Love Island: 11 of the most controversial moments

From accusations of toxic behaviour to infamous kisses

love island controversial moments

by Eden-Olivia Lord |
Updated on

Love Island has left us laughing, crying and in complete awe of some couples (especially the ones that actually last on the outside), however we can't forgot the controversial moments.

You know those moment in the villa where some of the Islanders take their actions too far, leave the rest of their cast mates in shock or, in the case of Dani Dyer, they're left in floods of tears.

There's often some very debatable moments - especially when the Islanders start 'moving mad' in the villa - but sometimes things get a little bit too heated and viewers make formal complaints to Ofcom.

So from the Love Island 2021 girls receiving the infamous postcard, to the Mean Tweets challenge and the lie detector test - here's a lot at Love Island's most controversial moments.

Check out: Love Island's controversial moments

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Love Island's most controversial moments

Faye Winter and Teddy Soares feud1 of 11
CREDIT: ITV

Faye Winter and Teddy Soares feud

Following the Mad Movies challenge that showed Teddy talking to Casa Amor bombshell Clarisse Juliette, Faye Winter was left furious. For the majority of the following episode, that was an hour-long, Faye was shouting at Teddy, Matthew MacNabb and even Dale Mehmet. As a result of the showdown, Ofcom received a record number of 24,763 complaints from viewers.

Love Island 2021 postcard2 of 11
CREDIT: ITV

Love Island 2021 postcard

Love Island bosses brought the postcard challenge back during the 2021 series and it caused quite the stir in the villa. It left Millie Court in the dark about Liam Reardon's antics and Faye Winter thought Teddy Soares had kissed another girl however it was part of a game.Teddy returned (with Faye's teddy bear in hand) and was left single in the villa and Casa Amor bombshell Lillie Haynes returned and exposed Liam, which left Millie devastated.

Love Island's lie detector test3 of 11
CREDIT: ITV

Love Island's lie detector test

In 2019 it also came to light that the infamous lie detector test had been axed. Ofcom investigated reality TV rules following the tragic death of Steve Dymond following his appearance on The Jeremy Kyle Show.

Laura Anderson and Paul Knops4 of 11
CREDIT: ITV

Laura Anderson and Paul Knops in the final

Love Island 2018 already had a few controversial moments but it was the final episode that drew in some complaints. After Laura Anderson and Paul Knops came runners up on the show, viewers took to Ofcom and complained because they were not in an official relationship. In third place was Megan Barton Hanson and Wes Nelson and in fourth place was Josh Denzel and Kaz Crossley - both couples were in an exclusive relationship.

Paige Turley and Finn Tapp5 of 11
CREDIT: ITV

Paige Turley and Finn Tapp's headline challenge

After the Mean Tweet challenge appeared to be scrapped during the 2020 series, the News Splash didn't go down well with viewers.Paige Turley was left furious when one of the headlines said, 'Casa Amor causes Callum, Finn and Nas' head to turn on tonight's Love Island'.Finn protested his innocence but Paige was annoyed and so were fans who branded the headline as "fake news".

Love Island axe smoking area6 of 11
CREDIT: ITV

Love Island axe smoking area

Remember the early days of Love Island where the majority of the Islanders would gossip over the smoking area? Well following a lot of complaints, in 2018 the producers took action and removed the smoking area from inside the villa.

love island amy hart curtis pritchard7 of 11
CREDIT: ITV

Casa Amor in 2019

They say Casa Amor is one of the hardest tests and the 2019 series proved it because it received over 300 complaints. Poor Amy Hart was left devastated when Curtis Pritchard admitted his head turned towards Jourdan Riane. Meanwhile, Amber Gill was left single when Michael Griffiths savagely dumped her for Joanna Chimonides.

Georgia Steel and Jack Fowler's kiss8 of 11
CREDIT: ITV

Georgia Steel and Jack Fowler's kiss

During the 2018 series, Love Island received 655 complaints following Georgia Steel and Jack Fowler's kiss. While Georgia insisted that they both intentionally kissed on their date, Jack was sure that he went to kiss her cheek but she moved in for the lips. Luckily the truth came out during the reunion and Georgia FINALLY apologised.

Tommy Fury and Maura Higgins9 of 11
CREDIT: ITV

Tommy Fury and Maura Higgins

A lot of viewers felt uncomfortable when Maura Higgins tried to kiss Tommy Fury, despite his protests and Love Island received 709 complaints.

Dani Dyer crying10 of 11
CREDIT: ITV

Dani Dyer crying

Jack Fincham was floored when he saw his ex-girlfriend walk into Casa Amor but no one was more devastated than Dani Dyer who was left in a flood of tears. After the episode aired, Ofcom received 2,644 complaints about the show.

Joe Garratt and Lucie Donlan relationship11 of 11
CREDIT: ITV

Joe Garratt and Lucie Donlan's relationship

During the early stages of Love Island 2019, Ofcom received 600 complaints over Joe Garratt and Lucie Donlan's relationship. Viewers accused him of having a "controlling nature" when Lucie was left in tears and Women's Aid issued a statement about the show.

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Before Love Island 2021 started, ITV revealed the new duty of care protocols they put in place to support contestants before, during and after their time on the show.

Bosses confirmed that the contestants receive "comprehensive psychological support" throughout all stages of their Love Island experience. It includes "at least eight therapy sessions" as well as bespoke training on the impact of social media, handling potential negativity and financial management.

Registered mental health professionals are always on hand for the Islanders, who have to complete detailed psychological and medical assessments before the show. There is also a dedicated welfare team for Islanders during and after their time in the villa, with the senior team based in Majorca also trained in mental health first aid.

ITV will also remain in "proactive contact" with all contestants for 14 months after the series ends, with additional support available "where applicable".

The update came following the tragic deaths of Mike Thalassitis, Sophie Gradon and Caroline Flack.

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