with viewers' perception of her appearance. She likened the experience to Jim Carrey's classic film , The Truman Show, in which his character is the central figure in a reality construct he has no idea about. 'I remember being in the villa and I kept asking the producers 'are there any bad comments about my weight?'" she said. "That's all I cared about. 'Are there any comments calling me fat?' That's all I remember asking them. "They would say no to everything. You're in the Truman show in there. It is literally like a bubble. No time, they tell you when to eat, when to sleep . It's such a different false reality." ITV has been contacted for comment. Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX. Love Island's duty of care Pre Filming and Filming - Registered mental health professional engaged throughout the whole series - from pre-filming to aftercare. - Thorough pre-filming psychological and medical assessments including assessments by an independent doctor, psychological consultant and reports from each Islander's own GP to check medical history. - Potential Islanders are required to fully disclose in confidence any medical history that would be relevant to their inclusion in the Villa and the production's ability to provide a suitable environment for them. - Managing cast expectations: detailed explanations both verbally and in writing of the implications, both positive and negative, of taking part in the series are given to potential cast members throughout the casting process and reinforced within the contract so it is clear. - Cast are told they should consider all the potential implications of taking part in the show and work through this decision-making process in consultation with their family and those closest to them, to ensure they feel it is right for them. - Senior Team on the ground have received training in Mental Health First Aid. - A welfare team solely dedicated to the Islanders both during the show and after. Aftercare - Bespoke training on dealing with social media and advice on finance and adjusting to life back home. - A minimum of eight therapy sessions will be offered to each Islander when they return home. - Proactive contact with Islanders for a period of 14 months after the series in which they have appeared has ended, with additional help provided where applicable. - We encourage Islanders to secure management to represent them after the show and manage them should they choose to take part in other TV shows, advertising campaigns or other public appearance opportunities. ITV's support for Mental Health In 2019 ITV selected mental health as the main focus for its on air health campaigns aimed at its viewers. ITV partnered with Mind and YoungMinds, alongside SAMH in Scotland, and Ant and Dec launched the Britain Get Talking campaign in Britain's Got Talent, with the aim of encouraging 10m people to take action to support their mental or physical health by 2023. Since it launched, Britain Get Talking has resulted in over 100 million more meaningful conversations, and in 2022 ITV announced a further target of encouraging 200 million actions for better health by the end of 2023. Alongside Britain Get Talking, ITV has a mental wellbeing initiative aimed at a younger demographic in partnership with mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). In 2022 it encouraged 1.8m young people to take action to feel better able to cope with life's ups and downs through the campaign ' ITV's Mental Health Advisory Group, chaired by Ruth Davidson with members including CEOs of mental health charities Mind, YoungMinds and SAMH, provides guidance and support on all aspects of ITV, and STV's, approach to mental health and wellbeing among its people, production teams, participants in its shows and audiences. ITV also hosted the Mental Health in the Media conference in March 2023, bringing writers, producers, duty of care professionals, brands and broadcasters together to explore best practice around mental wellbeing on screen and behind the screens. 4 She said it's 'shocking' the ITV2 staple is still on-air Credit: Instagram 4 Malin accused it of fuelling eating disorders and glorifying toxic relationships Credit: Instagram 4 Malin found fame on the second series of Love Island in 2016 Credit: ITV
The Irish Sun
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
From ‘normalising' surgery & sex talk to catchphrases & big money deals, how 10 years of Love Island has shaped the UK
IN 2015, 12 twentysomething singles walked into a Majorcan villa for the very first time – and viewers fell head over heels for Love Island. The premise was simple: couple up and don't get dumped, to win £50,000. Advertisement Ten years on, psychologist Dr Louise Goddard-Crawley says: 'Love Island rewired the way we think about love, attraction and even language. It normalised enhanced beauty.' With the 12th series kicking off next Monday, here we look at how the show shaped the nation. SKIMPIER SWIMWEAR 10 Antigoni Buxton wears a bikini top upside down Credit: Instagram THE Islanders' clothes — or lack of — made us reassess our own poolside wardrobes. Thongs stole the show in 2018, with contestants including Advertisement READ MORE ON LOVE ISLAND Sales of thong bikinis subsequently soared as the nation got on board. But a family-friendly pool in Lincolnshire banned customers from wearing 'thongs or see-through' garments, dubbing it the 'Love Island effect'. In 2019, Molly-Mae Hague and Sun Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend says: 'At the start of each series I'm hit with a barrage of emails from retailers reading, 'Get the Love Island look' as they all quickly roll out the on-trend swimwear for that year.' Advertisement Most read in News TV MAKE-UP RITUALS 10 Dani Dyer uses a hairdryer to dry her false lashes in 2018 Credit: ITV AS well as putting their love lives under the spotlight, the Islanders revealed their beauty hacks. In 2018, The following summer, Molly-Mae sparked the top-knot trend after she gave a tutorial on how to achieve her trademark hairdo, while in the show's Beach Hut. Advertisement And last year, A TikTok video on the tip has 13.8million views. THE LOVE ISLE LOOK 10 Series two's Malin Andersson has given up Botox Credit: Rex Features BOOB jobs, fillers, Botox — you name it, a Love Island contestant has had it. Advertisement Every summer, fans take to Google to see what islanders looked like before their tweakments, with bombshell Megan Barton-Hanson's transformation one of the most talked about. The 'Love Island Effect' has been blamed for a boom in the number of women — many of them young or even teenagers — seeking cosmetic procedures. One plastic surgeon said that requests for dermal fillers increased twelve-fold after last year's series. Demand for other tweakments at High Street salons is up 31 per cent in five years. However, many former contestants such as Molly-Mae and Advertisement And series two's Malin Andersson, has given up Botox. TOXIC ISLANDERS 10 Adam Collard was accused of 'gaslighting' Rosie Williams Credit: Rex Features THE show has made headlines over the years for demonstrating the problematic and toxic behaviour of both men and women. In 2019, domestic abuse charity Women's Aid accused Adam Collard of 'gaslighting' Advertisement Similarly, in 2022 the charity was 'forced' to speak to ITV after being tagged by viewers in social media posts criticising Contestants have also faced bullying claims. Earlier this year, media watchdog Ofcom received thousands of complaints about All Stars contestant Elma Pazar's 'alleged bullying' of co-star Ekin-Su Culculoglu during an argument. However, the pair were soon shown working through their fall-out before making up. Advertisement THE LINGO 10 'The ick' was made popular by Olivia Attwood Credit: Getty REMEMBER the time when 'muggy' referred to the weather and 'my type on paper' was just a font? The show's catchphrases have left a lasting impression on the English language. 'The ick', made popular by Advertisement Linguist and interpreter Ana Clarke says the show's own lingo has even helped British men drop the stiff upper lip and better express emotions. She said: 'Now we see younger males talking about their feelings. They talk about 'my type on paper', 'being mugged off', 'keeping their options open'. 'They often talk about relationships and use the word 'journey'.' Other terms popularised by the show include 'pied' (to be dumped); 'it is what it is' (that's the situation); 'putting all my eggs in their basket' (focusing on one person); and 'melt' (liking someone so much that you don't mind embarrassing yourself to prove it). Advertisement MENTAL HEALTH 10 Former presenter Caroline Flack's suicide threw ITV into turmoil Credit: Rex SADLY, Love Island has been hit by a number of tragedies, which highlighted how reality TV shows that thrive on conflict and emotions can harm the mental health of contestants. After the suicides of former Islanders Bosses introduced new duty-of-care protocols including pre-show psych-ological and medical assessments, training on social media impacts and ongoing support both during and after the programme aired. Advertisement Following Caroline's shock death early 2020, Love Island and its sponsor JustEat replaced advertising with messages from charity Samaritans. PR expert Nick Ede said: 'ITV understood that they do have a duty of care. They put in place stringent guidelines to really support each of the contestants. 'After Caroline, it was important for them to support their viewers as well.' A STAR IS BORN 10 Ovie Soko poses for Asos after signing a brand deal Advertisement A BEVVY of beauties have found fame on the show — becoming some of the our most talked about and successful celebs. Even the losers have walked away winners thanks to lucrative brand deals or showbiz gigs. Nick Ede says: 'They are kind of relatable. Millions feel they could be with them or be on Love Island.' Season five runner-up Molly-Mae has been the most successful influencer. She has made an estimated £6million from deals with Pretty Little Thing, L'Oreal and Beauty Works. Advertisement She now has a daughter with her Love Island boyfriend boxer Alex and Olivia Bowen have a son and are worth almost £10million, mainly due to sponsored Instagram deals. Maura Higgins has fashion and beauty deals and hosts a US Love Island spin-off. Olivia Attwood makes document-aries and a podcast. Advertisement FASHION FOOTPRINT 10 Dami Hope was in 2022's season eight Credit: ITV CUT-OUT dresses and co-ords and, for men, spray-on jeans were all popularised on the show. The early seasons' contestants were dressed by sponsors including fast-fashion retailers I Saw It First and Missguided, but it soon sparked a backlash. Advertisement In 2022, the show made headlines by announcing it would now dress the Islanders in pre-owned outfits from eBay, to promote more sustainable shopping habits. PR expert Nick Ede said it was a savvy move by ITV to appeal to eco-conscious Gen Z. 'It opened them up to a whole new generation,' says Nick. 'We know younger audiences are more conscious when it comes to clothing.' ONE SIZE FITS ALL 10 Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan became the first black couple to be crowned winners Credit: Rex Advertisement YOU can't deny there is a stereotypical Love Island look. While the show has included contestants such as Tasha Ghouri, who is deaf and wears a cochlear implant, raising awareness around her disability, it has been criticised for failing to include any plus-size contestants. Dating coach Eimear Draper says: 'TV shows such as Love Island are putting a huge amount of pressure on beauty standards. For those who already struggle with self- esteem, this is concerning.' Eimear, founder of Kindling Dating, adds: 'All the women look the same with their bikinis, tanned skin and long, flowing hair. Advertisement 'The Love Island guys likeChris Hughes are all hunks. They are buff. They, too, are tanned and tattooed.' Young blokes have been warned by the group UK Anti-Doping not to resort to performance-enhancing drugs to achieve 'ripped' physiques, Periodically, Love Island has also been accused of tokenism, with often only one or two black contestants each series. Last year, Mimii Ngulube and Josh Oyinsan became the first black couple to be crowned winners. LET'S TALK ABOUT SEX 10 Alex Bowen and Zara Holland have sex on TV in series 2 Advertisement IN the early days, the show was a bit of a bonkfest. Ofcom received complaints about one couple getting busy in front of their rival housemates in series two. And Miss Great Britain Zara Holland was stripped of her pageant title after getting it on with Alex Bowen. Series three winners Kem Cetinay and Amber Davies were also at it like rabbits. Advertisement In 2018, producers decided to stop showing sex scenes. Nowadays, you might just get a glimpse of a headboard banging or happy feet under the sheets. But experts reckon the show has, in some ways, sexually empowered women. Therapist Sergio Rebelo says: 'Many women on the show are unafraid to talk about their bodies and sexuality. This can encourage others to discuss their own sexuality.' Case in point: Maura Higgins talking about which of the men gave her 'fanny flutters'. Advertisement Then there's ex-stripper Megan Barton-Hanson, who was on Love Island in 2018 and later paired up with Ann Summers to launch her own range of sex toys.
