LOVE Island bosses have been accused of “meddling” with storylines at the expense of contestants — after forcing devastated Joanna Chimonides out of the show.
Producers changed the terms of a public vote so that only one Islander was eliminated instead of the least popular couple.
TV sources claim bosses made a last minute decision to force couple Joanna and Michael Griffiths, 27, apart — in the hope the hunk will now rekindle his romance with Amber Gill, 21, and create further drama.
A show insider revealed: “There was a lot of producer meddling to save Michael — they didn’t want him to leave and decided they wouldn’t let it happen without trying to push him and Amber back together first.
“Michael is popular with viewers and everyone wants to see him and Amber have a happy ending — and that was never going to happen with Joanna still in the villa.”
Bosses have always denied fixing the outcome of the show, but several former islanders have spoken out to say they were encouraged to hook up with certain co-stars — including Adam Collard who says bosses gave him 48 hours to steal another man’s girlfriend or face being booted out.
The Sun previously revealed how producers encouraged Maura Higgins to hook up with Tommy Fury when she entered the villa in a bid to spark heartache and dramatic scenes.
Joanna was left heartbroken after being separated from Michael when the rest of the Islanders were made to chose who should leave out of the two.
And the 22-year-old predicted she would be the person given the boot after original Islander Michael proved to be a favourite among the cast and fans at home – almost guaranteeing his place in the villa.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun today, she said: “I knew it would be me who was leaving.
“Michael had a massive impact on the villa and he was there from the start, it’s only right that maybe he does stay.
“It was a very awkward situation. It is very disappointing he didn’t leave with me. I hope Michael staying in will make him realise that him and I are meant to be.”
Michael dramatically dumped Amber just weeks ago when he chose to couple up with Joanna, after meeting her during a show twist.
But on Sunday, just hours before Joanna was dumped from the island, Amber finally admitted she still has feelings for the fireman — paving the way for them to reconnect.
And Joanna believes it is inevitable that Michael will end up with Amber now she’s gone.
She added: “Now that I’ve left there’s obviously less tension and awkwardness for them to talk again and see how things go.
“At the same time Michael did repeatedly say there’s nothing there — but Amber does have feelings for him so you never know.”
