Yahoo News Caroline Flack defends Love Island ahead of new series launch
Love Island presenter Caroline Flack has defended the show from its critics ahead of the launch of series 5 next month, saying that reality TV shows shouldn't be blamed.
The hit ITV2 series has been closely scrutinised in recent months following the deaths of former contestants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis, but Caroline has insisted that Love Island is about romance and that we all need to "come together" and communicate more.
After declaring that Love Island has "romance at its core" in a recent interview with Metro's Guilty Pleasures, Caroline continued: "Anyone who's watched the last four series will know this hasn't changed.
"The show is a journey of love and emotions that everyone can relate to and learn from. We are a feel good show."
She continued: "When something becomes popular there seems to be a desire to pull it to pieces and over-analyse it. This is about young singletons having fun, getting to know each other, in an amazing villa in the Spanish sun. If I was younger I'd jump at the chance to be on the show."
Caroline also weighed in on the current debate around reality TV and the duty of care that TV shows have towards their contestants, with many former Love Island contestants having conflicting opinions over whether the show could have done more for them.
"I've seen at first hand the amount of first-class care that is given to islanders before and after the show," Caroline added.
"There is a spotlight on reality TV shows at the moment but sadly this is a global problem we are dealing with; a modern-day life for all that is becoming overwhelming.
"We need to stop blaming and speculating without the facts. As a human race we all need to come together, communicate, open up, express ourselves, be kind and be understanding of what all of us are dealing with on a daily basis.
"We are not robots. We are human beings with feelings and emotions. We all need to listen to one another without any judgement or discrimination."
Caroline's comments come just a day after ITV2 and Love Island shared an updated aftercare process ahead of the new series starting next month.
Under its new process, ITV has announced enhanced psychological support for those taking part, financial management and social media training for all cast members taking part, as well as in-depth conversations about the impact that the show can have on their lives.
The show will also be offering a minimum of eight therapy sessions to each Islander once they return home, with proactive contact being kept up for 14 months after the series ends.
Love Island returns to ITV2 on Monday, June 3.
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