Nightmare behind the scenes of new Love Island: All Stars: From diva ultimatums to ‘moral issues’ over age-gaps and even an ongoing divorce, insiders reveal how producers faced a huge battle to get the show on screens
Love Island has its mojo back thanks to the bombshell line-up on the new All Stars series.
Following several underwhelming seasons that stirred apprehension within ITV, I’ve found myself thrilled beyond measure as a devoted fan. The announcement of past Love Island participants making a comeback to give love another try has sent the excitement levels among us soaring.
As a lifestyle connoisseur, I must admit that this year’s casting process has been quite the challenge, fraught with complexities that have tested the patience of even the most seasoned producers. From ‘demanding ultimatums’ to concerns about age gaps and, surprisingly, an ongoing divorce saga, they’ve had their work cut out for them.
After weeks of talks, fans eagerly await the return of past winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu to the show. Meanwhile, ex-Blazin’ Squad singer Marcel Somerville, who’s 15 years older than the youngest contestant and still legally married, seems to not be setting the stage for a lasting romance like last year’s All Stars champions Molly Smith and Tom Clare at this point in time.
Subsequently, Gemma Owen’s former boyfriend, Luca Bish, makes a comeback. During his stay in the villa last year, he faced allegations of manipulation, abusive behavior, and bullying, which led to more than 3,500 complaints being lodged with Ofcom.
As a devoted fan, I’ve learned that including somewhat contentious personalities in the Love Island cast is actually a strategic move planned by the production team.
A show insider said: ‘It’s been a real rollercoaster getting the cast this year over the line.
There were some actors who insisted on being part of the production only if certain former partners weren’t included. Additionally, there was a debate about including older cast members nearing their forties, while there are also younger individuals in the show, around 20 years old.
Leaders deemed it a necessary gamble since the success of this show is crucial for them. Bringing back established stars has added an exciting energy to the series, rejuvenating its appeal.
Love Island has become a massive success for the network, and though the winter edition didn’t resonate as much with viewers, the All-Stars version has proven to be extremely popular thus far.
‘ITV are expecting the ratings to improve significantly from the summer season.’
Starting Monday, the exciting All Stars series, hosted by Maya Jama, commences. During this episode, the general public will pair up the former Islanders in a brand new villa located in Cape Town, South Africa.
It has already been speculated that Gabby Allen might rekindle her relationship with Marcel, her ex, even though they separated long ago due to his infidelity.
In this article, TopMob uncovers the intriguing backstories of the contestants and sheds light on reasons that have given the casting crew quite a few challenges.
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, 30
Last month, it was disclosed by TopMob that Ekin-Su is this year’s surprising addition to the show and will make a dramatic entrance as the initial sensational contestant in the villa.
Ekin can be seen on various television programs such as Dancing On Ice, Celebrity Big Brother, and the American series Traitors, after she triumphed on Love Island in 2022 alongside her former partner, Davide Sanclimenti.
However, the harsh criticism she faced during her stint on Celebrity Big Brother last year and the betrayal of being deceived by Davide caused her self-assurance to falter, leaving her deeply saddened.
Following numerous discussions with ITV producers, she has consented to reappear on the program with great fanfare – however, under her own conditions.
According to a source speaking to TopMob, Ekin was open to returning to the villa, but she wouldn’t agree due to the possibility of Davide potentially re-entering.
It was decided prior that she would not encounter her ex, Davide, like some other Islanders did, as she dislikes his presence in her narrative and was unwilling for a fresh chapter to unfold between them.
It turns out that both Ekin and Davide are unable to attend because they are in relationships, which suggests that neither of them may have been given special consideration.
She’s expected to make her big entrance into the villa within the first 24 hours…
Marcel Somerville, 39
As a teenager, I soared to stardom with the boyband Blazin’ Squad, and ever since my time on Love Island seven years ago, life has taken me on an extraordinary journey that includes tying the knot and embracing parenthood.
However, Marcel Somerville isn’t allowing the final year of his thirties to hinder him from seeking love once more, as he returns to the villa following a separation from his former spouse, Rebecca Vieira.
Marcel advised TopMob not to be judged for seeking a fresh start in life, but some viewers might find the 15-year age difference between him and contestant Catherine Agbaje, who is 24 years old, disconcerting, particularly considering the show’s sexual undertones and the obligatory nature of the games and challenges the Islanders are required to participate in.
Marcel’s marriage to Rebecca, the mother of his son Roman, concluded in March of the previous year following her public apology for her infidelity with an American pop star.
Discussing the unfaithfulness that led to the end of their marriage, Marcel expressed: “People sometimes err, and such decisions can leave others facing critical junctures.
At a point, I found myself torn between continuing a relationship that didn’t bring me joy, or stepping out to pursue my own happiness.
Afterward, as you progress and strive to carry on with your life, new possibilities and experiences present themselves. This event, in a way, feels like it was simply part of the journey.
A new romance could be on the cards for Marcel but with a very familiar face…
Gabby Allen, 31
Gabby Allen publicly developed feelings for Marcel, captivating the audience, leading them to continue dating beyond the television studio.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Liverpool native was devastated when she discovered that Marcel had been unfaithful to her during their romantic getaway in Mexico. This week, Gabby described Marcel’s infidelity as particularly cruel or harsh.
Apart from taking another woman romantically during his break with Gabby, Marcel also planned to encounter her in her native Canada and proposed that she join him in London afterward.
The incident made headlines across the newspapers, leaving Gabby deeply embarrassed and her self-assurance at its lowest point.
Even though she had experienced heartbreak herself, Gabby finds herself empathizing with Marcel. She suggests that they might be able to connect on Love Island, given their shared past traumas.
Viewers might decide to partner Gabby and Marcel in the initial matching event during the show, considering their potential romantic reunion hinted by both of them earlier.
Gabby expressed that she’d prefer to talk things over with him, aiming to leave the past behind and potentially rebuild a friendship. They share a deep history together, as they’ve been through a significant shared experience in the past.
‘Let’s find the good in this situation, and maybe we can become friends or something like that. I’m keeping an open mind and exploring all possibilities.’
Luca Bish, 25
As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that the gentleman who once held my heart, Luca Bish, is making his comeback to Love Island following our shared journey as finalists last year in 2022.
However, there’s debate surrounding the plan to reinstate him, as allegations of manipulation (gaslighting) and intimidation (bullying) have been leveled against him while he was at the villa.
Spectators contacted the regulatory body, Ofcom, following an incident where Luca appeared angry towards Gemma after a video emerged showing her seemingly interested in Billy Brown during Casa Amor.
The family of Luca also issued an apology, expressing that they disapprove of his “unsympathetic response,” stating “we do not support such behavior.
They said: ‘Last night was not a reflection of the boy we all know and love at home.’
Independently, viewers labeled Luca as a ‘bully’ due to his behavior towards Strictly contestant Tasha Ghouri during the Snog, Marry, Pie segment of the show.
Later on, Tasha expressed that she found herself in a tight spot and was contemplating leaving due to Luca’s harsh words.
During the course of the series, broadcasting watchdog Ofcom was met with approximately 5,000 complaints, most of which were due to the inappropriate conduct exhibited by the male participants.
Kaz Crossley, 29
In 2021, footage of Kaz Crossley snorting a suspicious white powder was exposed by The Sun.
During the strict COVID-19 lockdown in Dubai, a contestant from Love Island: All Stars was caught on camera leaning over a small table that seemed to contain thick lines of powder, suggesting a setup for drug use.
Due to the contents of the video, Kaz ended up getting arrested in Dubai under suspicions of drug-related crimes following his stopover at Abu Dhabi’s airport while en route to Thailand.
It’s said that the video was secretly recorded when Kaz wasn’t aware, then it was distributed to media outlets by a former partner.
After the difficult experience, Kaz publicly shared that her mental well-being had significantly worsened due to daily online harassment.
In a conversation with TopMob about her upcoming second villa stay, Kaz expressed: ‘If you associate with someone who doesn’t hold good intentions towards you or value your worth, that’s the least they can offer. You should be with someone who appreciates and wishes the best for you.’
Instead of remaining in circumstances that solely reflect upon me, based on my past perceptions of what I deserve, I am determined to demand more.
- Love Island: All Stars returns Monday 13th January at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX
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2025-01-12 12:53