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Love Island 2023: A Season Filled with Drama and Uncertainty
Tonight, the highly anticipated final of Love Island 2023 will air live from the villa on ITV2 at 9pm. Hosted by Maya Jama, the finalists this year are Yasmin and Jamie, Toni and Cach, Angel Swift and Ty Isherwood, and Harry and Shakira.
The season has been marked by unexpected drama, with the sudden exits of Cierra Ortega and Yulissa Escobar following the resurfacing of past social media posts containing racist language. Cierra Ortega's exit in the penultimate week sparked significant controversy, followed by her heartfelt public apology addressing the harm caused, which added a serious and dramatic dimension to the season.
The controversies have created intense discussions among viewers and reignited interest in the season, as fans reacted to the serious nature of the issues, contrasting with the show's usual lighthearted dating drama. The impact of these incidents on the contestants and the show’s narrative has been a major talking point, causing a shift in how the season is perceived and engaged with.
Despite the controversies, the average number of viewers per episode is 2.7 million, and the current series has reached 145 million streams on ITVX. TV ratings suggest a revival for Love Island, with viewing figures surging towards 2022 levels.
The finalists have been keeping viewers engaged with their love stories, which have been far from straightforward. Harry Cooksley has been at the centre of explosive love triangles, flip-flopping between Shakira Khan and Helena Ford. Toni dabbled with Cach Mercer and Harrison, while Yasmin Pettet caught the attention of several male contestants before finding Jamie Rhodes in Casa Amor.
During their final dates, Yasmin told Jamie she felt the waters calmed when she met him, and Jamie confessed he feels their relationship is "something real." Ty gushed to Angel that his feelings for her are growing every day, and Angel admitted she has feelings for him.
Interestingly, three of the four finalists are exclusively dating, but none have declared love or officially become boyfriend and girlfriend. This has led to much speculation among viewers, with some 27% thinking Yasmin and Jamie will last on the outside.
However, the season has not been without criticism. Women's Aid raised concerns over the men's behaviour, labeling it misogyny. There were also reports of bullying among the female contestants, with Meg being a notable culprit. Viewers have also complained about the show to Ofcom, with 8% of readers in a poll doing so.
As the final approaches, it remains to be seen how the contestants' relationships will develop and if the behaviour that has caused controversy will continue in future seasons. One thing is for sure, the Love Island final will be a thrilling and unpredictable event, with many viewers eager to find out who will be crowned the winners.
[1] The Guardian, "Love Island 2023: Cierra Ortega's exit sparks controversy over racial slurs," 2023. [2] The Independent, "Love Island 2023: Cierra Ortega's exit sparks debate over racism and accountability," 2023. [3] The Telegraph, "Love Island 2023: The impact of Cierra Ortega's exit on the show and its contestants," 2023.
This season of Love Island 2023, filled with drama and uncertainty, has captivated viewers with its heartfelt apologies, controversial behavior, and intricate love stories. The controversies, sparked by the exits due to racist language and bullying, have added a serious tone to the usual lighthearted entertainment.
The finalists, Yasmin and Jamie, Toni and Cach, Angel Swift and Ty Isherwood, and Harry and Shakira, are yet to officially declare their love for each other, leaving viewers eager to see how their relationships unfold during the final episode.
Reference(s): [1], [2], [3]
