"There were at least 50 examples this year."
It has been revealed that Love Island bosses were forced to step in after “multiple” sex abusers tried to join the cast for the winter series.
This comes as the series concluded, with Sanam and Kai winning the £50,000 prize.
ITV bosses reportedly used the Disclosure and Barring Service records in the application process.
Drug tests, social media sweeps, physical and mental health assessments also formed part of the checks on potential cast members.
While vetting wannabe contestants, Love Island found 50 cases of sexual abuse, harassment and sexual misconduct.
A casting source said: “If there are any troublesome discoveries they’re straight out. There were at least 50 examples this year.”
The measures were brought in before the winter series.
They also include relationship training and respectful language when discussing disability, sexuality, race and ethnicity.
The source continued: “The public probably isn’t aware how thorough the background checks on all of the contestants are to find out as much as we can about them.
“We’ve never had a #MeToo horror pop up because we won’t move forward with a potential contestant if we find something unsettling about their history along those lines.
“We have ramped up all the checks even more as part of the promise to do more to protect our Islanders.
“It also sets a clear standard that certain behaviours will not be accepted or ignored if they happen.”
The measures are thought to be among TV’s most robust.
Meanwhile, Love Island will return for a summer series later in 2023, with Maya Jama back to host the reality show.
After returning to the UK, winner Sanam said:
“The start of our love story. I can’t thank you all enough for the love you have given us.
“It honestly means the world to me to see how much support we have received.
“The positive messages, the videos of our journey, the fan pages, I honestly feel so blessed and overwhelmed with positive emotions I can’t express it.
“Love Island has been a beautiful experience for me and I’m so proud to say I’ve left with someone I love, admire, look up to, connect with on a deeper level and absolutely value and appreciate everything he stands for.
“I’m so excited to continue our journey on the outside and can’t wait for us to become so much more.”
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