By Sarah Packer, Chief Showbiz Reporter
Published: | Updated:
Love Island stars will be given the chance to vote in the upcoming General Election, MailOnline can reveal.
Show bosses have confirmed Islanders will be given time away from filming to partake in the proxy vote where, due to being overseas, they can request somebody to vote on their behalf when the UK goes to polls on July 4.
Producers are hoping the election will spark an increase in politically charged conversations between the show's contestants, in stark contrast to the reality stars talking about who they fancy and the latest dumping.
It comes after 2018 Islander Hayley Hughes replied, 'What's that?' when she was asked what she thought about Brexit and after being told by her co-star Samira Mighty it could involve cuts to trade, she misheard and thought it was about trees, saying, 'So, does that mean we won't have any trees?'
Executive Producer, Mike Spencer insisted ITV2will be encouraging stars of the show to have their say in the election, adding, 'We want to make sure they are voting, because of course, we want everyone to vote.'
Love Island stars will be given the chance to vote in the upcoming General Election, MailOnline can reveal
Show bosses have confirmed Islanders will be given time away from filming to partake in the proxy vote where, due to being overseas, they can request somebody to vote on their behalf
It's also been revealed contestants will be able to watch England in the European Championships, which starts next month, but only if the Three Lions reach the final on July 14. The cast of 2021 were allowed to watch England's last Euros final and were left devastated when Gareth Southgate's men lost on penalties to Italy at Wembley.
A TV source said: 'It's imperative for contestants not to be connected with the outside world while they film the show, but there are some events which simply can't slip by.
'The General Election and the Euros are two huge landmark moments, so they have to be factored into the show.
'Bosses can't ignore there's a General Election happening, and they want to encourage the contestants, who are all young people, to use their vote, plus they're hoping it will spark some interesting debates in the villa.
'The football is essentially a special treat, as the possibility of missing out on watching England winning major silverware for the first time since 1966 would be unfair to those with a huge interest in the sport.'
The Love Island cast this year includes dancer Harriett Blackmore, model Nicole Samuel and trainee mental health nurse Mimii Ngulube.
They will be dating the likes of rugby player Ciaran Davies, footballer Ayo Odukoya and hairdresser Sam Taylor when the 11th series begins on Monday, hosted by Maya Jama.
Love Islanders have previously shown surprising interest in politics.
It comes after 2018 Islander Hayley Hughes replied, 'What's that?' when she was asked what she thought about Brexit
Hayley wastold by her co-star Samira Mighty Brexit could involve cuts to trade but she misheard and thought it was about trees, saying, 'So, does that mean we won't have any trees?'
Georgia Harrison expressed a keenness to enter politics after campaigning for the online safety of women and girls, having been a victim herself of revenge p*rn at the hands of her ex Stephen Bear
Ex-star Georgia Harrison expressed a keenness to enter politics after campaigning for the online safety of women and girls, having been a victim herself of revenge p*rn at the hands of former Celebrity Big Brother winner Stephen Bear, who was jailed for his crimes.
And 2021 contestant Sharon Gaffka also plans to one day become an MP after taking part in a campaign earlier this year to encourage young people to vote.
Producers have teased that as well as politics, they are hoping Islanders connect on a sexual level this series.
They have allowed stars of the show to spend as much time as they please in the villa's Hideaway, the only area where they are left alone with their partners.
Bosses are hoping the format change creates the 'sexiest series yet' and will encourage even Islanders not in couples to explore new and intimate relationships.
Euro 2024BrexitLove IslandMaya Jama
