Love Island’s bosses are covering up Sherif Lanre’s indiscretion as they fear more scandal could spell the end of the show, new reports claim.
The ITV2 series, which is said to rake in £25million a year in advertising, has come under a spotlight over the last few days after Sherif was removed from the show under mysterious circumstances.
Stating that he’d ‘broken the rules’, and Sherif apologising for his behaviour, no other explanation was given, with a backdoor exit not shown and his final scenes edited out.
However, according to The Sun, it’s been claimed by show insiders that the specific reasons behind the removal are being kept under lock-and-key for fear of more calls of the show being axed.
‘There is extra pressure this year and producers have remind everyone taking part to be extra careful,’ a source told them.
‘All contestants have been told they can speak to anyone at any time if they are feeling under strain but have also been reminded of the rules they signed up to.’
Metro.co.uk has contacted Love Island representatives for comment.
![From ITV Studios Love Island: SR5: Ep5 on ITV2 Pictured: The Boys get ready for the recouping: Sherif, Callum, Joe, Michael, Curtis, Tommy and Anton. This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: james.hilder@itv.com / 0207 157 3052](https://usercontent.one/wp/www.newsgroove.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/_520_Love-Island-bosses-‘covering-up-Sherif-Lanre-axe-reasons-over-fears-it-could-sink-show’.jpg?media=1711065099)
The new scandal, while it’s not been clarified what exactly it is, comes after the show has been put under a microscope on islander welfare following the deaths of two former contestants.
Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis both died by suicide over the past year, following their participation of the programme.
Ahead of the new series, watchdog Ofcom labelled the show as a ‘particular concern’ for them following the deaths of Sophie and Mike.
Upping their duty of care and aftercare programmes, this series has included a welfare team on site ready for action if the islanders need it.
Love Island continues weeknights at 9pm on ITV2.
Got a showbiz story?
If you’ve got a story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk Entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
