EXCLUSIVE: Love Island 2025 has been one of the most drama-filled series in recent years, but this could be the reason behind the show’s newfound success
Love Island’s girl group drama is “key to series’ success” after years of declining viewership.
The 2025 series has arguably been more focussed on the drama between the female contestants rather than the blossoming romance among the couples.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Star on behalf of Betfred, PR Specialist Kayley Cornelius has revealed that this is actually a good thing – but producers should be careful about relying on this in future series.
She explained: “On the one hand, the divide within the girl group this year is everything the producers could have hoped for. The drama has kept viewers hooked tuning in night after night and has likely played a huge role in reversing the series’ dwindling viewership.”
Kayley noted that the situation has “reignited the social buzz” around the show and sparked Gen Z’s love for the ITV reality show once more.
“One reason I believe this year’s series has been successful is that viewers feel more connected to the cast, amplified by the clearly visible divide among the girls. As a result viewers themselves appear split, feeling compelled to take sides and support their chosen ‘team’.”
“The lack of strong romantic connections or solid couples has allowed the girls’ drama to take centre stage. In previous years such rows would rarely have been central to the storyline, so from that perspective it is easy to see why producers may have been reluctant to intervene. Without the drama, they might not have had much of a show left.”
However, Kayley said that the producers should be wary of relying on arguments to drive the story in the long-term as it could prove a “risky strategy for ITV if they attempt to replicate it in future series”.
“They are taking a high-stakes gamble with their brand image which they have worked hard to redeem, yet they could soon find themselves back at square one and signs already suggest they may be heading into muddy waters.
“It seems the broadcaster is beginning to pay the price of this fandom culture, with thousands of viewers lodging complaints with Ofcom about alleged bullying towards Shakira. Many more have admitted to struggling while watching her emotional breakdown, during which she spoke openly about feeling pushed out of the group and the perceived ‘fakeness’ of the other girls.”
The PR specialist pointed out that the main issue is that “there are always two side to every argument” so it is hard to “strike the right balance while remaining impartial,” careful not to show favour to one contestant or another.
“With the cast due to leave the villa next week the real test is about to begin. I suspect that in the weeks that follow, we may start to get a clearer picture of what actually happened behind the scenes and how accurately it was portrayed on screen.”
“Although things may appear to be improving for Love Island, I would argue that the waters remain rocky. It might only take one major scandal to bring the entire show to an end.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
