Love Island viewers threaten to call Ofcom over age-gap scandal just hours after new series launch
LOVE Island viewers have been left upset after realising the age gap between some of the contestants in the villa.
As Towie star Joey Essex entered the Love Island villa as the bombshell to kick off the series, viewers spotted the reality TV star is 33.
With some of the girls in the villa in their 20s and as young as 21, viewers have pointed out the age difference as ‘creepy’.
Writing on Twitter/X, one viewer commented: “Joey Essex has joined Love Island.
“If you don’t know what Love Island is let me tell you it’s a show where singles all live together in a villa to find love.
“Joey is in his mid-30s and everyone else is in their early to mid-20s Because that’s not creepy. [sic]”.
Another shared: “Joey Essex is sexy afff but this man is passed the age for #loveIsland. majority girls are 23/24 does HE know he’s 33…….”
“All Joey’s age mates are married with at least 3 kids and he’s here,” added a third.
A fourth pointed out: “Joey Essex is 33…why on earth is he on #LoveIsland?!
“ITV couldn’t find a more age appropriate (and relevant) surprise celeb entrant?!”
Another said: “As much as I know I’m going to enjoy watching Joey Essex. This is the 2nd time #LoveIsland has brought in an older Male reality star.
“Where are age appropriate OG’s and the OG girlies or even female stars from other shows. I’m sensing a pattern. I’m not liking.”
Whilst Joey has yet to couple up with any of the girls in the villa, the 33-year-old has said to The Sun exclusively: “
“I’m quite held back. I don’t just let girls come to me like that, do you know what I mean?
Love Island 2024 couples
On launch night the Islanders were immediately 'coupled up'.
The couples so far include:
- Mimii Ngulube and Munveer Jabbal.
- Nicole Samuel and Sean Stone.
- Jess White and Ronnie Vint.
- Patsy Field and Ayo Odukoya.
- Samantha Kenny and Sam Taylor.
- Harriet Blackmore and Ciaran Davies.
Singles:
“I can’t say the right words in a nice way, but basically what I’m I’m trying to say is I just don’t get with every girl, basically!”
He added: “People are realising that I’m more picky than normal. There’ll be one little thing that I won’t like and then I’ll just be completely turned off.
“Not put off, but I’ll just know she ain’t for me.”