Renovations on the Love Island villa in Mallorca are still underway days ahead of the series launch

Renovations on the Love Island villa in Mallorca are reportedly still not finished, with just a matter of days to go until the new series starts.

Work on The Hideaway has only just begun while entire sections of the six-bedroom home remain unfinished, including walls and floors that are still under construction.

He explained that it ‘takes time’ getting the look of the new villa right, as building work has been underway on the property since March.

‘We’re working to the wire,’ he said. ‘Cameras are only just going in now, we’ve been out here for eight or nine weeks.’

Despite the rush to complete construction on the property, Mike insisted that everything is bigger and better at the new villa as he described it as a ‘glow up’.

He added: ‘The challenge is obviously just the pressure of building something everyone is going to like, that caters for everyone, and also feels like the show is back and has everything viewers are hoping for.’

It’s back! Producer Mike Spencer said they are ‘working to the wire’ to finish the building work before the June 6 launch date, which will see Michael Owen’s daughter Gemma enter the villa

New villa: Work on The Hideaway has only just begun while entire sections of the six-bedroom property remain unfinished, with entire walls and floors still under construction

It was revealed earlier this year that bosses for the popular ITV2 dating series had started hunting for a new villa in a bid to ‘enhance the show’, after filming at the same property for five years. 

And eager fans were given a first look inside the new villa in pictures released on Tuesday, boasting an infinity pool, huge bedrooms, and panoramic views of Mallorca.

The new fire pit area, where contestants couple up and are dumped from the villa, has also been extended and a runway has been installed to intensify the drama. 

A bigger villa means even more security after the show has become a target to intruders over the years.

Building: Despite the rush to complete construction on the property, Mike insisted everything is bigger and better at the new villa as he described it as a ‘glow up’. Pictured: Outdoor kitchen

Producer Mike said: ‘There are new security measures. We are very conscious of security and we have got a lot of things in place, plus the villa is bigger in size therefore we have more security.’

Season one and two of Love Island was filmed at a property in southern Majorca’s Santanyi region before being moved to Sant Llorenç des Cardassar in the north-east.

In January 2020, the first winter series of the show was filmed in South Africa, before the show returned to its normal setting of Mallorca for the 2021 Summer series, a year after the 2020 Summer series was cancelled due to the global pandemic. 

The new villa’s exterior look is more rustic in appearance and is spread over two floors, while the land surrounding the building includes a luxurious pool.

Incredible: Eager fans were given a first look inside the new villa in pictures released on Tuesday, boasting an infinity pool, huge bedrooms, and panoramic views of Mallorca

Kitted out: Islanders this year have been spoilt with an array of beauty products in the bathroom and the girls’ dressing room, including makeup

It was confirmed earlier this year that the daring series was moving on from the Sant Llorenç des Cardassar villa in the north-east of the island.

Managing director of ITV’s media and entrainment, Kevin Lygo, said Love Island was moving to a ‘marvellous’ new mansion in what appeared to be a bid to revitalise the show.

‘We didn’t own [the last property]. We rented it and we are choosing a new house for this summer so that is all secrecy,’ Lygo told PA Media at the time.

Ahead of the eighth series, Love Island producers confirmed to MailOnline that while food-eating challenges have been scrapped, sex is still on the menu, and they will assess each moment of pleasure between the Islanders on a case-by-case basis. 

Amping up the drama: The fire pit area, where contestants couple up and are dumped from the villa, has been extended and a runway has been installed to intensify the drama

Asked by MailOnline if the 2022 series will show sex scenes unlike last year, executive producer Mike Spencer admitted there was no black out ban in place.

He said: ‘We don’t decide anything in advance. You just don’t know until you see the footage, genuinely, we are so reactive we are cutting around the clock.

‘If something happens, we are cutting it overnight so until you see something it is hard to make a judgment and you just have to go with what is right.

‘The show does get it right, it’s suggestive and funny, music is a massive thing, and we will continue to do that but until we see it it’s difficult to tell and it depends on who it is.’ 

Measures: A bigger villa means even more security after the show has become a target to intruders over the years. Pictured: Outdoor seating area at the villa

Producers have binned food eating challenges, and their collaborations with fast fashion brands such as Pretty Little Thing, as they strive to become more sustainably aware.

Mike added: ‘We always try to be better as a conscious, environmentally friendly production and we try our best to do that.

‘We shouldn’t be wasting food in this day and age. I like the mouth-to-mouth transfer challenges; I still think they’re fun, but the viewers think they’re gross.’

This series’ line-up includes Michael Owen’s daughter Gemma, who told MailOnline in March that her famous father would be ‘unhappy’ if she signed up for the dating series. 

Lavish: The new villa is a lot more rustic in appearance and is spread over two floors, while the land surrounding the building includes a pool

Raunchy: Asked by MailOnline if the 2022 series will show sex scenes unlike last year, executive producer Mike Spencer admitted there was no black out ban in place

She said: ‘I watch Love Island every summer but right now it’s not something I would consider doing because I am not looking for love at the moment.

‘Some of the challenges on Love Island, they’re quite out there. I’m not sure I would be able to kiss 10 boys in a row but I do think it’s a great show.

‘But boys aren’t on the cards right now and my dad wouldn’t be very happy at all if I came back and said ‘I’m going on Love Island. I would need to wait until I’ve moved out!’

So far, the new cast have won praise, as the inclusion of the show’s first ever deaf contestant alongside Islanders from ethnic minorities are hailed by fans as representing ‘the most diverse’ lineup seen on the ITV2 dating show. 

Cast: This series’ line-up includes Michael Owen’s daughter Gemma, who told MailOnline in March that her famous father would be ‘unhappy’ if she signed up for the dating series

As the first crop of contestants were revealed on Love Island’s social media accounts on Monday, fans also applauded the use of unfiltered and unedited photos of the new lineup. 

A year ago, the line-up came under fire from ‘disappointed’ fans as they complained about the lack of different ethnic backgrounds, body types and members of the LGBT community represented on the show. 

This year there was praise from some fans who declared: ‘I see they paid some attention.’

This year’s Love Island contestants will be given inclusivity training, round the clock access to mental health experts and bespoke guidance on how to cope with instant fame as part of an extensive care package implemented ahead of its latest series.

Praise: The inclusion of the show’s first ever deaf contestant alongside Islanders from ethnic minorities have been hailed by fans as representing ‘the most diverse’ Love Island lineup ever

Ahead of this series, contestants will be offered video training and guidance covering appropriate inclusive language around disability, sexuality, race and ethnicity, as well as general behaviours and micro-aggressions. 

The inclusion training, which Islanders are offered prior to entering the Villa, consists of conversations chaired by BCOMS (Black Collective of Media in Sport) founder Leon Mann MBE.

It also included DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) consultant Hayley Bennett, disability specialist Shani Dhanda and broadcaster Sean Fletcher. 

The discussions have been devised to tackle topics including inclusive language, behaviour, creating safe spaces and being a good ally. 

Love Island starts at 9pm Monday 6th June on ITV2 and ITV Hub. Episodes are available the following morning on BritBox. 

LOVE ISLAND 2022: MEET THE CONTESTANTS

Paige  Thorne

Name: Paige Thorne

Age: 24

Location: Swansea

Occupation: Paramedic

Who is their type on paper? ‘In Swansea there is just no-one I can find. 

I haven’t got to swipe. So, hopefully they can just come to me now!

‘I came out of a relationship and I was just so done with guys. Then I was like, ‘Ok, I’m bored now’

Indiyah Polack

 Name: Indiyah Polack

Age: 23

Location: London

Occupation: Hotel waitress

Who is their type on paper? ‘It’s quite hard to date without being influenced by social media and stuff like that.

Love Island is a great place to get to know someone one-on-one. 

I don’t think I have ever been out with two guys who are quite the same.’

Tasha Ghouri

Name: Tasha Ghouri

Age: 23

Location: Thirsk

Occupation: Model and dancer

Who is their type on paper? ‘My dating life has been a shambles.

This is an opportunity for me to find ‘the one’ and have a great summer at the same time. 

I’m definitely ready for a relationship. I’m 23 now so I’m ready to get to know someone and travel with them.’

Gemma Owen

Name: Gemma Owen

Age: 19

Location: Chester

Occupation: International Dressage Rider and Business Owner

Who is their type on paper? ‘I am open to finding love, I’m wanting to have a really fun summer. 

I would say I’m fun, flirty and fiery. I think I’m good at giving advice, I’m a good person to talk to, I’m very honest. 

If I want the same guy, I’d do it but in a nice respectful way.

Andrew Le Page

Name: Andrew Le Page

Age: 27

Location: Guernsey

Occupation: Real Estate Agent

Who is their type on paper? ‘When I’m with someone I’m very loyal.

I’m a good boyfriend as when I’m with someone I’m all for them.

I’m actually single for once, so I thought why not?

This is the best time to give it a go.’ 

Luca Bish

Name: Luca Bish

Age: 23

Location: Brighton 

Occupation: Fishmonger

Who is their type on paper? ‘I prefer to meet girls out and about. I think when you go looking for it, it’s not as easy though, it’s like you’re too desperate for it.

If I think you’re the one or I like you, I’ll take you out on a date but other than that, if we talk and I don’t like where it’s going – then I won’t be throwing out dates. 

 

 

 

 

Dami Hope

Name: Dami Hope

Age: 26

Location: Dublin

Occupation: Senior Microbiologist

Who is their type on paper? ‘I will be talking to different girls, it might not go well with some.

When I’m actually in a relationship, I think it’s a star sign thing.

 I’m an Aries but I’m very passionate – I always used to put that person first. I’m really good at being in a team’.

Liam Llewellyn

 Name: Liam Llewellyn

Age: 22

Location: Newport, South Wales

Occupation: Masters Student 

Who is their type on paper? ’22 is a really nice age to meet someone, you’ve got your years ahead of you so you have time to  grow together. 

Love Island is a great opportunity to meet someone, you’re in with a load of different types so you can get to grips with what you really like.’

Davide Sanclimenti

 Name: Davide Sanclimenti

Age: 27

Location: Rome (lives in Manchester)

Occupation: Business owner

Who is their type on paper? ‘A lot of English girls actually love me.

They love to be around me and I love to be around them. I want to find my soulmate.

Find my person so I can actually build something in the future, grow with them, be a family. ‘

Ikenna Ekwonna

Name: Ikenna Ekwonna

Age: 23

Location: Nottingham

Occupation: Pharmaceutical Sales

Who is their type on paper? ‘I’ve only been in one past relationship but now I think I’m at the age where I could find someone.

Hopefully, I’m going to bring spontaneity and excitement.

 I’m not really shy to speak to people I don’t really care too much about what people think.’

Amber Beckford

Name: Amber Beckford

Age: 24

Location: London 

Occupation: Nanny

Who is their type on paper? ‘I don’t like guys that show off.

I don’t like flashy guys – just have a personality and make me laugh.

There was this one guy and he was trying to purposefully show off his car keys and we were literally in the middle of a restaurant!’