Love Island viewers were left unimpressed when contestants had to vote each other as ‘most likely to cheat’ or ‘least compatible’ in Monday night’s episode.
Some fans of the series felt the challenge was ‘uncomfortable’ to watch following the show’s #BeKind campaign in the wake of former host Caroline Flack’s passing.
The task saw the islanders gather in a circle with their respective partners and cast votes for each other.
Show: Love Island viewers were left unimpressed when contestants had to vote each other as ‘most likely to cheat’ or ‘least compatible’ in Tuesday night’s episode
However, some felt the task made for awkward viewing as it featured in the same episode as the #BeKind campaign.
One fan wrote: ‘Love Island started the episode by telling the world to be kind, yet here they are televising a ‘task’ that is designed to cause conflict amongst a group of people who are living together. Hmmm.’
Another echoed the same sentiment, writing: ‘@LoveIsland you hashtag #bekind then get the contestants to do challenges where they’re forced to be anything but kind to each other? #Hypocties’.
Another viewer added: ‘Love Island: “Be Kind.” Also Love Island: “name the most fake couple,” “name the couple you would least like to double date with”. Double standard.’
Challenge: The task saw the islanders gather in a circle with their respective partners and cast votes for each other
Contrast: Some fans of the series felt the challenge was ‘uncomfortable’ to watch following the show’s #BeKind campaign in the wake of former host Caroline Flack’s passing
One fan wrote on Twitter: ‘Maybe it’s just me, but watching couples publicly rate each other ‘least compatible’ and ‘most likely to cheat’ doesn’t seem to fit with the #BeKind message. Uncomfortable viewing tonight.’
Others felt the task that happened later in the episode, where the couples had to vote for who they thought was the least compatible, also made for uncomfortable viewing.
One said: ‘I am a fan of the show and very poignant intro. Glad the message was put out there to be kind.
‘However the show had the contestants choosing two couples they thought weren’t compatible and pointing out each other’s faults. I feel it was inappropriate timing to air that episode.’
Reaction: Many viewers felt the task made for awkward viewing as it featured in the same episode as the #BeKind campaign
Only two couples escaped being put up for the public vote to be dumped from the villa during Monday’s episode.
Luke T received a text informing the islanders they would have to make the tough decision of voting for two couples who they thought were the least compatible.
Demi Jones and Luke M are at risk from getting the boot alongside Jamie Clayton and Natalia Zoppa after they received four and six votes, respectively, from their competitors.
Mike Boateng and Priscilla Anyabu could also see their Love Island journey come to an end prematurely after they received two votes from the group.
One fan wrote on Twitter: ‘Maybe it’s just me, but watching couples publicly rate each other ‘least compatible’ and ‘most likely to cheat’ doesn’t seem to fit with the #BeKind message’
Another viewer said: ‘Love Island started the episode by telling the world to be kind, yet here they are televising a ‘task’ that is designed to cause conflict amongst a group of people’
Challenge: The couples had to gather in a circle to cast their votes on who they thought was most likely to cheat
Meanwhile, Ched Uzor and Jess Gale and Molly Smith and Callum Jones got one vote each, meaning they too are up for the public vote.
When each couple cast their votes, only Siannise Fudge and Luke T and Paige Turley and Finn Tapp escaped being put up for the public vote, with every other couple getting nominated.
Prior to her death, ITV said the door was open for Caroline to return to Love Island and that its production team ‘continued to offer her support’.
Caroline stepped down from presenting the current winter series of the ITV2 dating show after an alleged assault.
Vote: Tensions rose in Monday night’s episode as five couples were put up for elimination by their islanders, with Jamie and Natalia deemed the least compatible
Future: Demi Jones and Luke M are at risk from getting the boot after they received four votes from their fellow islanders
Decision time: The group gathered where each couple cast two votes each for the other couples who they thought were the least compatible
The TV star pleaded not guilty to assaulting boyfriend Lewis Burton at a flat in North London during a court hearing in December.
The shock news of her death prompted a flood of tributes from celebrities, but it also brought questions about the decision to persist with prosecuting Caroline for the alleged assault, and about the pressures faced by TV celebrities from the press and social media.
Her management company criticised the Crown Prosecution Service for pressing ahead with what it called a ‘show trial’ even after her boyfriend said he did not support it.
The tragedy has put the spotlight back on the pressures that come with TV celebrity, with Caroline the fourth person linked to Love Island to have taken their own life.
If you have been affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.
Tragedy: Caroline’s passing has put the spotlight back on the pressures that come with TV celebrity (pictured in November 2019)