Love Island has been named the most complained-about television programme of the year. The announcement came earlier today when Ofcom released its annual report. Despite the controversy, the hit ITV show is set to make a comeback in 2026.
The broadcasting regulator revealed that five episodes of Love Island and its All Stars spin-off made it into the top ten most complained-about programmes. This marks a significant moment for the reality dating show.
Bullying Concerns Dominated Complaints
The episode that aired on July 24 received 3,547 complaints and topped the list. Most viewers were upset about the treatment of contestant Shakira Khan. Many people felt she was being bullied on the show.
The second most complained about episode was the July 22 broadcast. It got 2,509 complaints about bullying issues and concerns over Megan Forte Clarke’s return to the villa.
The July 23 episode came in third place. It received 2,002 complaints about similar bullying concerns. Another episode on July 25 also made the list. Viewers were unhappy about how contestant Blu Chegini spoke to Toni Laites.
The Show Continues Despite Criticism
In total, Love Island received over 14,000 complaints this year. That’s roughly three out of every ten complaints that Ofcom received. The numbers are staggering for a single show.
Reality television made up more than half of the ten most complained about programmes. This shows how closely people watch these shows. They care about what happens to the contestants.
Ofcom stated that complaint numbers have actually fallen compared to last year. The levels are now similar to what they saw back in 2021. The regulator carefully reviews each complaint it receives.
Love Island All Stars Returns Next Year
Despite the complaints, ITV has confirmed that Love Island All Stars will return for a third series in 2026. The new season will run for six weeks instead of five. This is one week longer than previous seasons.
The show will continue to film in South Africa during the winter months. The regular summer version of Love Island films in Mallorca, Spain. All Stars brings back fan-favorite contestants from the past ten years of the show.
Mike Spencer-Hayter from Lifted Entertainment said the show has become a standalone hit. He promised that viewers can expect more twists and turns in the upcoming series.
The Love Island Brand Remains Strong
According to ITV, Love Island has been streamed over two billion times on their platform ITVX. This makes it one of their biggest shows for viewers aged 16 to 34. The numbers show just how popular the franchise remains.
The current season is on track to be the biggest one since season nine. That season aired in January 2023 and set impressive viewing records. Streams are up nine percent compared to last year.
Amanda Stavri, who commissions reality shows for ITV, said the All Stars series is becoming a regular part of their schedule. She added they can’t wait to bring back some of the viewers’ favorite contestants.
What Makes All Stars Different
Love Island All Stars follows the same basic format as the main show. Single people move into a luxury villa. They couple up with other contestants. The public votes on their favorite couples. The winning pair takes home a cash prize of £50,000.
The twist with All Stars is that all the contestants have appeared on Love Island before. Some are looking for a second chance at love. Others want to try again after things didn’t work out the first time.
Earlier this year, Casey O’Gorman and Gabby Allen won the second series of All Stars. They split the prize money between them. Both had appeared on earlier seasons of the regular show.
The Future of Love Island
ITV has not yet confirmed who will host the 2026 season. Maya Jama has been the main presenter since January 2023. She took over from Laura Whitmore. Jama has become a popular face of the show.
Casting for the new season is already underway. Fans are speculating about which former contestants might return. Names like Whitney Adebayo, Belle Hassan, and Curtis Pritchard are being discussed online.
Some contestants from the 2025 summer series could even appear. The show often brings back recent islanders if they were popular with viewers. Helena Ford and Andrada Pop have both said they would consider doing All Stars.
Why People Keep Watching
Love Island remains popular despite the complaints. The show creates water cooler moments that people talk about the next day. Social media buzzes with reactions to each episode.
The format keeps viewers hooked. Contestants form relationships. Drama unfolds when new people enter the villa. Couples break up and get back together. The public votes to keep their favorites in the competition.
Young audiences especially love the show. It’s become a summer tradition for many viewers. Friends gather to watch episodes together. They debate which couples will last.
The Bottom Line
Love Island topped Ofcom’s complaints list for 2024. The show faced criticism over how contestants were treated. Bullying concerns dominated the feedback from viewers.
But the complaints haven’t stopped the show’s momentum. Love Island All Stars will return in early 2026 with an extended format. ITV clearly believes in the franchise’s future.
The show continues to break streaming records. Millions of people tune in each season. Love Island has become a cultural phenomenon that shows no signs of slowing down.
Whether you love it or hate it, Love Island sparks conversation. The 2026 season will likely generate just as much buzz as this year’s episodes. Fans are already counting down the days until the villa doors open again.
Ofcom reveals most complained about show of the year – but it’s set to return in 2026
