Love Island, hosted by Maya Jama, attracted 14,121 complaints this year. That figure accounts for nearly 30% of all 49,580 complaints received by Ofcom across British television.
The biggest flashpoint came during a July 24 episode, which generated 3,547 complaints alone. Viewers raised concerns over what they described as bullying behaviour towards contestant Shakira, making it the single most complained-about TV moment of 2025.
Ofcom’s top 10 list of most complained-about moments highlights the show’s impact, with Love Island taking five of the ten spots. While the regulator does not collect demographic data — as complaints are submitted anonymously — the figures suggest that younger viewers, who form a large part of the show’s audience, are increasingly vocal about what they see on screen.
Despite the backlash, the numbers underline Love Island’s lasting popularity and cultural relevance. The strength of viewer reaction shows that audiences remain deeply invested in the series, both positively and critically.
The show’s continued success is also clear in its ratings. The Season 12 finale, which aired in August, drew nearly 2 million viewers, placing it among the 50 highest-rated TV programmes of the week.
While complaints remain high, Love Island’s ability to spark debate and hold audience attention proves that the reality TV giant is far from losing its grip on British viewers.
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