Love Island #LoveIslandhas sparked an array of complaints this month as the 2023 grand final inches closer, with more than 300 from viewers said to concern alleged bullying targeted at Ron Hall.
There are just days to go until the winners of the winter ITV2 competition are crowned by host Maya Jama, with couples including Jessie Wynter and Will Young, and Tanya Manhenga and Shaq Muhammad still in the running.
While the show is drawing to a close, certain elements of recent episodes have sparked upset among viewers, who felt the need to complain to media watchdog Ofcom.
On Wednesday March 1, the programme sparked 151 complaints, followed by 71 complaints for the Thursday March 2 episode, 245 complaints on Sunday March 5, and 57 complaints on Monday March 6.
Ofcom pointed out that complaints made to the watchdog, which are based on viewers’ opinions, are not indicative that they are being investigated.
It’s understood that the complaints made on March 5 and March 6, which add up to 302 in total, concerned alleged bullying of Ron by other contestants in the villa.
Love Island #LoveIslandis back for 2023
Kiss goodbye to your social life as Love Island #LoveIslandis back for its Winter 2023 series.
Get all the latest updates from the villa on Metro.co.uk‘s dedicated Love Island #LoveIslandhub.
On March 1, 99 complaints were said to have been made by viewers who weren’t happy that dumped couple Olivia Hawkins and Maxwell Samuda were given the power to choose another couple to eliminate from the show.
Another 47 complaints from that day’s transmission are believed to have been made regarding Olivia’s behaviour, while on March 2, complaints are understood to have been in reference to the way Tom Clare was treated by his fellow contestants.
Over the weekend, Ron faced accusations of game playing in the villa, when he told some of his fellow islanders: ‘When I was a viewer… I thought, the ones who have their drama nice and early and then get comfy and treat it like a holiday, they’re the ones who are probably like, they just cruise.
‘I can see why people probably thought, “Oh Lana and Ron are just cruising through”. I’m not bothered by any of that. As I know I’m not, otherwise I never would have made her my girlfriend, it means too much to me.’
After Tom informed other contestants of Ron’s ‘game plan’ the next day, the financial advisor had some damage control to do, telling Samie Elishi that he felt ‘livid’ by the claims.
First appear at Winter Love Island #LoveIslandsparks more than 300 Ofcom complaints from viewers over ‘bullying’ of Ron Hall
