Love Island is set to break with recent tradition by airing s3x scenes from the Hideaway during its upcoming season, according to show executive producer Mike Spencer. The ITV2 reality show, which has toned down explicit content since 2020, will now give fans an unfiltered look at intimate moments between islanders in the villa’s private bedroom.
Spencer confirmed the development in an interview with The Mirror, stating: “If s3x happens, we’ll show it. The Hideaway will be open 24 hours.” He added that the decision was part of efforts to keep the show “fresh and exciting” as it marks its 10th anniversary.
This shift returns Love Island to its earlier format, where no holds were barred and cameras captured all the late-night activity. Notorious moments from past seasons included Terry Walsh and Emma Jane’s explicit scenes in 2016, as well as Zara Holland losing her Miss GB crown after engaging in s3x with fellow contestant Alex Bowen.
The change reverses a move made in 2020 when producers chose to censor s3xual content amid growing concerns about contestants’ mental health and the long-term impact of such exposure. At the time, narrator Iain Stirling remarked that airing s3x on TV had become outdated, suggesting that storytelling could continue without visual confirmation of intimate acts.
Despite the return of more explicit footage, the show’s producers are reportedly remaining mindful of how it is presented, framing it within the context of the show’s evolving narrative style.
As this year’s edition prepares to launch, the cast has already faced controversy. Kyle Ashman was dropped from the line-up following revelations that he had been arrested in connection with a machete attack earlier this year. He was later released without charge and has denied any wrongdoing. Professional rugby player Conor Phillips has been drafted in as his replacement.
Another contestant, Dejon Noel-Williams, was questioned by police over an alleged phone theft. He too was released without further action, and ITV confirmed it was aware of the incident prior to his selection for the show.
The new season begins Monday, with producers promising both high drama and a return to the show’s more uninhibited roots.
