Ex-Love Islanders call out producers for pulling the strings behind the scenes

Marcell-Gabby

by Marianna Manson |
Updated on

Love Island bosses pulled the strings of the devastating Amy-Curtis-Maura love triangle, it has been claimed.

With Amy Hart’s emosh departure from the villa broadcast on last night’s episode, reports from insiders are now suggesting that producers TOLD man-eating Maura Higgins to make a play for Curtis Pritchard in front of the spurned air hostess.

“Amy was utterly distraught when Curtis ended their relationship but her emotions were really put through the mill when Maura hooked up with him,” a source told The Sun.

AMy and Curtus
©ITV2

“The fact show bosses made it happen is tough for her to take as they clearly weren’t fussed about her feelings.”

The allegations are in stark contrast to the revised duty of care that ITV published earlier this year, following the suicides of two former contestants.

If these reports are true, it would back up the claims of 2016’s Malin Andersson and last year’s Adam Collard, who have both recently spoken out about the involvement of producers during filming.

“They interviewed me, they knew my personality, and then they put me in the villa and said, ‘You’ve got 48 hours [to steal someone’s girl], otherwise you’re gone’,” recalled Adam Collard.

“I cottoned on to the idea that if I didn’t go and hurt someone’s feelings, I was going to be out.”

Amy Hart
©ITV2

And Malin agrees, saying previously, “We were like performing monkeys for them. I remember crying a bit.”

Amy left the villa with her head held high last night, telling ex half-boyfriend Curtis that she wanted them to remain friends.

“You are not going to be happy whilst I’m still here,” she said, holding back tears.

“So, I’m leaving today but it’s a positive thing because I’m going to go and start the rest of my life today… I’m going to let you go and you pursue whoever it is you want to pursue and hope that you find whatever you are looking for.

“Once this is all done we will have the best friendship you have ever seen in your life."

Check out what the Love Island series three cast are up to now:

Gallery

Love Island series three: where are they now - stacked

Amber Davies1 of 30
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV

Amber Davies

Despite a few ups and downs on the show, Amber was crowned the winner of series three alongside Kem Cetinay, with the pair landing a share of £50,000.

Amber Davies2 of 30
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Amber Davies

Although the pair moved in together and things seemed to be going well, Amber and Kem announced their split just before Christmas in 2017, only a few months after leaving the villa. The pair have seemingly remained friends, with Amber going on to focus on her career. After landing a number of promotion deals, Amber's dreams came true when she was cast in Dolly Parton musical 9 to 5 in the West End, playing the role of Judy Bernly. Since then, Amber has gone on to star in CBBC's Almost Never and recently played Campbell in Bring It On The Musical. Talk about impressive, eh?

Kem Cetinay3 of 30
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV

Kem Cetinay

He was one of the favourites to win the show from the start, and after he proved his loyalty towards Amber, there was no turning back for hairdresser Kem.

Kem Cetinay4 of 30
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Kem Cetinay

Since leaving the villa, and splitting from Amber, Kem has gone on to achieve huge success! Not only did he land a record deal with Love Island bestie Chris Hughes, he also appeared on Dancing On Ice in 2018, making it all the way to the final. Kem returned to DOI in 2019, this time as a backstage reporter, before later going on to land a showbiz reporter role on This Morning. In 2021, he was on Love Island's The Morning After podcast alongside Arielle Free and he's a mental health ambassador for CALM. Not to mention he's opened a worldwide cuisine restaurant, Array, in his hometown of Essex.As well as appearances and promotional deals, last year Kem was also revealed as Primark's first-ever male ambassador, bringing out a summer clothing range for the shop. At the beginning of 2020, Kem went public with his new girlfriend Lexi Hyzler but the pair have since parted ways.

Olivia Attwood5 of 30
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Olivia Attwood

Olivia was certainly the Marmite contestant of the 2017 series, whilst some loved her outspoken tone, others were fuming she coupled up with Chris Hughes.

Olivia Attwood6 of 30
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Olivia Attwood

That didn't stop Olivia going on to have major success. The Essex-born girl landed her own TV show alongside Chris Hughes, before the pair sadly split up. She later appeared on Celebs Go Dating and landed a number of clothing deals, one with In The Style. As well as various modeling and promotional jobs, Olivia is now loved-up with Blackburn Rovers footballer Bradley Dack, with the pair announcing their engagement in 2018. Olivia and Bradley are set to get married, although last year the Love Island star announced the date has been pushed back to 2023. The pair have their own show, Olivia Meets Her Match, on ITVBe and she's recently launched her own collection with I Saw It First.

Chris Hughes7 of 30
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Chris Hughes

Ahh, the lovely Chris Hughes! The nation fell in love with his puppy dog eyes and adorably cute personality back in 2017, and many were surprised he didn't actually win the show.

Chris Hughes8 of 30
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Chris Hughes

Since leaving the villa, Chris has become one of the biggest reality stars around, getting invited to prestigious events and landing massive deals, despite his split from Olivia Attwood. After landing his own TV show and record deal with BFF Kem, Chris started dating Little Mix star Jesy Nelson, with the unlikely couple looking VERY loved-up on social media at the time.Sadly, the pair announced their split in April 2020, though Chris has continued to show support for his ex's career on social media, so it would seem that things are amicable between the pair.Chris is also a massive fan of horse racing and he's often spotted at some of the major events, including Cheltenham Festival and Ascot. In late 2020, Chris joined fellow Love Islander Shaughna Phillips in The Real Full Monty On Ice to draw attention to the importance of checking your body for cancer, an issue close to Chris' heart after his family suffered with testicular cancer.

Camilla Thurlow9 of 30
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Camilla Thurlow

She took over the role of the nation's sweetheart in 2017, after she pushed down all Love Island stereotypes! After getting her heart broken a number of times in the villa, Camilla got the last laugh when she left hand-in-hand with hunky model Jamie Jewitt.

Camilla Thurlow10 of 30
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Camilla Thurlow

Camilla and Jamie are now one of the only couples from series three remaining, and they give us relationship goals every day. Camila has put her fame to good use since she left the villa, working for a number of charities and returning to her humanitarian work in bomb disposal, something which was documented on her TV show, What Camilla Did Next. Adorably, Camilla gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl with Jamie in October of 2020 and she's called Nell. Last year she announced the exciting news that she and Jamie are expecting their second child. Goals or what?

Jamie Jewitt11 of 30
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV

Jamie Jewitt

He might not be Prince Harry (who she reportedly dated), but male model Jamie Jewitt had the nation gushing over him when he turned into Camilla's Prince Charming. (Who can forget THAT La La Land moment?!)

Jamie Jewitt12 of 30
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Jamie Jewitt

Similarly to Camilla, Jamie has remained grounded since he found fame, continuing to swoon in his modelling shoots. He also appeared alongside his girlfriend in her TV show, as well as attending a number of events with her.

Gabby Allen13 of 30
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV

Gabby Allen

Liverpudlian lass Gabby Allen coupled up with Marcel Somerville during her time in the villa, with the nation loving their cute romance.

Gabby Allen14 of 30
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Gabby Allen

Despite things looking like they were going very well between the two, Gabz dumped Marcel after he was caught cheating on her whilst they were on holiday together.After taking part in Celebrity Big Brother in the summer of 2018, Gabby started dating former X Factor winner Myles Stephenson, but their romance ended in 2019.The reality star also continued with her personal training business and she released a fitness book called 'Shape Up With Gabby'. Gabby is currently dating Brandon Myers, who's a model, and working with the likes of Miss Pap and Bondi Boost.

Marcel Somerville15 of 30
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV

Marcel Somerville

Viewers fell in love with Marcel during his time in the villa, not only for his relationship with Gabby, but also due to his hilarious commentary and analysis on his fellow couples.

Marcel Somerville16 of 30
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Marcel Somerville

Despite being caught red-handed when he cheated on Gabby, Marcel ironically released a book called Dr. Marcel's Little Book of Big Love. The singer also reunited with his former Blazin' Squad members, with the band performing a number of shows in London. Marcel is now a DJ. The Love Island 2017 star is also a DAD to his gorgeous little boy Roman who he shares with fiancée Rebecca Vieira.

Montana Brown17 of 30
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV

Montana Brown

Her facial expressions made the 2018 series, and things were looking up for Montana when she left the villa with Geordie boy Alex Beattie.

Montana Brown18 of 30
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Montana Brown

Despite splitting from Alex not long after leaving the villa, Montana has stayed in the spotlight, attending some of the biggest events such as The BRIT Awards, Coachella and various film premieres. The reality star is also a successful model and a brand ambassador for various different clothing brands. Montana is also still good friends with Gabby Allen, as well as Kaz Crossley from the 2018 series. Now, five years on, Montana owns her own swimwear brand, Swim Society, and last year she welcomed a new addition to her life... a puppy named Zola!

Alex Beattie19 of 30
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV

Alex Beattie

Love Island viewers gushed over Alex when he arrived late in the villa in 2018, and it didn't take him long to couple up with Montana Brown.

Alex Beattie20 of 30
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Alex Beattie

Alex didn't let his split from Montana get to him, with the Geordie PT still very big on his fitness, hosting an online fitness plan for fans, as well as continuing with his modelling.

Sam Gowland21 of 30
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV

Sam Gowland

After entering the villa as a late arrival, Middlesbrough lad Sam found it hard to find a girl, meaning he left the villa as 'friends' with former TOWIE star Georgia Harrison.

Sam Gowland22 of 30
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Sam Gowland

Fear not though, after leaving the show, Sam was quick to find a job, landing a spot in the cast of Geordie Shore, where he met Chloe Ferry. Unfortunately , the pair announced they'd split in May 2019, but revealed they have remained friends. Now, Sam's working as a property developer and, from the looks of his Instagram, he's very much living the high life.

Tyla Carr23 of 30
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV

Tyla Carr

Despite being dumped out of the villa, Tyla was linked with Jonny Mitchell, Mike Thalassitis and Theo Campbell during her time on the show.

Tyla Carr24 of 30
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Tyla Carr

None of these romances materialised though, and now Tyla has even welcomed a son called Archie, with ex-partner Rossco Edmonds. Archie will be four this year.

Jonny Mitchell25 of 30
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV

Jonny Mitchell

He was known as the boy who broke Camilla's heart for most of the show, but Jonny Mitchell didn't let that get to him during his time in the villa.

Jonny Mitchell26 of 30
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Jonny Mitchell

After leaving the show without a girlfriend, Jonny went on to appear in Celebrity Big Brother, and he was engaged to model Danielle Zarb-Cousin. The pair split in 2019, and Jonny is now dating Simone Engelhardt.

Dom Lever27 of 30
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV

Dom Lever

He was one of the nation's favourites when Love Island 2018 kicked off, and it seemed he was completely head over heels for Jess Shears when she arrived.

Dom Lever28 of 30
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Dom Lever

Despite NOBODY thinking they would last, Dom and Jess are now married and are expecting baby number two. Dom is also enjoying a very successful career. As well as being a model and an influencer, he make a lot of money with promotional posts on Instagram, alongside his wife Jess!

Jess Shears29 of 30
CREDIT: u00a9 ITV

Jess Shears

She wasn't the most popular contestant due to her treatment of Dom, but when the pair rekindled their romance on the outside, Jess seemed to change the public's opinion of her.

Jess Shears30 of 30
CREDIT: u00a9 Getty Images

Jess Shears

Now happily married to Dom and a proud mum, Jess, just like her husband, is a model and influencer... it must be nice!

Looking for a date? Why not give new dating site Coupling Up a go and say hello to date night quicker than you thought!

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