A plus-sized model has switched off Love Island this year calling it "toxic" due to the lack of body diversity.
Felicity Hayward slammed the latest line-up of the hit ITV series which hoped to be the most diverse yet. But the model has slammed the lack of body diversity and thinks that reality TV still has some way to go to catch up, the Mirror reports.
Although some fast fashion brands are expanding their range of sizes, Felicity said diverse bodies should be more "normalised". The Sun reported that she said: "I feel that Love Island is pushing the narrative that only one type of body is desirable. And I do think that is incredibly toxic.
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"I wish diverse bodies were more normalised. There should be all different types of bodies in there, not just society’s standards of beauty. It would make it so interesting and amazing to put people in from all different backgrounds, not just skinny and toned, mostly white women with a tan, and blokes with veneers."
All the latest cast members have been given diversity and inclusion training ahead of appearing in the Spanish villa. However, 33-year-old Felicity thinks that it is 'toxic' to show one body type for viewers to see each night.
Felicity said that 'it doesn't make sense' to show one body type as she believes this can lead to eating disorders and mental health issues. She went on to explain that many people are turning to surgery due to trying to look like someone they have seen on a reality TV show.
Now that some retailers have expanded their size ranges to include items such as bikinis in more sizes, Felicity doesn't see any reason as to why it should only be slim people who wear them.
She said on a recent holiday where she wore a PrettyLittleThing bikini, she finally felt 'part of the fashion industry' due to them catering designs in larger sizes. Felicity said she thinks the reason that some TV shows don't have diverse body shapes is due to them making money from sponsors.
She said: "Love Island is successful because they make a hell of a lot of money from the sponsors. So why would they change it? They say every single year that they’re going to change it and add more inclusivity."
Many viewers have also noticed the lack of body diversity in this year's series. One person took to Twitter to say: "Why does this programme never represent different body types?" as another added: "Every year the girls are all so tiny?! There is barely any diversity when it comes to body sizes."
A third person wrote: "I wonder if Love Island will ever put in some curvy girls for a change?" Another said: "Still a complete lack of body diversity in #LoveIsland I’m not asking for size 22 plus. Just someone above a size 6 would be nice and show that your not totally disgusting if a size 12/14"
Felicity's representatives have been contacted for comment. The Mirror has gone to Love Island for comment.
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