In episode 34 of Love Island UK Season 12, producers seemed to highlight Shakira Khan as a major drama figure, which sparked new criticism. Shakira was framed in a combative manner in clips from the villa's "Movie Night" challenge, with previous comments and points of view contrasted for maximum dramatic effect. Viewers were left wondering if this representation was part of a deliberate effort to mold the story behind the scenes.
Although there will always be some drama in the show, many fans believe this episode went too far. Instead of providing a balanced perspective, they observed that some of the footage appeared to be intended to portray Shakira as the main antagonist of the season. Viewers perceived the placement and timing of several confessionals and reaction videos as being unduly premeditated, implying that the producers were promoting a plot rather than allowing events to develop naturally.
Since then, fans have taken to social media to criticize what they see as unjust editing. The criticism highlights the growing apprehension regarding reality TV narrative construction and how decisions made behind the scenes can significantly impact who is portrayed as a hero or villain.
An admirer of Love Island UK posted: "Producers are trying SO hard to make Shakira look like a villain but unfortunately their chosen “heroes” of the season (aka Meg & co) are so mean & hypocritical that it is not working #loveislanduk."
Another fan shared on X: "How is it that they only showed Toni and Shakira’s mean conversations and left Meg and Helena’s conversations. What’s the agenda. No one is innocent #LoveIslandUK"
"The producers should’ve shown more of helena and Meg being MEAN GIRLS then turning it all onto shakira #LoveIsland #LoveIslandUK," a tweet read.
More fans of Love Island UK shared their opinion on the situation.
A netizen expressed: "Everyone saying shakira is a mean girl for the bikini comment bcs it was movie night but when that ep she said that comment was AIRED most of y’all was loving her for it like make ur mind up?😭😭😭 #LoveIslandUK #LoveIsland"
"#LoveIslandUSA realllyyyy fumbled not having movie night becauseeeeeeeeee last nights episode on #LoveIslandUK was top tier TV !!! Team Shakira and Toni all day btw," a comment read.
Shakira’s comments revealed during Movie Night in Love Island UK Season 12
"Movie Night" stole the show in episode 34 of Love Island UK Season 12 with a clip that included Shakira's frank comments regarding Helena's actions and wardrobe choices. Tensions in the villa were rekindled by that specific scene, in which Shakira criticized Helena for stealing her bikini and pursuing Harry. History has shown that shocks always occur when private moments are made public, and this was no different.
During the screening, contestants were clearly agitated; Helena referred to the energy as a "mean girl" and questioned the need for such scathing remarks. This exposé's increased awareness widened already-existing rifts and sparked a new round of hostilities in the villa.
Fans can watch the entire episode of Love Island UK Season 12 on ITVX or ITV2.