Love Island star Georgia Steel calls for body diversity on ITV2 show

'Looks aren't everything'

Love Island star Georgia Steel has called on the popular dating programme to feature a wider range of body types.

The reality TV show, which returns to ITV2 on Monday evening, has faced criticism in the past for for lacking diversity when it comes to its casting choices.

“I think it would be amazing for different bodies to go in there because it’s such a big show now and there are a lot of youngsters that watch it, I feel like it is something that youngsters do look up to,” Steele told Press Association.

“I have a lot of young girl followers that look up to me and I’m aware of that and I would never want to make them feel they had to do certain things or change how they are.”

The 21-year-old, who starred in the programme in 2018, went on to tout the benefits of body diversity, explaining that “everyone is different” and “looks aren’t everything”.

“Bigger girls who are naturally a bit bigger can’t be looking at slim girls and changing themselves to be like that, that is so unhealthy,” she added.

Last week, ITV bosses suggested that the reason Love Island lacks body diversity is because they want the contestants “to be attracted to one another”.

Steel’s comments come after the show faced calls to improve its aftercare offering in light of criticisms following the death of two former contestants.

ITV has since introduced a new duty of care process, which offers participants psychological consultation throughout the series and a minimum of eight therapy session on returning home.

Contestants will also be offered “bespoke training on dealing with social media and advice on finance and adjusting to life back home”.

Commenting on her own experience on Love Island, Steel said: “Mentally I feel like you have to be very, very strong to shift your whole lifestyle into this crazy whirlwind."

Love Island returns to ITV2 at 9pm on Monday 3 June.