TW

[Raf Thompson @RafThompson]

I’ve worked on #LoveIsland UK since Series 5, producing Series 5-10, before moving on to Love Island USA and Love Island Australia. I’m incredibly proud to have been part of a show that has become embedded in British culture. The twists, drama, and unforgettable cast members have created some of the best reality television of the last decade.

But if we’re being honest, one issue has persisted for years: casting.

Time and time again, Love Island UK has failed to truly reflect the diversity of modern Britain. Representation matters, and no group has been more consistently let down than Black women. Ironically, Black women have been some of the show’s most loyal supporters, driving conversations online, creating viral moments, and helping keep the show culturally relevant.

Yet year after year, we continue to cast Black women alongside men who openly or implicitly don’t date Black women. The result is a cycle that viewers have watched repeatedly: rejection, exclusion, and disappointment. For young Black girls watching at home, that’s a damaging message. For audiences generally, it’s become predictable and exhausting.

When I left after Series 10, things were improving. Contestants like Tyrique, Ella, Catherine, Whitney & previous series with Dami, Indiyah, Kai, Sanam, Kaz, Samira, Yewande and others helped create some of the show’s most memorable storylines.

However, working on Love Island USA showed me how powerful genuine representation can be. Seeing contestants from different racial, cultural and ethnic backgrounds authentically connect created richer stories, stronger characters, and ultimately a bigger audience.

My role on Love Island was in edit producing, not casting despite my vast experience in casting on other shows I raised concerns about casting throughout my time on the show.

If Love Island UK wants to reverse its ratings decline, it needs to listen to viewers. Audiences are asking for fresher casting, more authentic representation, and a creative reset. If those changes don’t happen, I genuinely worry about the long-term future of a show that so many of us care deeply about.

For the culture.

[Lil G @SakPaseG]

Sometimes just sitting in the sun is enough for a good day. We overcomplicate joy.

[🦋 fairy 🧚‍♂️ @thisdecfairy]

him: “send me a picture of you playing with your 🐱.”

me:

[Summie's write @RuthSummie]

Started a new book at 10pm. it is now 2am. I regret nothing.

[iza @izamamaa]

I pray u experience this at least once in your life.

[tasha louise 💗 @eds_afterglow]

Happy love island day to those who are celebrating #loveisland #loveislanduk

[tasha louise 💗 @eds_afterglow]

Me clocking back in to love island twitter for the next two months #loveisland #loveislanduk

[iza @izamamaa]

“nobody coming to save you also implies

no one is coming to stop you”

[Nathi @nathiofficial_]

My future starting to look very Tracee Ellis Ross coded ngl

[Marie🧚 @glitchu__]

just overheard a woman say "i’m not being mean. i’m just not actively making you comfortable" and i'll be using that line forever

[iza @izamamaa]

watching a man cook is probably #1 on the list for nonsexual things that turn me on/I’m attracted to.

[Ke @keirra_x]

I can’t wait to go on vacation again

[SashyB❤️‍🔥 @Sashy_x0]

The gombey beat is one of the best sounds in the world!🥁

[djéli 🇧🇲 @dejonsimmons]

She's a hot one out dea today.
Stay hydrated.
Stay safe.
Happy Bermuda day 🇧🇲

[ًWave Checkers @wavecheckers]

Joey Bada$$ & Serayah in Bermuda 🏝️

[Ty Ngachira @anto_ty]

And trying not to cry in public transport

[MJAÉ 🫧❄️ @therealmjae_]

In my own 🫧🫧🫧🫧🫧🫧🫧🫧 love it here.

[We Lived @Lovejoyn_mlaba]

Outward validation. I just started doing things that pleased me even if it didn’t make sense to the next person.

[Senator Timileyin @timitamaaa]

The girls are right about everything. Do your skincare, read books, do yoga/pilates, shake your bumbum randomly!

They are always right 🥹

[yimika| @yimikaaaa]

whenever I'm with real yappers i realize I might actually be a listener 😭