TV chef urges Love Island to 'do better' after 'damaging' elimination scenes

TV chef Lorraine Pascale has shared her opinion, claiming Love Island is 'reinforcing the idea there's only room for one Black cast member' at a time after newbie Billykiss Azeez replaced OG contestant Alima Gagigo. The recent episode saw Alima and bombshell Ryan Bannister get kicked out of the villa in a double elimination.

As per the show's format, the stars chose who to partner up with in the recoupling. Conor Phillips chose to couple up with Billykiss after they bonded during their first date, leaving Alima single and dumped from the villa. This Morning chef Lorraine took to her X, formerly known as Twitter, to complain about the show's "tokenism", writing: "Wow @LoveIsland. You finally cast a Black woman who was thriving, and then you replace her with another Black woman?

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"This isn’t representation, it’s tokenism. You’re reinforcing the idea that there’s only room for one of us at a time. That’s not diversity - that’s damage. Do better."

It is understood ITV refutes any suggestion that any editorial decision it makes is based on race

Some fans shared how Alima could have been saved, with one user writing: "This is actually Ben's fault when you think about it cause if he really liked Alima he would've recouped with her a few days ago, then Connor and Helena would've been coupled up and she would've been dumped tonight."

"Bro, they should’ve asked if anyone wanted to couple up, Ben would’ve stood up for Alima, Helena would’ve been finally dumped ffs we were so close ugh," another said.

During her time in the villa, Alima formed a connection with Remell; however, it came crashing down when she learnt he had shared a number of kisses with Poppy at the sleepover.

Upon her exit, Alima has spoken out about where she stands with Remell on the outside, and all things villa life. "Remell and I were getting stronger and stronger by the day," she said of their relationship.

"When he got the text about the sleepover, I was with him, and as soon as he started smiling.

"I knew this guy; he wasn’t going to be up to any good. When I saw the clip, from that moment on, I knew it would take a lot for us to go back to how we were before. I wasn’t surprised by his behaviour at all."

She was asked whether she'd be open to having a conversation with Remell after leaving the show. She said: "I don’t hate him and I’m more than happy to be civil, he was part of my experience after all! But in terms of anything romantic, I’ll keep myself away from that."

After Remell left the villa, Alima found a connection with Ben, but her time was cut short before they could really give it a go. However, Alima's departure doesn't mean the end of the road for the couple.

"I want to see how he acts now that I’m not there and if he finds a connection. If he comes back single, I would be interested in seeing if there’s something we could continue…" she teased.

Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX*

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