Despite threats from the local council it looks like Love Island will continue with its planned shoot after a COVID-19 case sent the region into lockdown…but the fight is on.
The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting the council is wanting to revoke the exemption for the series to shoot because they had lost faith in ITV Studios Australia, the production company in charge of both shows.
Byron Shire mayor Michael Lyons said he had lost all confidence in ITV’s ability to protect the community.
“It shows these protections are still based on an honour system. I thought crew members were going to be limited to within the production, certainly not allowed to be going out and about.”
In discussions with fellow council members, Cr Lyons said there was a general consensus they would try to rescind the Love Island production’s approval.
However, despite the council’s concerns, TV Blackbox understands they do not have the authority to cease production, and would be unable to execute a withdrawal of approval.
ITV Studios Australia has had strict COVID-19 safety plans in place, and Love Island is still due to start filming this weekend before the October 4 premiere.
A Nine spokesperson said:
“We are working with production and authorities as we find a way to deliver the show for our audience.”
TV Blackbox previously reported of the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! COVID positive case, where the crew member had travelled in the Ballina, Byron and Tweed areas, sparking the current LGA lockdowns.
With production on I’m a Celebrity now complete, many of production crew were set to move across to Love Island. Both programs are executive produced by Alex Mavroidakis for ITV.
TV Blackbox has confirmed rumours of additional ITV crew members testing positive are false. It is understood all crew members that were deemed close contacts have since tested negative. They will continue to remain in isolation for the mandatory 14 days, and will be retested on day 12.
