Love Island boss says show is 'educational' and 'seriously important for people to watch'

Love Island claims it is providing an essential service in educating its young audience about dating and sex ahead of the show’s return.

The eleventh series begins on Wednesday evening on ITV2 fronted by host Maya Jama and will have extra beds as well as more opportunities for islanders to sneak off and be intimate.

This will include The Hideaway, a private room that used to be open only as a prize for winning a task or on invitation, and will now be available 24/7 to any couples regardless of whether they are officially coupled up or not.

Show boss Mike Spencer has explained he hopes the change will enable contestants to feel more comfortable and replicate what real dating is like and provide an education for viewers.

He told The Sun: “Love Island should demonstrate what a relationship is like and what dating is like. We've got an audience of young people so I think it is an education.

“It's seriously important for people to watch the show and know people aren't perfect - none of us are.”

The show’s history is littered with steamy encounters which have resulted in some repercussions outside of the villa.

In 2016, Miss Great Britain Zara Holland lost her title after she and bombshell Alex Bowen enjoyed a now-infamous night of passion in The Hideaway.

Holland was devastated when it was revealed she would be stripped of her coveted beauty pageant title due to misconduct.

Later reflecting on the incident and the backlash she faced as a result, she said: “It's horrible. You know, I was in the moment, I was in the Hideaway. I'd had a few glasses of Champagne, I'm not blaming it on that...”

Meanwhile in the same series carpenter Terry Walsh and bombshell Emma-Jane Woodhams won a place in the Love Island history books after having sex above a duvet, entirely uncovered and in a communal bedroom while their co-stars - and the nation - watched on.

Then in 2017 Amber Davies and Kem Cetinay took the next step in their relationship on an inflatable lilo in the swimming pool.

In recent years however, contestants have been more careful about what they do in front of the cameras and how much they divulge, including even adopting a code when discussing their antics with others.

It is hoped that the new “open door” policy to The Hideaway and other changes could lead to “the most sex ever”.

A TV insider told the MailOnline: “Contestants are desperate for the opportunity to have some private time with their love interest, but their chances have always been dependent on whether the room is available to use.

“But this open door policy will change all that and it's bound to be very busy.

“There's every chance this series could see the most sex ever and show bosses are certainly hoping that's the case to boost ratings.”