More Love Island viewers have complained to Ofcom about contestants smoking than about their saucy bedroom antics, it has been revealed.
A spokesperson for the broadcasting regulator confirmed that it has received 24 complaints about the “portrayal of smoking” to 15 complaints “objecting to the promotion of sexual material/promiscuity”.
“We will assess these complaints before deciding whether or not to investigate,” the spokesperson said.
The ITV2 dating show is known for showing scenes of contestants having sex on air, and last year Ofcom received several complaints after a couple were seen getting intimate on top of the covers.
However, this year, images of contestants smoking have proved much more controversial.
All of the islanders, with the exception of Montana Brown and Alex Beattie, smoke which means barely an episode goes by without several of them lighting up.
Love Island Series 3 - in pictures
Viewers were especially shocked to see fan favourite Camilla Thurlowe puffing on a cigarette in a recent episode, with many sharing their surprise on social media.
Twitter user Anya Wilkinson commented: “Biggest drama of Love Island for me so far = Camilla smoking.”
Part of the explanation may be that fewer islanders are sealing the deal in this year’s series; only three of the episodes so far have featured the contestants doing the deed.
In fact it was taking this year’s crop of singles so long to get intimate that it was reported show bosses were begging them to have sex.
Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2.
