Love Island bosses make major changes to show to protect stars after last year’s controversies

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THE new series of Love Island will be the safest in the show’s history after ITV put in place its strongest measures to protect contestants.

Islanders will receive a wide range of training and guidance, including on avoiding coercive behaviour.

The new series of Love Island will be the safest in the show’s history, pictured Davide Sanclimenti and Ekin-Su Culculoglu

The last summer series was criticised over Luca Bish’s behaviour towards Gemma Owen

Their social media accounts will also be frozen while they are in the villa, instead of being run by a friend or family member.

Show bosses have adopted the freeze to prevent trolling, which previously upset contestants and their loved ones.

The move, trialled on the winter version of the ITV2 show, has been backed by series five star Amy Hart, 29.

She said she had signed up for the show, not her family and friends, but they had to “read the death threats and horrible messages”.

She added: “I came out to a great reaction because of the way that I left — and they were the ones who had a hard time when I was in there.”

Series eight finalist Tasha Ghouri, 24, said: “I think this needs to be done.

“I believe it’s 100 per cent the right step in the right direction.”

The last summer series was criticised over Luca Bish’s behaviour towards his show partner Gemma Owen.

Some viewers described it as coercive and controlling.

This year all Islanders will complete video training and receive guidance — including on mutually respectful behaviour in relationships.

Training will also cover the use of ­language around disability, sexuality, race and ethnicity as well as microaggression.

Contestants will watch a video in which ex-Islanders are interviewed about their experiences on the show.

As part of the welfare procedures before entering the villa they will receive psychological support.

They will be advised on ­coping with constantly being filmed, interaction they will have with producers in the villa, support provided to family members and adapting to life away from the show.