Love Island contestants are to be banned from social media during this upcoming series to shield themselves and their families from online abuse.
In a move that was trialled for the first time during the winter series earlier this year, ITV bosses have announced restrictions on social media usage for the cast of the hit reality competition show’s highly-anticipated upcoming 10th season – which is due to start in just a few weeks time.
It’s part of the broadcaster’s new duty of care guidelines and procedures.
As contestants have no access or contact with the outside world while they’re in the villa, this has often meant that in previous years, the reigns of their social media accounts have been handed over to loved ones to post content on their behalf – but the show has been heavily criticised for this, as it has tended to subject their families to having to deal with trolling and abusive comments.
This is on top of the the criticism the dating show has faced following the highly-publicised deaths of former contestants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis, as well as former presenter Caroline Flack – who all took their own lives.
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Love Island contestants will be banned from social media while in the villa / Credit: ITV
The show has also been the subject of widespread discussion, criticism, and subsequent Ofcom complaints over alleged toxic or abusive behaviour among participants.
In an attempt to address the issue of trolling and abuse aimed at Islanders, ITV instructed the contestants of its ninth series earlier this year to either suspend their accounts or prevent loved ones from posting content during their time in the villa.
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Following the success of this trial, the move is to be made permanent.
As part of the new duty of care procedures, ITV has now formally introduced the social media ban for the summer series – which is due to begin airing on ITV2 on Monday 5 June – and will be asking participants to pause their accounts for the duration of their time on the show to ensure that both they and their families are protected as best as possible.
The move has been welcomed by former contestants including Amy Hart, Tasha Ghouri, and Liam Reardon – who have branded it as “great” and “needs to be done”.
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Elsewhere in ITV’s duty of care guidelines, before going on the show and before meeting their fellow contestants, islanders will complete video training and guidance across a range of topics including mutually respectful behaviour in relationships, behaviour patterns associated with controlling and coercive behaviour, and language around disability, sexuality, race and ethnicity, and microaggressions before they meet their fellow contestants.
Prospective islanders will also watch a video of the show’s executive producer and head of welfare interviewing former contestants about their experiences in the villa.
ITV says the social media ban is to shield contestants and their families from online abuse / Credit: ITV
As well as the in-house therapists who have been present in the villa for several seasons now, psychological support and an aftercare package is also to be provided contestants when they leave the villa.
This will include how to cope with being filmed 24/7, and the interactions they will have with the show’s producers.
Support is also given to family members of contestants about how to deal with social media trolling, and adapting to life away from the show.
Featured Image – ITV
TV & Showbiz
The Hundred is calling for up-and-coming presenters to co-host this year’s tournament
Danny Jones
The Hundred 2025 is fast approaching and cricket’s fastest-growing tournament is once again asking for aspiring presenters to join their roster of co-hosts and help cover the action.
The fast-paced 100-ball format is entering its fifth year and next to T20, you find a more accessible and thrilling form of cricket, so it’s no wonder the competition is gaining a greater audience each year.
With that in mind, the need for a top-notch broadcast team is more crucial than ever but just like those who backed The Hundred in its infancy, they’re looking to invest in future creatives and on-screen talent.
Are you someone looking to get into presenting or know someone who is? Keep reading.
For the fifth year in a row, we want you to be part of #TheHundredRising! 🎤
So how does it work? Well, it’s pretty straightforward: The Hundred is looking for eight up-and-coming presenters to join their team of main venue hosts up and down the country.
Tasked with guiding and talking fans through an action-packed five weeks across all host cities, successful applicants will be responsible for building excitement and atmosphere inside the seven cricket grounds on each match day.
From player and pundit interviews to crowd engagement and interactive other activations with partnered brands, not to mention members of this year’s live music lineup, you’ll be a key part of putting out the top-quality sports and entertainment product they promise every year.
The best part of all is that no prior hosting experience is necessary – this is all about platforming you and The Hundred as a whole.
Successful applicants will be mentored by the main hosts at their respective venues and will attend a two-day workshop with special guests to get them ready to hit the stage this summer.
The ‘Rising Hosts’ scheme has been set up in tandem with their dedicated event production agency, Progress Productions, which will be in charge throughout the application and selection process.
Shortlisted applicants will then have their details shared with the ECB (English Cricket Board) who will be involved when it comes to making their final decisions.
It goes without saying that even if you just love sports or just want to find a way into the industry, this is an opportunity that is not to be missed.
Sarah Harding breast cancer study has helped save over 80 women
Thomas Melia
A life-saving study set in memory of Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding has seen her lasting legacy extend far beyond music, as now women across the country are getting cancer tests more frequentlythanks to the research.
Funded by The Christie, The Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal began its first phase of the BCAN-RAY (Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Younger Women) back in May 2023.
Led by Dr Sacha Howell, who was Harding’s consultant, the work explores risk factors and creates personalised early screening options for women as young as 30.
This is extremely important as currently women are only invited for routine breast screenings every three years from 50 onwards. Awareness and being proactive are just as important as research.
Sarah Harding, who passed away in 2021, has a dedicated mural in her hometown of Stockport.Credit: The Manc Group
The studies set up in Sarah‘s legacy are vital now more than ever as breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women aged 35-50 years in the UK.
These more frequent and routine checks from a younger age will be vital, especially since an estimated 10,000 women a year are diagnosed under 50.
The BCAN-RAY study has recruited 500 women aged between 30 and 39 years old, who have had their risk assessment appointments.
Out of this number – 404 patients have been given their risks – 316 as ‘average risk’ and 88 were found as ‘increased risk’.
88 were found as ‘increased risk’ with 58 of these receiving telephone calls to discuss further implications and discuss strategies to reduce this such as diet, exercise and medication.
So far 18 women have had their first mammogram, with no recalls or cancer identified. Following this, each woman is offered regular screening every year until their NHS breast screening starts at age 50.
Dr Sacha Howell commented, “We’re really confident that we have a system that is working, from the results so far, which is great news, these findings mean that we may be able to offer personalised ways to predict and prevent breast cancer more widely in the population in future”.
Girls Aloud featured a glorious tribute to Sarah Harding each night of the show.The lovely Sarah Harding singing to Manchester one last time.Credit: Audio North
In 2022, The Christie art and relaxation room received a wonderful makeover from proceeds raised at the Primrose Ball organised by Girls Aloud.
Within this room, visitors can find a lovely framed picture of Sarah Harding with the quote, “The darkest nights produce the brightest stars” and with all the work accomplished so far, we couldn’t agree more.
If you would like to show your support and help fund this life-changing research set up in Sarah’s legacy, you can donate HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
25th May 2023 
