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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Charlotte McIntyre

Love Island race row as show hit with Ofcom complaints over 'alleged racism and bullying'

Zara Lackenby-Brown was dumped from the Love Island villa last week after being caught in a love triangle with Tom Clare and Olivia Hawkins.

However, in Ofcom's report dated February 1, the TV watchdog received 122 complaints over alleged discriminatory behaviour towards the Love Island bombshell.

The report showed that a further 78 viewers had registered complaints related to "alleged manipulative and misogynistic behaviour from other contestants" and 59 of those complaints were accusing Tom of "alleged aggressive behaviour".

These complaints have been registered by Ofcom but the TV watchdog has not launched an investigation into the ITV dating show.

Ofcom has received complaints about "alleged bullying" towards Zara (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Love Island told Mirror.co.uk: "We have dedicated welfare producers and psychological support on hand at all times who monitor and regularly speak to all of the Islanders in private and off camera.

"All the Islanders are therefore fully supported by the professionals on site and by their friends in the Villa."

Since leaving the villa, Zara has spoken out on her short-lived villa romance with Tom.

"Our feelings towards each other were mutual and he admitted he had never had a spark with someone so quickly on the outside," she said.

Zara revealed she "doesn't regret" coupling up with Tom (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

"That's the thing with Tom, I think he’s too concerned about how people see him instead of just doing what he wants to do and what's right. He's too focused on being the nice guy but you're actually hurting people in the process - you can't please everyone," she told Grazia.

After being dumped, Zara appeared on Aftersun and told host Maya Jama she had "no regrets" regarding coupling up with Tom.

"I regret nothing, honestly. Our connection was completely mutual. You guys see a snippet of 24-hours. A day feels like a week. Why do you think Shaq and Tanya can say 'I love you'?" Zara said.

Zara Lackenby-Brown was dumped from the villa when Tom coupled up with Olivia Hawkins (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Zara was a huge hit with Love Island viewers and fans are desperate for her to return as a Casa Amor bombshell.

One fan tweeted: "Zara as a Casa Amour Bombshell? Let’s make it HAPPEN ! #loveisland," and another shared: "Can they bring back Zara for casa or something cause its not fair that she's gone #loveisland."

"Half of this love island cast irritates me, bring my girl zara back to humble the snowbunnies pls #loveIsland," someone else said.

Love Island continues on ITV2 on Wednesday at 9pm.

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