'Love Island' producers have been fending off reports that the show is staged and votes tampered with after The Sun published snippets from what they claim is a production bible from the hit reality TV series.
In a statement given to Metro.co.uk, ITV denied claims that the show was fixed and said that "(the) audience ultimately decide the winner of Love Island as the winner is chosen solely by public vote." The 408-page dossier, which is titled as an 'International Format Production Bible', talks candidly about manipulating viewer control and stressing that "it is important to be aware of not handing over to viewers control of key decisions that would have a significant impact on the narrative."
ITV's statement to Metro.co.uk, however, claims that "anyone who watches the show regularly would know, Love Island has always been a combination of reality and produced elements that are reactive to what’s happening in the villa, and we have always been completely transparent about this and the way the show is produced. This is often acknowledged in the voice over by Iain Stirling."
The show has received a number of complaints to British television regular Ofcom this season, however they have so far made no statement on The Sun's claims or whether or not viewer trust has been breached. Social media complaints following the saving of Dr. Alex claimed that the show was fixed to keep him in, however with the show ending tomorrow night for another season, it may not matter all that much.
The finale kicks off tomorrow at 9PM on TV3.
