While many fans are still tuning into Love Island for its usual blend of sun-soaked romance and drama, former contestant Siannise Fudge is pulling back the curtain on something much darker.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the 2020 finalist opened up about her own past relationship abuse and took aim at the show for what she sees as its role in normalising emotional manipulation and misogyny on national TV.
“This Behaviour Isn’t Just TV Drama – It’s Dangerous”
Siannise, now 31 and an active influencer, didn’t hold back.
Sharing a post from Mighty Pursuit featuring a vulnerable quote from Bella Hadid about being trapped in abusive relationships, she explained how deeply it resonated with her.
“I have been a victim in my past relationships of this behaviour, which I thought was normal – and that’s the scariest part,” she wrote.
“It’s so disappointing and very disturbing that this behaviour on national TV, especially on one of the biggest shows, is being normalised.”
While she didn’t name any individuals from the current Love Island cast or her own past, her message was clear: the reality TV environment has blurred the lines between entertainment and emotional abuse.
Fans and Women’s Aid Raise Alarm Over Harrison Solomon
Siannise’s comments come in the wake of intense backlash following the actions of islander Harrison Solomon, who became embroiled in a messy love triangle between Toni and Lauren.
Viewers slammed Harrison for his treatment of both women, accusing him of being manipulative, emotionally dishonest, and outright disrespectful.
According to many fans, Tuesday night’s episode went too far.
Harrison appeared to sleep with Lauren, only to later make a move back toward Toni—who remained in the dark about his recent actions.
Social media lit up with angry reactions, and Women’s Aid soon released a statement, labelling his behaviour “disgusting” and part of a wider issue.
Siannise Joins the Critics and Urges Support for the Girls
Having lived through the pressures of the Love Island villa herself, Siannise expressed deep empathy for the current female contestants, saying, “Those girls deserve so much more… my heart goes out to them.”
She continued, “I know the intensity of that environment and having to deal with that kind of behaviour on top of it is just awful.”
In her post, she also shared a detailed thread from Women’s Aid, which pointed to a growing concern: that shows like Love Island are reinforcing a culture where abuse and misogyny are trivialised or even accepted as part of the game.
“It’s Been Disturbing to Watch This Year”
Reflecting on her experience as a past islander, Siannise said this season has been particularly hard to watch.
“It really hasn’t been about finding love,” she noted. “It’s been about power, control, and emotional abuse.
And it’s very concerning that this is being normalised.”
She wrapped up her string of messages with a heartwarming clip of her dancing with her current boyfriend, footballer George Rigg, whom she has been with since 2023.
“Thank you for being my safety, my peace, and showing me what a real healthy love is,” she wrote.
“Been waiting for you my whole life.”
Women’s Aid Says Progress Is Being Made – But Not Fast Enough
Jessye Werner, Communications Manager for Women’s Aid, acknowledged that some production companies are taking steps to highlight and educate about toxic behaviours.
However, she warned that “unhealthy patterns” continue to show up on shows like Love Island, reflecting how deeply sexism and misogyny are ingrained in society.
“Women are often lied to, slut-shamed, manipulated, and laughed at behind their backs,” Werner explained.
“This reinforces a culture that excuses and trivialises violence against women and girls.”
She also praised viewers who are using their voices online to call out toxic behaviour, saying that public awareness is crucial in pushing producers to do better.
ITV Responds with Duty of Care Protocols
In response to growing criticism, Love Island’s producers pointed to their extensive duty of care measures, which include:
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Mental health support before, during, and after filming
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Video training on respectful behaviour in relationships
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Education around coercive control, microaggressions, race, disability, and sexuality
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A social media suspension during the show to reduce external pressure
While these steps are in place, many believe more needs to be done to ensure that toxic behaviour isn’t just addressed but actively prevented on-screen.