'Love Island' will accept applications from non-binary contestants.
Love Island host Laura Whitmore
The ITV2 reality TV show – hosted by Laura Whitmore - has opened up its application process to include those who don't identify as male or female, as it aims to be more inclusive and diverse than ever before.
A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "Producers are under more pressure than ever to make this series as woke as possible after it has previously come under criticism for its lack of diversity.
“The move could make the basic rules of the show complicated, as each coupling ceremony separates boys and girls, but they are keen to have a non-binary contestant this year. It’s all about inclusivity and breaking down boundaries.”
ITV said: “The only stipulations are that applicants are over 18, single and looking for love.”
However, boss Kevin Lygo has ruled out including gay contestants, by saying: "we haven’t yet found a way that would make it suitable".
He previously explained: "'Love Island' is a particular thing, of course, it’s about boys and girls coupling up.
"So if you wanted to do a gay version, or you wanted to widen it, it is discussed and we haven’t yet found a way that would make it suitable for that show.
"You talk about 'Strictly', we had a gay couple on 'Dancing On' Ice before that. We had a blind skater on 'Dancing On Ice' we had a disabled person in 'I’m A Celebrity' last year. So I think ITV is already involved in the portrayal of a wide range of people on their shows."
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