Last year the ITV2 show came under fire for the lack of diversity in its cast – which featured a parade of toned and muscled contestants.
Its after-care has also been under scrutiny following tragic Mike Thalassitis’s suicide this month.
So to ensure this summer’s show avoids a bashing, bosses are taking steps to address the size and shape of the new housemates.
Producers are activity seeking out bigger boys and curvier girls to appear on the fifth series from the tens of thousands of singletons that have applied so far.
Love Island came under attack last year for the lack of diversity in its cast members (Pic: NC)
They are also reaching out to potential Islanders on social media.
A show source told the Daily Star Sunday: “Over years there’s been quite a bit of criticism from viewers that it’s only guys with chiselled abs and rippling muscles and girls with slim toned bodies who are chosen for the show.
“Mike’s death left everyone working on the show in a state of complete shock.
“They were in the middle of the casting process for the new series but everything stopped out of respect for Mike.
Love Island bosses are taking steps to ensure diversity in the new season’s cast (Pic: NC)
“With everything that’s happened, bosses know that the show will be under intense scrutiny this year so they’ve gone back to see what it is the viewers want, and if there’s anything they can do to make it better.
“One thing that keeps coming up is the lack of body shape diversity.
“Viewers want to see girls and boys with bodies they can relate to.
“Sexy singles come in all shapes and sizes and this is what the viewers will see this year. It’s a really positive move.”
Bosses will also review the show’s after care following the tragic death of Mike Thalassitis (Pic: Getty)
Earlier this month bosses announced a fresh focus on the way they will support cast members after the tragic deaths of Mike and another former contestant, Sophie Gradon.
They will also make the selection process stricter ,with more background checks and psychological tests.
The source added: “There’s a lot going on behind the scenes. They’ve already announced how they will be upgrading the aftercare but there will also be more in-depth psychological and background checks.”
A statement on the show’s application form reads: “We endeavour to have a diverse range of contestants on the programme.”
