Love Island is returning to screens this Bank Holiday Monday, and Ciara Kelly has encouraged people to treat it like a ‘David Attenborough documentary’.
The 11th series of the classic dating show will air on Virgin Media Two at 9pm as viewers get ready for another two months of participants chasing love and fame.
The show has become a guilty pleasure for many each summer, including Newstalk Breakfast host Ciara Kelly.
“I know I'm saying for sure it’s dross even though I watch it,” she said.
“But what fascinates me most is the machinations that go on, the Machiavellian stuff.
“It's like the Roman Senate – they're stabbing each other in the back and forming alliances and going off with each other’s partner.
“It's kind of human nature - it's like a David Attenborough programme about humans in a way.
“That's how I comfort myself with why I watch it.”
Return of Love Island
Freelance presenter and one-time potential contestant Meghan Scully nearly appeared on the show’s very first season.
“I hadn’t heard of it, but I thought I'd give it a go,” she said.
“When I'm talking on radio or TV I have one voice, but my regular voice is 100 miles an hour with a thick Galway accent.
“The series came out and I remember it – and it is changed now – but it was all Geordie Shore-style contestants.
“I would have stuck out like a sore thumb... I can’t imagine many of the male contestants choosing me.”
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Ms Scully agreed with Ciara that Love Island could often reflect what actually happens in young adult relationships.
“It probably gives you a bird’s eye view,” she said.
“Maybe parents watch and think this would never go on – I wouldn’t be so sure.”
Even though the show receives a lot of criticism, Ms Scully said you can’t help but return to Love Island.
“You start watching the first few episodes and you’re drawn in so every night you’re glued to your TV,” she said.
“It doesn’t take much brain power to watch it – you can just turn it on and enjoy it.”
Unlike previous seasons, this year’s Love Island lineup so far does not include anyone under the age of 20, with the youngest contestant being 21.
There are no Irish contestants in the lineup, although bombshells are yet to be announced.
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