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Love Island bosses have denied reports that the ITV show’s production has been caught in a “gang war” in South Africa .
On Sunday (5 January), Extreme Security Measures owner Tim Lotter was killed in a gang-related incident in Cape Town just 25 minutes from the neighbourhood where the new villa will be located.
But an ITV spokesperson has denied any link between Lotter’s death and the show.
“There is absolutely no link whatsoever between Love Island and this person or firm,” they said.
They added: “The safety and security of our Islanders and crew are of the utmost importance.”
Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestantsShow all 11 1 /11Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Shaughna Philliips, 25 Shaugna is a democratic services officer from London. She describes herself as "chatty, fun and clever", adding: "When they hear me speak about certain things they'll be shocked. I like to get on with everyone, too." Her celebrity crush is Jack Fincham while her ideal man is "tall, dark and handsome".
Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Sophie Piper, 21 Medical PA Sophie hails from Essex and is excited to spend some time in the villa. Her celebrity crush is Anthony Joshua, she describes herself as "kind, fun and energetic".
Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Leanne Amaning, 22 Leanne is a customer service advisor from London. She describes herself as "fun" and is looking for love, but thinks she'll need to learn to be more open while in the villa. Her celebrity crush is Gerard Butler.
Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Eve and Jess Gale, 20 Eve and Jess are twins currently studying and working as VIP hostesses in London. Both say they're confident and easy-going, and both pick Anthony Joshua as their celebrity crush.
Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Paige Turley, 22 Singer Paige comes from West Lothian and is a "natural flirt". She comes from a small village where everyone knows everyone, so is looking for someone with "a different mentality". Her celebrity crush is Tom Hardy.
Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Siânnise Fudge, 25 Siânnise is a beauty consultant from Bristol who has "quite a lot" of experience with men, and so knows what she's on the look-out for. She describes herself as "sassy and fun", and her celebrity crush is Anthony Joshua or Nineties Leonardo DiCaprio.
Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Connor Durman, 25 Coffee bean salesman Conor comes from Brighton but has been living in Australia for the past four years. He's had two big relationships, "one good, one bad". His celebrity crush is Maya Jama.
Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Mike Boateng, 24 Police officer Mike thinks his charming nature will attract attention in the villa. His mum is hoping he'll meet someone and move out of her house. Celebrity crush? Beyonce and Rihanna.
Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Callum Jones, 23 Callum is a scaffolder from Manchester who claims to have "builders' banter" – whatever that is. He's "a cheeky chap" but down-to-earth as well. His celebrity crush is Megan Fox.
Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Nas Majeed, 23 Sports science graduate and builder Nas claims to be different to the guys who have been on the show before. He describes himself as "funny, caring and considerate – a well-rounded person". His celebrity crush is Aladdin star Naomi Scott.
Winter Love Island 2020: Meet the 12 contestants Ollie Williams, 23 Ollie is an estate owner and heir to the Lanhydrock estate in Cornwall. He claims to be an "alpha male" but expects to be "the butt of all jokes". He's a self-confessed attention-seeker who wears his emotions on his sleeve. His celebrity crush is Lily James.
According to The Sun , Lotter’s death has been linked to the battle to prostitution and the drug trade in relation to ownership of nightclub security.
The winter version of the popular series will introduce 12 new hopefuls looking to find romance.
Going by its murder rate, Cape Town is the 11th deadliest city in the world.
The South African Cities Network last year reported 69 murders for every 100,000 people.
Laura Whitmore replaced Caroline Flack as host after she stepped down amid charges of assault following an alleged incident at her home with her boyfriend, Lewis Burton.
Love Island begins on ITV2 on 8 January at 9pm.
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