logo
Inside the new Love Island villa as bosses AXE huge part of Hideaway and give pool Bali-style makeover

Inside the new Love Island villa as bosses AXE huge part of Hideaway and give pool Bali-style makeover

The Sun04-06-2025
LOVE Island bosses have overhauled the villa ready for the summer series - and shelved one longstanding feature of the show.
The Hideaway will look extremely different when loved-up Islanders head into the luxury breakout-pad this year thanks to the changes.
14
14
14
That's because the wardrobe of sexy lingerie and cupboard of whips, chains, chocolate body paint and handcuffs have been axed.
Instead Islanders can nip inside for a civilised cocktail or cosy chat with one rule - they cannot be in an official couple to use the space, like last year.
The Hideaway has seen raunchy scenes as recently as summer 2024, when Joey Essex and Jessy Potts had the champagne bucket rocking with their nighttime action.
Executive producer Mike Spencer-Hayter said: 'It's about keeping the show fresh and exciting.
'I personally don't want to see 'ooh, let's open a cupboard and get something out.'
'I think we've seen it time and time again. I think we've got to move on.
'I don't want this show to feel static. This show has to feel fresh.
'I think as producers we need to keep ahead of the curve because we are the number one dating show in the world. The stats speak for themselves but we can't rely on that.
'We've got a push forward.
Love Island 2025 cast revealed as footballer, actress and beauty influencer who cheated death sign up
'We are going to give it all we've got to make the most exciting season of Love Island.'
Elsewhere there's been another huge loss - the iconic garden beanbags.
Instead of the 'cursed' yellow sacks, a series of chic, beige wooden seats are in place.
The pool has also had an upmarket overhaul with a Bali-style hammock added near the outdoor shower.
And another new aspect is a huge dining table has been added to the kitchen because for the first time, conversations as Islanders eat their lunch and dinner could be screened.
Mike said: 'We just thought, why not, let's just keep those chats.
'It will still probably feel a bit off camera, but it feels like in this day and age, show it.
'Sometimes, it feels like, why isn't it on camera? There's always lots of whispering and obviously sometimes it will affect show action, like how do they know that?
'The viewer hasn't seen that, now they will see it.'
There's also some impressive new changes made to make this villa the most sustainable ever.
The entire site now runs on solar power.
And there's also a watt bike in place so the Islanders can pedal to charge up their Google Pixel mobile phones.
The changes come after Mike laid down the gauntlet to the whole production team to ensure the series was the best yet to mark the tenth anniversary.
Mike said: 'When we sat down at the start of the year we were having a discussion about how to do Love Island this year. And with every single aspect of this show, let's look at it, let's see how we can improve it and let's see how we can make it more exciting for the viewers.
'Because it's a big commitment - 57 shows through the summer.
'You need people to tune in every night, get invested and follow the love stories.
'So I think we did set the challenge to every department - how do we make this better?'
Mike reckons they've got a fun cast this year too - with a huge number ready to roll through the doors.
He added: 'I think we'll be putting more bombshells in than before - we did 54 one year.
'I feel like it reminds me of Love Island in the early days. Personality is key.
'I think we're going to see real love.
'They're a good group and a good mix, but great bombshells as well.'
Love Island begins on Monday at 9pm on ITVX.
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Huge steel fences erected to stop ticketless fans from watching Oasis concert
Huge steel fences erected to stop ticketless fans from watching Oasis concert

Sky News

timean hour ago

  • Sky News

Huge steel fences erected to stop ticketless fans from watching Oasis concert

Huge steel fences have been erected to prevent ticketless fans from watching the Oasis reunion tour in Manchester. Liam and Noel Gallagher will resume their sold-out run of shows - their first since 2009 - with a performance at Heaton Park tonight, and two more on Saturday and Sunday. While tens of thousands bought tickets for Oasis's first two shows last weekend, crowds gathered to glimpse the large screens above the stage in the distance - in an area dubbed "Gallagher Hill" by some on social media. Manchester City Council has now said more steel fences have been erected around parts of the park to prevent ticketless fans from watching the gigs, and to protect nature in the park. "After taking stock of how the first two nights went, additional measures have now been deemed necessary and will be in place for the next three concerts," it said. "The erection of the fencing has a dual purpose - both to protect the environment from further damage and to dissuade people from gathering there. 1:23 The fences will cover a large area of the hill within the park's cattle field, which is being developed as a new woodland area with around 300 young trees planted. The council added that there would be no facilities for people without a ticket, and said the event area is "double-walled with solid high security fencing all the way round". More than 2,000 event security staff and police officers will also be on duty around the site "to ensure both the safety and wellbeing of ticket-holders and that only those who have tickets access the concert", it said. John Hacking, the council's executive member for employment, skills and leisure, also said in a statement that "unfortunately our hand has been forced in having to put these additional measures in place". He added: "Our advice to music fans who don't have tickets for the concerts is to head into the city centre instead. "The whole city is going all out to celebrate and help everyone have a good time. "We've got some fantastic things going on with a real party atmosphere for everyone to enjoy, whether they've got tickets for the Oasis gigs or not."

How John Torode got the cut 'in 24 hours': Star went from loveable MasterChef co-host to chopped by the BBC after being 'blindsided' by broadcaster when report found he used 'extremely offensive racist term'
How John Torode got the cut 'in 24 hours': Star went from loveable MasterChef co-host to chopped by the BBC after being 'blindsided' by broadcaster when report found he used 'extremely offensive racist term'

Daily Mail​

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mail​

How John Torode got the cut 'in 24 hours': Star went from loveable MasterChef co-host to chopped by the BBC after being 'blindsided' by broadcaster when report found he used 'extremely offensive racist term'

John Torode 's two-decade-long MasterChef career was over in just 24 hours after he was reportedly blindsided by the BBC and sacked without his knowledge. The celebrity chef, 59, was yesterday dismissed from the cookery show after a report into the behaviour of his co-host Gregg Wallace found he had once used a 'racist term'. It was a sudden fall from grace for the loveable Aussie host who had presented MasterChef since 2005 and was also awarded an MBE for services to food and broadcasting three years ago. Moreover, over the weekend food critic Grace Dent was pipped to become Torode's new permanent co-star following Wallace's suspension and dismissal. The pair had already filmed a series of Celebrity MasterChef together were reportedly due to start shooting the amateur version of the show in the summer. Yesterday, the BBC confirmed it had sacked Torode less than a day after he posted on Instagram that he was the subject of an allegation of racist language. He has denied having any recollection of using the term - and said no one can 'even state the date or year' of when the supposed wrongdoing took place. It is understood, however, Torode, was the subject of multiple allegations but only one was substantiated, The Telegraph has reported. Wallace, 60, was sacked by the BBC last week after the report by law firm Lewis Silkin upheld 45 allegations against him, including one of unwanted touching. Torode, on the other hand, has continued to host MasterChef and recently filmed a new series of the celebrity version with Dent which was due to go out this autumn. However, it is now thought that series and last year's amateur version hosted by Torode and Wallace may never see the light of day. Claims emerged last night that Torode was not told directly by the BBC that he had been sacked and instead found out after reading it online. A source said according to The Sun: 'John's agent received a call 11 minutes before the statements went out and hadn't had a chance to call him. 'He read about it on the BBC News website.' 'John had no idea. He was blindsided,' the insider added. Meanwhile, Torode posted a lengthy statement on Instagram on Tuesday evening in which he said he was 'seeing and reading' he had been dropped from the show. He wrote: 'Although I haven't heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay - I am seeing and reading that I've been 'sacked' from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I'm accused of. 'The enquiry could not even state the date or year of when I am meant to have said something wrong. Last night, Torode took to Instagram to confirm he had been accused of using racist language 'I'd hoped that I'd have some say in my exit from a show I've worked on since its relaunch in 2005, but events in last few days seem to have prevented that.' Torode said Celebrity MasterChef and two Christmas specials which he recently filmed 'will be my last'. It is not clear if the BBC will air these shows. He went on: 'Personally, I have loved every minute working on MasterChef, but it's time to pass the cutlery to someone else. For whoever takes over, love it as I have. 'I will watch fondly from afar as I now focus on the many other exciting projects that I have been working towards. My tummy will be grateful for a rest after 20 years of eating, but what a joy it has been.' BBC director-general Tim Davie had earlier condemned the 'serious racist term' the Australian-born presenter was alleged to have used. He went on: 'It's really important that we are taking this seriously. It's a reset where we make sure that people are living up to the values we expect across the board.' Asked exactly what Torode said, Davie replied: 'I'm not going to give you the exact term, because I think, frankly it was serious racist term, a serious racist term, which does not get to be acceptable in any way, shape or form.' It comes as a former member of MasterChef's production team told The Telegraph that the show needed to reform. They said: 'The people in power are the problem. They have enabled this behaviour and that needs to change. 'I hope the show undergoes a cultural change now. This has been a long time coming.' A statement from production company Banijay UK released earlier said: 'In response to John Torode's statement, it is important to stress that Banijay UK takes this matter incredibly seriously. 'The legal team at Lewis Silkin that investigated the allegations relating to Gregg Wallace also substantiated an accusation of highly offensive racist language against John Torode which occurred in 2018. 'This matter has been formally discussed with John Torode by Banijay UK, and whilst we note that John says he does not recall the incident, Lewis Silkin have upheld the very serious complaint. 'Banijay UK and the BBC are agreed that we will not renew his contract on MasterChef.' The Lewis Silkin report, commissioned by Banijay UK, found 45 out of 83 allegations against Wallace were substantiated, alongside two standalone allegations made against other people, including one for using racist language. Torode previously said he had 'no recollection of the incident' and was 'shocked and saddened' by the allegation. A BBC spokesperson said: 'John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. 'This allegation - which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace - was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm Lewis Silkin. John Torode denies the allegation. 'He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment. 'The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind and, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode's contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.' Davie insisted MasterChef does have a future with the broadcaster beyond 2028, when its current deal runs out, while presenting the corporation's 2024/2025 annual report earlier on Tuesday. Davie said: 'I absolutely think it does (have a future), I think a great programme that's loved by audiences is much bigger than individuals. 'It absolutely can survive and prosper, but we've got to make sure we're in the right place in terms of the culture of the show.' Downing Street has said it 'utterly condemns' any instance of racist language after the allegation made against Torode was upheld. 'When it comes to racism (it) clearly has no place at the BBC or anywhere in society, and we utterly condemn any instances of racist language or abuse in the strongest possible terms,' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman said. 'And it's obviously up to the BBC, who are operationally independent from Government, to take forward any necessary next steps.' The BBC said it has not yet made a final decision on whether to broadcast a series of MasterChef filmed last year with Wallace and Torode. A spokesperson for the corporation said: 'We know this is disappointing for fans of the show and those who took part, and at the appropriate time Banijay UK will consult further with the amateur contestants.' In 2022, Torode was made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours, for services to food and charity. He became a familiar face to TV audiences in 1996 as the resident chef on ITV's This Morning, before joining MasterChef alongside Wallace when it was known as MasterChef Goes Large.

Chip and Joanna Gaines are defended by gay couple after conservative Christians rage at HGTV reality stars
Chip and Joanna Gaines are defended by gay couple after conservative Christians rage at HGTV reality stars

Daily Mail​

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mail​

Chip and Joanna Gaines are defended by gay couple after conservative Christians rage at HGTV reality stars

Chip and Joanna Gaines are defended by the gay couple after critics slammed the reality stars for including them on their new show. This comes as the HGTV stars are facing backlash from conservative Christians for their 'unbiblical' casting on their new reality show. Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs, a same-sex couple, and their children are one of three families featured on the Gaines' new Magnolia Network reality series, Back to the Frontier. Following the show's premiere on July 10, the reality stars started receiving harsh criticism before the dads took to social media to defend the show. Hanna posted a screenshot of a news article with the headline, 'Conservative Christians rage at reality show for letting gay people on,' and explained why he believes families like his should be shown on TV. His partner also shared a post thanking Chip and Joanna for casting them and standing by their decision to do so — even though nearly a decade ago, it was revealed that the Fixer Upper stars attend an Evangelical church, which believes 'homosexuality is a sin.' 'Representation matters deeply — especially for those who are still finding the courage to live their truth. When families like ours are visible, it opens doors for others to feel safe, loved, and validated,' he wrote in his Instagram Story post on Monday, per People. 'Visibility isn't just about being seen; it's about making sure no one feels alone,' he added alongside emojis of a rainbow and a red heart. Riggs also shared a post in response to a headline about Chip 'clapping back at critics of the same-sex couple' on their new show and wrote: 'Thank you @chipgaines and @joannagaines for leading with love, listening and learning.' The couple are executive producers of a new Magnolia Network series called Back to the Frontier, which drops three families near the Canadian Rockies and forces them to live like it is the 1880s for eight weeks. The families have no access to modern technology, no electricity or running water, and must harvest all their own food and tend to livestock. While the show sounds like must-see TV for Chip and Joanna's target audience, some viewers have expressed outrage over the inclusion of a gay couple on the cast. Texas-based couple Jason and Joe Hanna-Riggs are married with two 10-year-old twin boys, who they welcomed via a surrogate in 2014. The couple's post comes one day after Chip expressed his support for including them in their show in a post he shared on X on Sunday. 'Talk, ask questions, listen.. maybe even learn. Too much to ask of modern American Christian culture. Judge 1st, understand later/never,' he wrote. 'It's a sad Sunday when "non-believers" have never been confronted with hate or vitriol until they are introduced to a modern American Christian.' Chip's message appeared to be a direct response to Franklin Graham, the son of Evangelical pastor Billy Graham, writing on X that it was 'disappointing' to see the Magnolia Network show featuring the same-sex couple and their kids. 'I hope this isn't true, but I read today that Chip and Joanna Gaines are featuring a gay couple in their new series,' Franklin wrote on Sunday. 'If It is true, it is very disappointing ... God loves us, and His design for marriage is between one man and one woman. Promoting something that God defines as sin is in itself sin.' Ed Vitagliano, who is VP of the American Family Association, insisted that the Magnolia Network should be 'expected to uphold' biblical values because the Gaines had been open about their faith in the past. 'This is sad and disappointing, because Chip and Joanna Gaines have been very influential in the evangelical community,' Vitagliano posted online. 'We aren't sure why the Gaines have reversed course, but we are sure of this: Back to the Frontier promotes an unbiblical view of human sexuality, marriage, and family – a view no Christian should embrace.' Other viewers also turned their ire directly towards Chip and Joanna, slamming the pair for including a gay couple on the show. Speaking to Queerty about their experience on the show, the Hanna-Riggs couple said that they learned throughout the process that LGBTQ homesteaders did in fact exist in the 1880s. 'Well, from the homestead perspective, it was fascinating to learn that queer homesteaders existed — like, that's how a lot of folks kind of escaped, I guess, really being ostracized in cities,' Joe said. 'They would go to the frontier as a couple. So it was a common thing back then, and it's kind of the resilience of LGBTQ+ folks then, as well as it continues to be into into modern times.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store