Rumour Has It ‘Love Island’ Might Be Cancelled After A COVID Scare
Despite being slated to kick off next week, rumour has it that Love Island might be cancelled after an ITV studios crew member contracted COVID. This is why we can’t have nice things.
The ITV reality show is currently in pre-production in Byron Bay — and expected to premiere on October 4 — however, a crew member working on another ITV production I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Outta Here! has tested positive for COVID.
I’m A Celebrity’s makeup artist tested positive after she flew from Sydney to Ballina, visited several locations without checking in, and also went to a local pub. This was despite her permit allegedly only allowing her to go from her accommodation to the airport, or only venturing out for work purposes. The apparent breach has resulted in NSW Health enforcing a seven-day lockdown across Byron Bay, the Tweed Shire, and Kempsey.
In response, Byron Bay mayor Michael Lyon has revealed he plans to revoke council approval for the production of the upcoming reality show to be filmed. “I am looking into our options this morning to rescind council approval for the Love Island production, from the same studios that brought I’m A Celebrity, and COVID, to the region,” Lyon wrote on Facebook.
“It is so devastating to be in lockdown again and it is clear the ‘honour’ system relied on by the state government is deeply flawed. It is worth noting that people coming here for work don’t actually have to show a negative COVID test, this was thankfully part of the filming protocol that allowed this early detection.
“Perhaps our calls for a tightening of restrictions will now finally be heeded,” he concluded.
Along with a government official putting pressure on production to stop, according to So Dramatic! an insider is claiming that the show could be cancelled. “This has now created huge delays for the Love Island production and the show may have to be pushed back or even cancelled,” the insider claimed.
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“All close contacts have to isolate for two weeks and pre-filming is meant to be starting in the next few days.”
Umm. Yikes! Fingers crossed Love Island can still go ahead — as long as everyone’s health and safety is prioritised, of course.
In response to the rumours, Channel 9 told Punkee in a statement: “We are working with production and authorities as we find a way to deliver the show for our audience.”