Love Island UK Criticized Over Gemma & Davide’s Age Gap

Love Island UK season 8 has already earned backlash, thanks to the large age gap between contestants Gemma and Davide. Love Island returned on Monday, June 6, following a nine-month hiatus since season 7 wrapped. This year brought a brand-new villa, a super-sized run of 10 weeks, and a big premiere twist. However, the most notable fan reaction was one of intense criticism.
Monday night’s episode revealed that, instead of Islanders choosing as they normally do, couples were created via public vote. When the five female contestants introduced themselves, everyone was shocked that Gemma Owen was only 19 years old. The public vote paired her with 22-year-old Liam Llewellyn. Then self-professed “Italian snack” Davide Sanclimenti entered as the day-one bombshell to shake things up. During a raunchy game, Gemma and the 27-year-old Davide shared a passionate kiss. This moment set off alarm bells for fans, with many demanding some serious changes from the higher-ups.
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Twitter reactions to the premiere episode were rounded up by PopBuzz on Tuesday, June 7. Clearly, instead of the twist or the new villa, the main viewer response to the episode was concern over Gemma’s age. PopBuzz reported that she was born on May 1st, 2003, meaning she just turned 19 and likely finished school only months prior. Season 5 runner-up Molly-Mae Hague was also 19 at the time, but she was paired with the same-aged Tommy Fury. Meanwhile, along with fellow 27-year-old Andrew Le Page, Davide is currently the oldest contestant in the villa. Even before the kiss, many were already put off by the eight-year age gap. In addition to reacting in horror on social media, multiple people wrote that they would be complaining to OFCOM about the kiss incident. “If Davide even chats to Gemma I’m calling ofcom and the police” wrote a viewer. Likewise, a viral tweet promised, “If Gemma is paired with someone above the age of 25 I’m gonna file a complaint with OFCOM.”

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If Davide even chats to Gemma I’m calling ofcom and the police #loveisland
— Jem (@xjnaaaa) June 6, 2022

If Gemma is paired with someone above the age of 25 I’m gonna file a complaint with OFCOM #LoveIsland
— Vanessa (@NessaDeex) June 6, 2022

very easy to tell gemma’s age with the way she’s carrying herself, mean secondary school energy and that’s exactly why they shouldn’t let anyone that young on the show, no 19 year old should have to decide who she is infront of the whole nation #loveisland
— shauna (@wednesdaysadums) June 6, 2022

Other tweets emphasized that the dating show, which boasts celeb fans like Margot Robbie and James Gunn, should have certain age requirements in place. “They shouldn’t let anyone that young on the show,” one viewer tweeted, adding, “no 19 year old should have to decide who she is infront of the whole nation.” In addition to concern over Gemma’s age, many fans expressed annoyance with her. Some cited her immaturity, while others rolled their eyes at her privilege and desire to name-drop her famous father, footballer Micheal Owen. But a number of viewers proclaimed she would make for great TV.
The show has been criticized for its handling of contestants many times before. Last season saw the record for number of OFCOM complaints broken multiple times. Irate fans repeatedly expressed their concern over producer manipulation of contestants and the poor duty-of-care. Tragically, several show alums as well as former host Caroline Flack took their own lives. The show has also come under fire time and time again for the lack of diversity. This year, dancer Tasha Ghouri made history as the first hearing-impaired contestant, showing a promising step forward.

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Concerned viewers from around the world will likely be waiting for a statement addressing the backlash. But the amount of social media chatter only proves that, eight years in, Love Island is still shocking viewers as one of the most-talked-about reality shows on air.

Love Island UK season 8 airs daily on ITV. Episodes are then posted on Hulu two weeks after airing.
Source: PopBuzz

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