'Love Island's cancellation has "become a huge headache for ITV".
Laura Whitmore
The broadcaster recently announced the cancellation of this year's summer series due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the decision has left a huge gap in ITV's upcoming schedule.
A TV insider explained: "The decision to bin 'Love Island' was made during crisis talks late on Friday and it's become a huge headache for ITV.
"Of course the safety of their cast and crew is paramount but there are plenty of issues they're now trying to iron out.
"Potential wannabes who were being lined up to become islanders have been left absolutely gutted. There's a chance they could be heading into the winter series, but that's a long way off.
"It's a dream for some of them so there have been plenty of angry phone calls."
ITV are now trying to fill the gap in their scheduling.
The source told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre TV column: "'Love Island' is the channel's most popular show, so to lose it is going to have a devastating impact on ITV2.
"Filling that coveted 9pm slot for six weeks is also something they're now trying to organise. It's very frustrating, especially with shows like Netflix's 'Too Hot To Handle' doing so well."
Meanwhile, ITV boss Kevin Lygo has admitted the broadcaster did everything it could to get the show - which is hosted by Laura Whitmore - on the air.
He said: "We've tried every which way to make 'Love Island' this summer but logistically it's just not possible to produce it in a way that safeguards the well-being of everyone involved.
"But 'Love Island' will be back stronger than ever in 2021."
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