TV
Love Island Final: From First Sight To Late Love
The once powerful trend of ‘Day One’ couples winning ITV’s Love Island is becoming less frequent and common, according to research from William Hill Vegas.
The early years of Love Island were recognised by the charismatic couples of Cara and Nathan and Jack and Dani selecting each other from the opening day and going all the way to win the show, almost acting as parental figures to other couples throughout the weeks in the Villa.
As our graphic illustrates, three of the first six seasons were won by contestants who coupled up together on the first day of the show, whilst Kem and Amber were also a very early couple in Season 3. This may be attributed to the fact that they demonstrate stability and loyalty to the audience in their time together in the Villa, which are qualities that resonate well with voters.
However, of the most recent five seasons of the series, just one winning couple was paired together from the very beginning – Paige and Finn in the first ever Winter Series in South Africa (S6). This new era was kicked off by Greg’s sensational smash and grab in Season 5, where the Irishman arrived in the Villa just 12 days before the season finale and took home the £50,000 prize alongside Amber Gill.
One possible reason for the shift in the trend could be the evolving nature of reality TV and audience preferences. As reality shows continue to gain popularity, viewers might become more interested in seeing unexpected twists, dramatic plotlines, and unconventional relationships. Late-coupling contestants often bring these elements to the show, creating a captivating and unpredictable viewing experience.
These elements can also be present in existing contestants. In Season 8, Ekin-Su and Davide separated after a week between days 5 and 12, before finding their way back to each other just after the beginning of the third week. Their journey showcased the potential for couples to reconnect and find success even after facing challenges and initial separations – another quality which seems to resonate well with viewers.
Moreover, late-coupling couples have a unique advantage when it comes to building their relationship storylines. With less time to get to know each other, they may experience a rapid and intense emotional development, exemplified perfectly by Amber and Greg in Season 5. This accelerated pace of falling in love can create a more dramatic narrative, drawing viewers in and generating support for the couple’s chances.
This could spell good news for the current favourites for the ongoing Season 10 of Love Island, Lochan and Whitney. The pair only coupled up together upon Lochan’s arrival after an eventful Casa Amor period, and they are the firm 1/2 favourites to take home the prize – further strengthening the trend of later couples performing more favourably.
Despite this, there will always be exceptions and unique circumstances in each season. The success of a couple ultimately depends on their chemistry, authenticity, and how they resonate with the audience. As Love Island continues to evolve, viewers can expect more surprises, twists, and memorable moments that keep them invested in the show’s journey.
