Love Island fans have taken to social media to criticize the UK version, saying it offers more chaos, diversity, and wild energy than the US version.
Fans have had enough of Love Island’s UK series(Image: ITV)
Love Island might be back on our screens for another summer of grafting, recouplings and head-turns but viewers are already calling time on the UK villa and saying the drama has officially moved across the pond and they are heading to the USA version for their fix of drama, chaos, and actual entertainment.
While the ITV2 show has long been considered a staple of British reality telly, this year’s series hasn’t quite hit the mark. Now, Brits are tuning into Love Island USA, claiming it’s bringing the messiness, diversity, and wild energy they’ve been begging for – and some aren’t even watching the UK version at all.
Social media posts are showing the UK version is in decline (Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
Social media is flooded with Brits raving about Love Island USA, with some even resorting to dodgy Google streams to watch the American version instead. “Love Island USA is actually better than UK now that I’m locked in, because the UK girlies always looked the same year after year. This show is far more diverse,” one fan tweeted.
Another viewer said: “Look at how fun Love Island USA is compared to the UK, we’re acc starving out ere,” after Megan Thee Stallion popped into the villa – something fans reckon would never happen over here.
The US series saw Megan the Stallion in the house(Image: Getty Images for The Met Museum/)
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Not just about making an appearance on the A-list. The US version has become, well, beige, according to fans, while the UK version has become messier, sexier, and more unpredictable. Recent seasons have been plagued by complaints about boring couples, overproduced edits, and safe casting.
The numbers reveal a very similar story, and they’re not in the wrong.
Just 1 million viewers tuned in for the Love Island UK debut episode this summer, a significant decrease from 2.5 million in the previous year. That’s a drastic change from a popular summer TV show. Things are now looking grim, with the opener for 2022 having 1.3 million and the opener for 2023 having 1.7 million. With the exception of Unseen Bits, the first week of this year’s series averaged only 855, 000 viewers, with only 144, 000 of its 16 to 24 year old viewers actually watching.
The USA version is more diverse than the UK series(Image: Ben Symons/PEACOCK via Getty Images)
The discontinuation seems inevitable to some seasoned fans. Instead of imposing iconic bust-ups and jaw-dropping Casa Amor moments, Love Island has lost the cultural force that some claim just doesn’t feel anymore. Safe casting, familiar storylines, and a vibe.
Despite some drama, the UK version is miles behind the US in viewers (Image: ITV/Shutterstock)
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Even 2019 champion Amber Gill weighed in, blaming over-policing and public outcry for the decline. In a wry post, she declared, “Reality telly is dead,” blaming hyper-sensitive viewers for ruining the show. She also attacked backlash against a contestant who claimed a girl was “too glamorous for a 9-5,” calling the outcry outrageous.
Fans already praised Love Island USA’s rise as “the best ever,” and last year’s series was no exception. However, despite the show starting in the UK, it seems that the American villa has officially taken the crown now that the ratings are dropping and viewers are switching sides.
Bobby Sherman, an 81-year-old teen idol, has passed away, it has been announced. The actor and singer’s reputation has been greeted with tributes as a result of the news, which comes just months after he was revealed to have been diagnosed with cancer.
In the 1960s, Bobby gained notoriety, most notably for his role in the ABC production Here Come the Brides. On the Western television series that aired between 1968 and 1970, he played Jeremy Bolt. He performed house music on Shindig! before taking the part.
Bobby also recorded music over the course of those 20 years, including Little Woman, which reached No. 3 in the US in 1969. He is also credited with writing songs like Julie, Do Ya Love Me, and Easy Come, Easy Go.
Today, Bobby’s death was revealed. He was diagnosed with stage four cancer in March, according to a report from that time in March. Brigitte Poublon Sherman, his wife, two sons, Tyler and Christopher, and six grandchildren remain.
His family and friend John Stamos shared their condolences for Bobby in a joint Instagram post earlier today, in which he passed away. Rest in peace Bobby Sherman, John wrote, “From one ex-teen idol to another.”
Bobby Sherman, an actor and singer, has passed away at the age of 81 (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images).
Brigitte left a message for the next post. “It is with the heaviest heart that I share Bobby Sherman’s passing with the heaviest of hearts.” Bobby held up our life with love, courage, and unwavering grace through all 29 beautiful years of marriage, just as he held up our lives with unwavering grace.
Brigitte continued, “I was his charming prince, and he was his Cinderella.” He remained strong for me even in his final days. Bobby was courageous, gentle, and full of life like that.
She continued, “I read him fan letters from all over the world, words of love and gratitude that lifted his spirits and brought him to the depths of his worth.” Every word was absorbed by him with a familiar gleam.
“And yes, he still managed to make some funny jokes,” Bobby said with a wonderful, wicked sense of humor. He never lost it. He could inject a look, a joke, or one of his classic one-liners into a room.
She continued to say that he “made millions laugh” with his beloved “role in Here Come the Brides” as well as his own. Bobby was, according to Brigitte, “something that was” much more important to those who” truly knew him than what he thought.
In a statement released today (instagram.com/johnstamos), his wife Brigitte Poublon Sherman paid tribute.
In later life, Brigitte described him as a “man of service,” claiming that he worked as an EMT and trainer with the LAPD after selling concert tickets and magazine covers. He saved lives, she declared to her followers. He demonstrated how selfless, quiet, and deeply human real heroism can be.
She remarked, “He loved with all his heart, lived with integrity, and gave without adversity.” And despite our family’s deepest sympathies for his loss, we also experience his legacy’s warmth: his voice, his laughter, his music, and his mission. Every fan who has ever sung along, ever written a letter, or ever sent love his way thanks you. He felt it. My love, please be gentle.
Fans have hailed Bobby after hearing the news. One person responded to the post, “Loved him forever and forever. a wonderful person. RIP. Still adore his music, another person said in the comments. To his family and friends, apologies.
A third person responded, “Smiled a lot to many fans. He will be missed. a class act My childhood crush, according to another fan. I’m devastated. A beautiful spirit in Heaven and a huge loss for the world were words that were written by someone else.
People living with cancer and their loved ones can receive private support from The Macmillan Support Line. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.
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The Israel-Iran conflict, together with the military intervention of the United States and Tehran’s retaliation, has continued to heavily disrupt global travel despite some Middle East nations saying their airspaces were now open again.
The delays, suspensions and cancellations by multiple airlines continued on Tuesday after Iran launched a limited missile attack on US forces at Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base on Monday in retaliation for US strikes on Sunday at three Iranian nuclear sites.
Qatar temporarily closed its airspace just hours earlier, forcing state-owned Qatar Airways to announce that its flights were suspended because of the closure.
Airports throughout the region have been on edge since Israel began the deadly conflict on June 13 – with a surprise barrage of attacks on Iran, which retaliated with its own missile and drone strikes.
Passengers queue at Dubai International Airport, following Iran’s Monday attack on a US military base, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 24, 2025 [Reuters]
In the days following the US strikes, more and more carriers cancelled flights, particularly in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, which sit just across the Persian Gulf from Iran.
While US President Donald Trump announced a truce between Tehran and Tel Aviv late on Monday night, many airlines have halted select routes through the middle of the week, citing safety concerns.
Middle East carriers severely affected
Dubai-based Emirates suspended all flights to Iran and Iraq, including those serving Baghdad and Basra, through June 30. An unspecified number of other Emirates flights were rerouted but continuing to operate as scheduled, using flight paths well distanced from conflict areas, according to the airline, which added that some flights may be delayed.
Gulf Air, the carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, extended the cancellation of scheduled flights to Jordan until June 27.
Air tracking data from FlightAware showed 382 cancellations worldwide just after 10:30am ET (14:30 GMT) Tuesday, following 834 cancellations seen on Monday.
Airports in the Middle East are some of the busiest in the world, covering an area stretching from Iran and Iraq to the Mediterranean and serving as a connecting hub for flights between Europe and Asia.
However, in an early sign of normalcy returning to the region, Iraqi airspace reopened and flights were now transiting it, flight-tracking website Flightradar24 wrote on X on Tuesday.
It’s unclear whether Iranian airspace is now also open to international arrivals and departures to and from Tehran.
In the meantime, the Israel Airports Authority says Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv is returning to full operation.
Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines cancelled some flights to and from Dubai starting Sunday and through Wednesday, citing “a security assessment of the geopolitical situation in the Middle East”.
After nearly two weeks of intense air strikes and the beginning of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, confusion, uncertainty, and distrust have seized households in Tehran’s capital.
Some families who were displaced by the conflict returned home quickly, while others were more cautious.
The intensity of Monday night’s bombardment left Samaneh, a 37-year-old reporter who only wanted to give her first name, shaken.
The worst was the bombing’s final night. She feared for her family and friends in the Iranian capital because she truly believed she would never see her loved ones again.
Those who doubted the ceasefire will continue, especially given allegations of violations and promises of retaliation, have only a passing gander at the ceasefire, which started on Tuesday.
Samaneh explained that while she “thought it was just another psychological game [he] was playing with us], she “knows that this ceasefire is temporary.”
“I couldn’t believe that Israel and Iran would support it,” she said. The Tehran-based woman continued, “I keep expecting someone to sabotage the entire thing.” I experienced relief, along with sadness, anger, and fear, until Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the ceasefire in a formal message from Oman, she continued.
“I’m incredibly discouraged. But she said, “I hope I can finally fall asleep after 12 nights.” “I feel for the people of Gaza, Palestine, and Lebanon, who have endured this kind of suffering for years,” said one of the mourners.
Israel launched strikes on Iranian nuclear and military installations on June 13 that resulted in the deaths of numerous civilians, military leaders, and scientists. Iran launched drone strikes and ballistic missiles in Israeli cities as retaliation. At least 610 people have died and 4,746 have been hurt, according to Iran. At least 28 people have died and hundreds have been injured in Israel.
Atta Kenare/AFP – Iranians raise flags and chant during a rally in Enghelab Square on June 22, 2025 to protest US aggression against Iran.
“We who pay”
Raha, a 41-year-old history teacher who had traveled abroad but insisted on coming home when Israel attacked to make sure her family was safe, expressed her disgust in Karaj, a region of greater Tehran.
It’s a pause rather than peace, they say. How can we trust those who simultaneously refer to regime change and peace? she inquired.
Trump has mentioned that Iran is accepting “peace,” which is essentially accepting US demands for the surrender of its nuclear program. The US president has also called for regime change, saying, “If the current Iranian regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change? ” MIGA!! “!
She continued, “I worry that this is only a brief break, a chance for Israel’s military to regroup before conducting yet another round of air strikes, just like they have in Palestine and Lebanon.”
Raha continued, “The US and Israel have destroyed our organization.” Without us, they are in charge of shaping our future. They mention freedom, women, and life, but they also attacked my country. They shook my nation’s skies and borders. They murder innocent people. And within a few hours, American bombs detonated billions of dollars, which could have been used to rebuild Iran. Our nuclear arsenal eventually turned into black holes and craters.
Iran has consistently claimed that it has developed nuclear weapons, but Israel and the US have done so for years.
Hadi, a 42-year-old civil engineer from Ahwaz’s southwest, supports the government’s position on its nuclear program, noting that it had agreed to a previous nuclear agreement in 2015 that Trump unilaterally rejected three years later.
We have said repeatedly as a nation that we are not interested in developing nuclear weapons, Hadi said. Iran was plunged into the brink of war by Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal.
Hadi is happy that the Iranian government accepted the ceasefire, though he remained positive about it.
“We’ve lost a lot of martyrs,” he said. He said, “I hope this brings the people of my country closer together, and that the government lessens its positions on issues like the hijab.” “We need unity and reconstruction.”
Raha worries about the domestic outcry and worries about what will happen to Iranians in the wake of the Israeli bombardment, which she believes the government will ultimately reject.
The regime may now attempt to retaliate against Israel by focusing its repression on women, especially since it was defeated, “I’m afraid.” more arrests are made. more repression. We are always responsible for the payment, she said.
Since the start of the conflict with Israel, Iran has made dozens of arrests, primarily on suspicion of spying on Israel. In 2022, Iran has previously repressed opposition activists, and some human rights activists fear that more people will be detained for speaking out against Israel.
After Iran and Israel agreed to a ceasefire, Iranians converge on Enghelab Square on June 24, 2025. [Atta Kenare/AFP]
I have no faith that it will last.
Nine security personnel were killed when Israeli missiles struck two military installations in the central province of Yazd, prompting Mohammad, a 28-year-old nurse, to work the night shift on high alert. Early on Tuesday morning, he left his house to find the Iranian authorities having confirmed the ceasefire.
“Sorry, my brain isn’t functioning properly after working night shift,” I said. But he continued to be shocked. The regime almost assuredly agreed to a ceasefire almost immediately, contrary to what many of us had anticipated: a drawn-out war. Even the majority of its critics were unable to believe it because it was so unexpected. He continued, “I believe the regime were cornered because they were afraid of more prominent Israeli assassinations or even internal armed groups.”
The exhausted 28-year-old continued, “I’m glad there’s a ceasefire, but I don’t trust it will last.” He added that he thought the world powers were just sacrificing Iranian lives for their own goals.
I don’t trust Israel, the US, or the Iranian government, Mohammad continued. This regime wasted a chance to reach an agreement with the US President Joe Biden’s administration. Israel assassinated our nuclear scientists and their families, assassinated hundreds of civilians and soldiers, and violated our sovereignty. He cited the destruction done to the country as evidence that the US bombed my nation and quickly destroyed the wealth of several generations.
I have no right to trust any of the people involved in this ceasefire, as far as I’m concerned.
England won by five wickets to lead the five-match series 1-0.
England defeated India on the nerve-wracking final day of the first Test at Headingley with a target of 371 thanks to Ben Duckett’s astonishing 149.
One of England’s best innings was played by Duckett, who defeated the home team’s 378-run record-breaking opponent at Edgbaston three years ago.
In doing so, Duckett added his names to Headingley folklore’s list: Ian Botham in 1981, Mark Butcher in 2001, Shai Hope in 2017 and, perhaps most famously, Ben Stokes in 2019.
Duckett and Zak Crawley made a measured 65 for the first wicket, taking 188 for the first wicket. Duckett was given a 97 and Crawford was dropped.
England were strolling while Duckett was at the crease, but Shardul Thakur’s opener and Harry Brook were both dismissed in subsequent deliveries. England was still trailing 118 at the end of the fourth wicket. India possessed hope.
In England’s battle against the threatening clouds and exploding Indians, Joe Root and Stokes joined them. There were also 49 more priceless runs before Stokes’ success against left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja’s short-third man was sealed with a reverse sweep.
Jamie Smith arrived with the necessary 69 and the necessary calm. As the clock ticked down, the anticipation increased.
Too late, only 22 balls were required to get the second new ball. With only 14 overs left, England won the match, scoring at a rate of 4.55 overs.
Another classic is delivered by Headingley
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What’s the deal with this terrain? Headingley once more delivered a test that sucked up and fluctuated throughout the course of the final day, one that will stick in your mind forever.
Overnight, England were up 11-0, with 350 runs adrift. The four outcomes were all possible. Supporters from both sides exchanged chants, fought the emotions, and fought the tension. The rain only intervened on two occasions, somehow.
By the end, England had completed yet another run chase, demonstrating the captain’s choice to field first despite the bleak first-day playing conditions.
They completed Donald Bradman’s Australia in 1948, beating only the 404 of them for second-highest chase on this ground. This was the 10th-highest successful fourth innings chase ever and Stokes’ Ashes heroics from six years ago.
After India’s first innings ended with 430-3 and their second innings with 333-4, the home side’s remarkable escape was also invincible. Only three other teams have scored more runs in a Test before losing, and two of those were also defeated by Stokes’ England. India totaled 835 runs in the encounter.
Brilliant best of Duckett’s world-class class
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There is a compelling case that Duckett is currently the world’s best all-format batter. The second-highest score by an England batter in a successful chase after Butcher’s epic 173 to defeat Australia on this ground 24 years ago was unquestionably his best of his six Test scores.
He had to escape India’s seamers’ potent morning burst. Crawley, who had a speedy 111-ball half-century, was Duckett’s fastest Test match.
Duckett burst into life with reverse-sweep and reverse-sweep when left-arm spinner Jadeja joined the attack. One was even given six-over-extra cover.
It was challenging to get Crawley a low caught-and-bowled to Bumrah. Yashasvi Jaiswal should have removed Duke at deep square leg from Mohammed Siraj. Jaiswal gave up the third chance in the contest.
Duckett jumped out of joy when he surpassed three figures, but trouble soon broke out. Prasidh Krishna, who bowled Ollie Pope with a nip-backer, was the only one who could not get a kick. When Crockett punched Thakur to cover, Brook was accidentally caught down the leg side when he accidentally crossed his first ball.
Stokes and Root both became concerned by the second rain delay as Jadeja began to land the ball in the rough. The captains of the past and present tapped in while maintaining good running and a positive score. Another shower was resisted by the umpires. The final whirl of Bumrah was over.
Stokes was actually shaky. Jadeja’s demise was unavoidable. Root, who used all of his tools and home-ground knowledge, had a quiet support from Smith.
India averts a rare opportunity.
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How does India recover from this? Only one team in Test history has lost more than 430 runs in the first innings and lost three more.
The visitors were utterly wasteful. In their first innings, India took seven wickets for 41 runs, and in their second, they took six for 31. They also lost six catches overall.
The best bowler in the world went wicketless, but only the rest of the attack was able to provide backup for Bumrah on the final day. When the second new ball arrived, he was out of the game.
Bumrah will only likely play three games in the series, according to the tourists. He will undoubtedly benefit from the longer break between matches to prepare for the second Test.
What a perfect Test match, exactly?
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What a fantastic Test match, England captain Ben Stokes said in a commentary on Test Match Special. It’s amazing to win the win home.
In his opinion, “Test cricket is played over five days,” he said regarding his decision to bowl at the toss. You make a choice despite knowing what will happen. Both teams had great success.
In the crucial moments of this game, we did what we had to do. Not just the dressing room’s attitude, but also its ability to succeed here.
Ben Duckett, England’s opener and man of the match, said, “Unbelievable, what a test match. We had a lot of runs, and the weather was perfect. I have no words for it.
From teen heartbreaks, whirlwind proposals to cheating scandals and three weddings – Rod Stewart’s love life is true rockstar chaos
Rod’s love life has been a wild ride through love and lust(Image: Getty Images)
He’s rocked stadiums, scored platinum records and racked up just as many romances. With his trademark spiky hair and raspy voice, Sir Rod Stewart has been an icon in music for more than six decades. But beyond the hits and headlines, the 79-year-old rocker has lived a wild love life that could rival any storyline.
From teenage sweethearts to supermodels, secret affairs to three high-profile marriages – Rod’s dating history is far from regular. Now settled with his third wife Penny Lancaster and their two sons, the rocker might be living a quieter life these days but getting there was anything but smooth. Let’s take a look back at the women who stole his heart and sometimes broke it too.
Rod Stewart’s wild love life has been the talk of the town(Image: Penske Media via Getty Images)
Susannah Boffey
Rod’s first serious romance was with Susannah Boffey, who he met as a teen in a London nightclub. It didn’t last long – but it left a permanent mark.
Susannah fell pregnant and gave birth to their daughter, Sarah Streeter, who was placed for adoption. Rod later claimed it was her father who insisted on it but Susannah saw things differently.
READ MORE: Penny Lancaster and Rod Stewart more loved-up than ever as they mark 18 years of marriage
“I don’t blame him for how he acted in the Sixties we were all young and foolish,” she said. “But I blame him for what’s happened since, for what has happened to both me and Sarah.”
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Jennie Rylance
Next came model Jennie Rylance and just as quickly, she was gone. The romance fizzled out after two years.
READ MORE: Rod Stewart shares exciting baby news as family grows again
Dee Harrington
Rod then fell for model Dee Harrington after meeting her on a cruise ship.
“He was shy about asking me to dance,” she recalled but once they got talking, they were inseparable for four years.
Rod even popped the question mid-canoodle. “We were in our hotel bedroom when he just blurted out, ‘Will you marry me?’” she said. But the rockstar’s trust issues got in the way. Rod suspected Dee was cheating, and soon enough, he was cosying up to someone else.
READ MORE: Rod Stewart’s wild life – £300m fortune, footballer fame and secret cancer battle
Rod Stewart and ‘Bond girl’ Britt Ekland(Image: Helmut Reiss/United Archives via Getty Images)
Britt Ekland
Swedish stunner Britt Ekland, aka Mary Goodnight in The Man with the Golden Gun. She and Rod dated for two explosive years. But the romance went out with a bang when Britt accused Rod of cheating. “He never said sorry,” she later revealed. “Never. I wish he had.”
Rod’s first wife – but not his first proposal(Image: Getty Images)
Alana Stewart
Rod’s first trip down the aisle came in 1979 when he married model Alana Stewart who famously left actor George Hamilton for him. They welcomed two kids, Kimberly and Sean.
Looking back, Rod admits he wasn’t ready. “When I told my dad I was getting married, he said, ‘You’re far too young,’” Rod said. “He was right – I still had a lot of living, partying, drinking and shagging to do.”
Kelly Emberg
Rod’s seven-year relationship with model Kelly Emberg began while he was still married to Alana. Together, they had daughter Ruby but his wandering ways did them in too.
Kelly said: “It’s hard being in love with someone and knowing they’re wrong for you… I realised Rod didn’t want to marry me.”
Before his second marriage, he met Kelly Emberg(Image: Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Rachel Hunter
Rod met 21-year-old model Rachel Hunter in a nightclub in 1990 and proposed just three weeks later. Despite their 24-year age gap, they married and had two kids – Renee and Liam. The marriage lasted until 1999. Rachel eventually walked away, saying she’d “lost her identity.”
Rachel Hunter may of been the first to hurt the rockstar(Image: Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
“I’ll take to the grave the pain I caused Rod,” she admitted. “I hurt the one person I loved and cared about.”
Rod didn’t cope well: “I took to lying on the sofa in the day, with a blanket over me and a hot water bottle against my chest. I knew then why they call it heartbroken. You can feel it in your heart.”
Penny Lancaster
Rod met Penny in 1999 and the rest is history. She joined him on tour, won his heart, and they’ve been together ever since. The pair tied the knot in 2007 and have two sons, Alastair and Aiden.
They even renewed their vows in 2023, proving that even rockstars can settle down – eventually.
Penny Lancaster managed to tame Rod and the pair have been married ever since(Image: Getty Images for Haute Living)
Over his love life Rod’s had eight kids with five women: Sarah (with Susannah), Kimberly and Sean (with Alana), Ruby (with Kelly), Renee and Liam (with Rachel), and Alastair and Aiden (with Penny).
He’s now a grandad too with four grandkids and one more on the way, after daughter Kimberly revealed she’s expecting her second child.
