Love Island is one of the most popular shows in Britain, with every season drawing in millions of viewers.
And every year there are always certain rows and moments that prove to be the most controversial of the series – often pulling in plenty of Ofcom complaints.
Since it launched in 2015, the ITV2 show has received thousands of complaints every season, with viewers shocked at the treatment of Islanders by the producers and by each other.
From Faye Winter’s furious row with Teddy Soares to Kady McDermott’s explosive fight with Malia Arkian – there have been plenty of controversial moments.
Ahead of season 11 which begins on June 3 – MailOnline takes a look at the most explosive and controversial Love Island moments of all time:
Faye Winter’s explosive row with Teddy Soares – 2021
Faye was at the centre of Love Island’s most complained about moment ever when she lost her temper and launched into an expletive-filled row with Teddy
Faye Winter was at the centre of Love Island’s most complained about moment ever when she lost her temper and launched into an expletive-filled row with Teddy Soares.
A whopping 24,763 viewers took to the media watchdog to express their upset during the Movie Night challenge episode, where a clip showed Teddy telling fellow contestant Clarisse Juliette that he was ‘sexually attracted’ to her.
Faye’s rant – branded ‘horrendous’, ‘abusive’, and ‘gaslighting’ by fans of the show – resulted in the most expletive-ridden episode ever, with reports that contestants swore 125 times, while Faye is said to have said ‘f**k’ 57 times.
It wasn’t just Teddy in the firing line, as Faye was also quick to shut down Matthew Macnabb when he protested against her fiery behaviour, telling him: ‘Keep your mouth shut like you normally do.’
As well as complaining to Ofcom, viewers also called on producers to remove Faye from the villa.
Faye later said she was embarrassed by the row and refuses to watch it back but she has apologised to Teddy and the pair are still happily together.
Wow: A whopping 24,763 viewers took to the media watchdog to express their upset during the Movie Night challenge episode
Dani Dyer’s postcard meltdown during Casa Amor – 2018
Dani Dyer was inconsolable after season four’s Casa Amor twist when the girls were given a video postcard showing what their partners were getting up to in the other villa.
Viewers blasted the ‘cruel’ decision to show Dani a clip of her boyfriend Jack Fincham coming face to face with his ex girlfriend Ellie Jones, implying there was something unsavoury afoot.
Making things crueller, Jack had barely spoken to Ellie, remaining loyal to Dani throughout.
Despite 2,525 viewers complaining, host Caroline Flack justified the producers’ actions by saying the point of the show is to ‘test relationships.’
Although Ofcom didn’t investigate they confirmed that it broke records at the time for the highest number of complaints about a single issue in Love Island history.
Jack and Dani went on to win the show but ended up going their separate ways nine months later.
Dani Dyer was inconsolable after season four’s Casa Amor twist when the girls were given a video postcard showing what their partners were getting up to in the other villa
Jack and Dani went on to win the show but ended up going their separate ways nine months later
Malia Arkian in dramatic fight with Kady McDermott – 2016
In 2016 Malia Arkian, made sure to make a lasting impact on the ITV2 dating show after she was thrown out following an ‘altercation’ with fellow contestant, Kady McDermott.
Malia entered the show after texting Scott Thomas showing a romantic interest and the pair later got to know each other over a date.
Appearing jealous over Scott’s date with 26-year-old singer Malia, Kady decided to get to know the newcomer by the fire pit at the luxury Majorca mansion.
However, during an unfortunate accident, Kady then spilt some drink on Malia’s leg.
Believing the act was deliberate, Malia said: ‘If you wanna speak to me, just come in there. You don’t do that with me, not at all.’
Kady then stood up and shouted back: ‘I swear to God, if you want to get rowdy… that’s a f**king joke. Do you honestly think I’d waste my wine over you? It was a f**king accident.’
Malia replied: ‘Shut up you b**ch. Who the f**k do you think you are?’
The girls then erupted into an argument and during that time an altercation took place, where Malia was alleged to have ‘shoved’ Kady.
In the Beach Hut, Kady reflected on the night’s events. She said: ‘I’m a rowdy girl, but I’ve never in my life been in a physical fight. I think we both over-reacted to be honest. I just wish I’d let her shout, I wish I didn’t react back. I really regret it.’
Malia also tried to explain her actions in an interview after leaving the house.
She said: ‘I’m not an aggressive person, I’ve never done anything like that in my life. I completely regret it. I’ve not had a chance to reveal who I am and what I’ve got to offer, and everything’s ended way too quickly.
‘I want to apologise to Kady, I didn’t want that to happen. It’s not a ladylike thing to do, and I wouldn’t do that usually. It’s a horrible feeling.’
Ahead of his date with Malia and the explosive row, Scott had been confessing his feelings to Kady.
In 2016 Malia Arkian, made sure to make a lasting impact on the ITV2 dating show after she was thrown out following an ‘altercation’ with fellow contestant, Kady McDermott
Malia entered the show after texting Scott Thomas showing a romantic interest and the pair later got to know each other over a date
Malia also tried to explain her actions in an interview after leaving the house. She said: ‘I’m not an aggressive person, I’ve never done anything like that in my life’
Misogynistic movie night on season eight – 2022
Thousands of viewers complained about instances of misogyny and bullying throughout season eight but the Movie Night challenge wracked up a whopping 2,648 in just one episode.
The annual challenge sees both the girls and boys watch clips of their partners’ antics during their time in Casa Amor.
Tasha Ghouri was one of the main targets during both Movie Night and the dares game after Luca Bish and Dami Hope repeatedly criticised her behaviour during her relationship with Andrew Le Page.
Viewers also expressed concern for Luca’s treatment of his love interest Gemma Owen as he had a heated outburst after watching a clip of Gemma supposedly flirting with fellow islander Billy.
As footage was shown of Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu in bed with George during Casa Amor, her partner Davide branded Ekin-Su a liar when she claimed ‘nothing happened.’
Viewers hit out at the boys for clubbing together and cheering when their Casa Amor antics were shown but lashing out at the girls for their clips.
Thousands of viewers complained about the Movie Night challenge during season 8 which sees both the girls and boys watch clips of their partners’ antics during their time in Casa Amor
Viewers also expressed concern for Luca’s treatment of his love interest Gemma Owen after Movie Night at the time the episode aired
Snog, Marry, Pie and misogyny controversies – 2022
One of the most controversial moments in season eight came during the Snog, Marry Pie challenge, where Islanders were tasked with selecting one person to kiss, one to ‘propose’ to and one to have a custard pie thrown in their face.
The challenge appears on the show each year and while it’s meant to be playful in tone, viewers accused the boys of ‘going too far’ this time and ‘misogyny and bullying’.
Tasha Ghouri, who was coupled up with Andrew Le Page, had three pies thrown in her face, by Davide Sanclimenti, Dami Hope and Luca Bish after they had accused her of not having good intentions towards Andrew – leaving Tasha in tears.
Luca and Dami had received harsh criticism from viewers for the way they have treated Tasha in the days leading up to the challenge and later apologised for their comments.
Elsewhere in the challenge, Dami chose to kiss his Casa Amor ex Summer Botwe to the shock of his partner Indiyah Pollack.
Billy Brown also came under fire when he ignored partner Danica Taylor and chose to snog Gemma Owen, who he has previously been accused of flirting with, and marry Paige Thorne, labelling his actions ‘banter.’
One of the most controversial moments in season eight came during the Snog, Marry Pie challenge, where Islanders were tasked with selecting one person to kiss, marry and pie
Tasha Ghouri, who was coupled up with Andrew Le Page, had three pies thrown in her face after she was accused her of not having good intentions towards Andrew
Amy Hart’s Casa Amor turmoil with Curtis Pritchard – 2019
While season five is often hailed as one of the best Love Island seasons, viewers were left disturbed by Amy Hart’s treatment in the villa.
The flight attendant had never been in love or had a boyfriend before entering the villa, but thought her luck had changed when she met professional dancer Curtis Pritchard.
Unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be and Amy was left in tears claiming she had ‘no future’ after ‘half-boyfriend’ Curtis admitted his head had been turned by new girl Jourdan Riane during his fleeting visit to Casa Amor.
Fans raised concerns for Amy’s mental health after she broke down in tears following the dancer’s betrayal in devastating scenes, with the dramatic recoupling sparking 314 Ofcom complaints.
Amy was later taken off set and offered psychological support after viewers urged producers to step in amid her heartbreak over Curtis’ wandering eye.
A spokesman for the hit ITV2 show said psychological support was on-hand for any of the Islanders at any time 24/7, particularly if they were upset or appeared to be struggling with life in the villa.
Amy later quit the show and is now expecting her first child with boyfriend Sam Rason.
Viewers were left disturbed by Amy Hart’s treatment in the villa during season five, with 314 complaints made regarding her wellbeing when she split from Curtis Pritchard
The flight attendant had never been in love or had a boyfriend before entering the villa, but thought her luck had changed when she met professional dancer Curtis
News Splash Challenge causes heartbreak for Paige Turley and Siânnise Fudge – 2020
Love Island’s first winter series received 377 Ofcom complaints after one of its pivotal games forced two contestants into uncomfortable confrontations with their respective partners.
Viewers tuned in as the season six Islanders took part in the News Splash Challenge, which saw the group given partial tabloid headlines about each other before guessing who they are referring to.
But many accused the show of intentionally baiting the Islanders after one headline suggested Finley Tapp had been tempted to stray during a short stay in Casa Amor, prompting inevitable outrage from villa girlfriend Paige Turley.
Luke Trotman also found himself in hot water after a private revelation about girlfriend Siânnise Fudge came back to haunt him during the challenge.
In an earlier chat with the lads he admitted she stripped off during their night in the Hideaway, and the brunette was left stunned after the moment was served up in another bombshell headline.
Despite the turmoil, Paige forgave Finn and the couple went on to win the series, while Siânnise and Luke also made amends, finishing in second place.
Love Island’s first winter series received 377 Ofcom complaints after show favourites Paige Hurley (left) and Siânnise Fudge were upset by the News Splash Challenge
Despite the turmoil, Paige forgave Finn and the couple went on to win the series
Laura Whitmore’s Aftersun comments – 2022
Love Island host Laura Whitmore was at the centre of 427 complaints from viewers when she was accused of ‘slut-shaming’ season eight’s Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and treating Jacques O’Neill ‘cruelly’ in his interview.
During an episode of Aftersun Laura discussed George Tasker’s flirtations with Ekin-Su in Casa Amor – after Ekin-Su denied she had been intimate with him.
Laura said: ‘Once again Ekin-Su swore that nothing happened with George and it seems Davide doesn’t believe her’ before laughing.
Panellist Darren Harriott then said: ‘She said her head never turned but I think her hand might have turned, and possibly wrist.’
Instead of shutting down the comments, some viewers were disappointed to see Laura continuing the conversation, with fans arguing that the guests were ‘slut shaming’ Ekin-Su and passing it off as ‘banter’, and Laura received criticism for ‘encouraging’ the comments.
The handling of Jacques – who had openly spoken about quitting the series to protect his mental health – on the show was also criticised after he was shown videos of his ex-partner paramedic Paige Thorne kissing personal trainer Adam Collard after his departure.
Some called the interview with Jacques ‘cruel’, saying that forcing him to watch clips of Paige and Adam was dangerous for his mental health after the ex-Islander said he had not been able to watch the show.
A spokesperson for Love Island defended Laura, while her representative told MailOnline: ‘Laura’s job as the presenter of Aftersun is to ask questions relating to what is happening in the main show.
‘This is all that Laura has done on this occasion and suggesting otherwise is simply unfair and false.’
Laura has since quit the show and her replacement Maya Jama has gone down a storm with fans.
Love Island host Laura Whitmore was at the centre of 427 complaints when she was accused of ‘slut-shaming’ Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and treating Jacques O’Neill ‘cruelly’
During an episode of Aftersun Laura discussed George Tasker’s flirtations with Ekin-Su in Casa Amor – after Ekin-Su denied she had been intimate with him
The handling of Jacques – who had openly spoken about quitting the series to protect his mental health – on the show was also criticised
Laura Anderson’s ‘fake’ love triangle – 2018
Prompting 632 complaints was the ’emotional abuse’ of Laura Anderson during season four after she was left feeling betrayed and confused when she was told her friend Georgia Steel kissed her partner Jack Fowler.
Jack admitted that Georgia had instigated the kiss, while Georgia vehemently denied it, leading to multiple arguments, all with Laura caught in the middle.
The emotional turmoil followed on from another upsetting incident that saw Laura dumped by Wes Nelson during the first few weeks, after he decided he preferred Megan Barton Hanson.
Kissgate worsened when host Caroline Flack oversaw a VAR breakdown of the kiss on Aftersun, only for viewers to point out continuity errors in the playback of the kiss from different angles.
Georgia later admitted the kiss was filmed more than once but she was quick to defend the ITV2 show, pointing out: ‘It is a TV programme, things have to get filmed in different angles to get put on television, that’s how television works.
‘But, nothing is fake, nothing is said that is staged, it’s all to do with how you feel.’
Prompting 632 complaints was the ’emotional abuse’ of Laura Anderson during season four after she suffered a series of heartbreaking setbacks
Laura was left feeling betrayed and confused when she was told her friend Georgia Steel kissed her partner Jack Fowler
Maura Higgins’ ‘predatory’ advances towards Tommy Fury – 2019
Maura Higgins was accused of ‘sexually harassing’ Tommy Fury in season five when she attempted to kiss him in uncomfortable scenes.
Viewers saw Irish grid girl Maura, who was then a newcomer to the villa on the ITV2 series, fix her sights on boxer Tommy, who had been coupled-up with Molly-Mae Hague.
Whilst Tommy dodged her attempts at seduction, the undeterred model later climbed on top of him, attempted to kiss him and asked if she ‘turned him on.’
Despite the hundreds of complaints Ofcom decided not to investigate, with a spokeswoman saying: ‘We took into account the context in which it occurred, including the nature of Maura and Tommy’s relationship, before and after.’
Tommy declined Maura’s advances and went on to finish in second place with Molly and the pair are now expecting their first child together.
Maura has remained close with the pair, often referring to Molly as her ‘best friend.’
Ofcom will not investigate the more than 700 complaints made about the Love Island episode which saw Maura Higgins try to kiss Tommy Fury on June 14
Tommy declined Maura’s advances and went on to finish in second place with Molly. Maura has remained close with the pair, often referring to Molly as her ‘best friend’
Faye’s led astray by a postcard – 2021
Despite the backlash over Dani’s reaction to a Casa Amor postcard, the producers decided to repeat the trick during season seven prompting 4,330 complaints.
Viewers blasted show bosses for sending a postcard from Casa Amor that was ‘misleading and caused unnecessary distress’.
One of the images on the postcard showed Teddy kissing Clarisse Juliette during a challenge – causing his partner Faye to panic and recouple with new boy Sam Jackson.
But the kiss took place during a game of truth or dare, and Teddy had actually remained faithful to Faye throughout his time in Casa Amor, joining Jake Cornish – who was with Liberty Poole as the only official couple in the villa – on the day bed outside every night.
Teddy was then left single after Faye opted to recouple with Sam, explaining: ‘Once I received the postcard, the girl I’d been working so hard on was just closed off again.’
Teddy admitted he was ‘disappointed’ in Faye’s decision, but had followed his ‘heart’ in coming back to the main villa alone.
Viewers blasted the show for sending a postcard from Casa Amor that was ‘misleading’ and prompted Teddy Soares’ partner Faye Winter to panic and recouple with Sam Jackson
Teddy admitted he was ‘disappointed’ in Faye’s decision, but had followed his ‘heart’ in coming back to the main villa alone
