Love Island embroiled in bullying row as star’s family speak out to defend her

LOVE Island is at the centre of a bullying row after viewers expressed concern over the treatment of Zara.

The bombshell has ruffled feathers since her arrival and on Friday night's show a few of the other Islanders appeared to pick on her during a game of truth or dare.

Her family have now spoken out, insisting she can handle herself in a hostile environment.

Zara’s mum Denise said: “We understand people’s concerns when they see she is visibly upset. We know the show is highly edited and that Zara is free to leave at any time.”

Her brother Alex added to the : “She is a very strong woman who knows her own mind – she can handle the drama.”

During the controversial game Tom, 23, told her he preferred Olivia’s face, but admitted she had the best body.

Olivia then proceeded to snog Tom when asked to kiss the person she thought fancied her the most.

Aaron, 24, then said he thought Zara was most likely to speak behind his back and Lana said she thought Tom and Zara were the least compatible couple.

Last night viewers expressed their fears about Zara’s treatment, with one person writing: “I feel like they’re low-key bullying Zara at this point - what about her is fake exactly?”

A second said: “Nah this isn’t cool they’re bullying Zara.”

While at third wrote: “The islanders are bullying Zara AND the producers are targeting her with those tasks. That was horrible to watch.”

“I’m expecting love island producers to step in soon enough like they did last season when the boys were bullying Tasha. I’m acc not gonna sit here and watch those lot bully Zara like this,” added a fourth.