Love Island viewers criticise ITV for lack of subtitles as deaf contestant enters villa

Love Island has been accused of “irony” after its first episode came without subtitles on ITV Hub, days after promoting the dating show’s first deaf contestant.

Viewers of the ITV2 series took to Twitter to complain about the lack of access, which saw those watching the programme on the broadcaster’s streaming service unable to locate the accessibility feature.

One user wrote: “How is there a deaf contestant but still no subtitles?”

“Imagine Love Island having their first deaf contestant but still not having subtitles accessible when watching live on ITV Hub,” added another.

A third commented: “So they have a deaf girl on Love Island but when will ITV give us deaf people live subtitles?”

“The irony of having a deaf cast member but no subtitles on this show,” noted a fourth.

The comments come as it was revealed 23-year-old Tasha Ghouri would make history as the first cochlear implant user to enter the villa.

Speaking ahead of her appearing on the show, Tasha said: “I can get very wild on a night out, I’m definitely a party animal. I love my prosecco and to have a dance – I’m always on the dance floor.

“I’m very loyal to my friends and family, I’ll always have their backs. I’m the type of person to put others before me.

“They would definitely say I’m a nap queen – I love napping! I think they’d also say I’m inspirational because of my hearing and my cochlear implant.

“I inspire quite a lot of people because I’m really open about it.”

The Yorkshire model and dancer previously featured in the music video for the Sleepwalkrs track More Than Words alongside Deaf dancer Chris Fonseca, and received praise last year when she appeared as a model for the fashion brand ASOS.

Responding to one Twitter user, ITV Hub wrote: “We’re sorry for the disappointment. We’re working on subtitle offering including on the live streams so watch this space!“

Photo: ITV.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is an award-winning Deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.