Love Island cancelled: ITV axes summer series over coronavirus risk

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The summer series of Love Island 2020 has been cancelled after showrunners found it “logistically impossible” to produce amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Kevin Lygo, Director of Television at ITV told The Sun: “We have tried every which way to make Love Island this summer but logistically it’s just not possible to produce it in a way that safeguards the wellbeing of everyone involved and that for us is the priority.

“In normal circumstances we would be preparing very soon to travel out to the location in Mallorca to get the villa ready but clearly that’s now out of the question.

“We are very sorry for fans of the show but making it safely is our prime concern and Love Island will be back stronger than ever in 2021.

“In the meantime Love Island fans can still enjoy all six series on BritBox.”

Lygo had previously expressed doubts over whether the show could go ahead. In a livestream as part of the Edinburgh TV festival, he said Love Island bosses had considered taking the show to Cornwall, but decided it would not be the same.

“What kind of message are sending out if we’re doing a show where the couples are crammed together all slathering over each other, and the rest of the world is told not to go near anyone in the park?” he said.

The Independent has contacted an ITV representative for comment.