Love Island bosses clamp down on smoking for 2018 series after a raft of complaints last year
IN last year’s Love Island more sparks flew on the smoking terrace than in the bedroom – drawing a raft of complaints from viewers.
So this year ITV has taken decisive action by banning fags in both the villa and garden.
I’m told that when contestants want a cig they’ll have to ask a producer who will take them to a designated smoking shelter away from the villa. And as if having to sit in a bus stop-style hut wasn’t bad enough, they will have to do it alone.
A TV source said: “Last year there were more viewer complaints about the amount of smoking than anything else.
“It did feel like someone had a fag in their hand constantly last series, so hopefully viewers will notice the difference.”
But smokers will still be filmed, as producers hope to record contestants letting off steam after a row or incident — like last year when Dom Lever stormed out of the villa after rumours spread that his girlfriend Jess Shears had done the dirty on him with “Muggy” Mike Thalassitis.
The source added: “It will still be filmed, but as they’ll be alone, there won’t be as many gossipy moments as last year.”
Viewers can breathe a big, clean, smoke-free sigh of relief.
Piers' Golf War
IT’S a good thing that PIERS MORGAN’s co-host SUSANNA REID is the one with the golf club in her hand – and not his morning telly rival DAN WALKER.
The Good Morning Britain pair headed to the green yesterday for a spot of putting as Piers warmed up for a celebrity tournament against his BBC Breakfast frenemy Dan today. And the social media taunting between the duo has been hotting up ahead of their sporting showdown.
Earlier this week, Piers tweeted his delight at reaching GMB’s highest audience share ever.
But Dan replied: “I’ll keep it simple . . . We get double the audience.” He then threw one of Piers’ quotes back in his face by adding: “‘Just can’t get excited by silver and bronze medals. You win or you lose. Gold is all that matters’ Piers Morgan, August 2016 #TearsForPiers.”
It’s definitely 1-0 to Dan in the ratings stakes, let’s see who wins on the golf course.
BizBit
A JEREMY KYLE Show guest who had a paternity test claimed he had only slept with the woman in question because “she looked like a zombie from Shaun Of The Dead”. Oof. Good job it turned out he wasn’t her child’s father.
Enders boss 'A Master'
EASTENDERS was so disappointing around 18 months ago that rival soap Corrie started referring to it as Deadenders.
But a change in the top brass, with John Yorke coming in to replace the divisive Sean O’Connor, has made it turn a corner.
He initially signed a three-month deal at the soap, but will now be staying for an extended period.
A source said: “John has agreed to stay a bit longer and has signed an extension on his contract to see at least the rest of the year out.”
John, whose first stint on the show saw him introduce families such as the Slaters and work on the Who Shot Phil? storyline, is certainly more popular than his predecessor among the cast.
JAKE WOOD, who plays Max, said: “If you look back at the history of the show he has come out with some of the best storylines.
"He’s a master of his craft, I’ve had about six bosses and he’s the best.”
Someone’s angling for a pay rise.
Soapbox
JOSH is quietly worried in CORONATION STREET when his old training partner Claire tells him that Shona has swung by asking questions about his past.
Later she dupes Josh’s old work colleague Dec into meeting her.
When she pushes him for answers, Shona is horrified to realise Josh raped Dec too.
Meanwhile, Imran and Yasmeen plead with Zeedan not to throw in the towel just as the business is taking off.
In EMMERDALE, Jacob struggles with his feelings for Leanna.
Ross finally discovers that Simon was paid to keep quiet about the acid attack.