⁠"Literally so annoying": Love Island UK fans react to Ben's shocking comments about the girls

Love Island UK’s fifth episode of Season 12 delivered unexpected drama that particularly caught the male contestants off guard. When Ben made some very scathing remarks about his female villamates, what had begun as a normal boys’ night out quickly sparked widespread backlash on social media. In the June 13, 2025 episode, the women surreptitiously observed from the back of the villa while the men went out for drinks

He said:

“These girls haven't been tested enough. They've had it good since we've done it. I think the girls need a little wake-up call. This is real. They're all a little bit too comfortable.”

The premise seemed innocent enough. Love Island regularly orchestrates these scenarios to test relationships and create tension. However, viewers across the internet reacted strongly to Ben’s commentary. Online criticism of his claim that the female islanders had become “too comfortable” and required “testing” was swift. Supporters criticised both his tone and choice of words on social networking sites, especially X.com.

It was a quick and extremely negative response. Many Love Island UK viewers demanded that he leave the villa, questioned his motives, and criticised his actions. Some admirers said he wasn’t really looking for love but was just playing games. Others pointed to broader issues with the male cast this season. The incident sparked renewed discussion about contestant behaviour and gender dynamics in the Love Island universe.

Love Island UK fans react to Ben’s presence in Season 12

Social media erupted with criticism following Ben’s comments. Viewers expressed frustration with what they perceived as arrogance and disrespect toward the female contestants. One fan commented on X”

“Ben is literally so annoying.”

“Ben is one of the most unlikeable men that has ever graced this show it’s actually insane”

— another fan commented. A user also said online:

“okay im catching up with love island uk and this ben guy needs a good whacking who does he think he is.”

Another netizen stated that:

“Why are the men in the UK love island so cocky? Especially Ben? They wanna be chased so badd.”

The general consensus painted Ben as unlikeable and annoying. Many fans questioned his sincerity about finding love on the show. Others suggested his behavior reflected poorly on the entire male cast this season.

Some Love Island UK viewers went further, speculating about his motivations and authenticity. The criticism wasn’t just about his specific words but his overall attitude and approach to villa life. Another fan questioned.

“Please I’m just catching up on love island uk. When does Ben leave?”

This fan commented about the cast this year:

“Bruh where does love island uk get these bozo men. Terrible cast this year. Blu? Ben?? Yuck.”

A netizen remarked:

“Okay OG Love Island I have given you a try too after years of hiatus and I am officially on Ben’s hate wagon.”

“I can’t take Ben seriously after seeing he has a girl on the outside and is playing a game.”

another netizen said. This fan also commented on Ben's antics:

“Ben is like a kid in the candy store, he’s too fkn old for the way he acts.”

“Where’s Ben and shakira been this episode not even eeen them once lol”

— a user hilariously claimed.

The implications of Ben’s behaviour on boy’s night

The evening began positively, with the men sharing genuine appreciation for their partners. The mood was light and supportive as they discussed their villa experiences.

Then Ben shifted the conversation. He expressed his view that the female islanders hadn’t faced sufficient challenges during their time in the villa. His words suggested they needed external pressure to create more authentic dynamics.

The timing couldn’t have been worse. The women were watching everything unfold from the villa, witnessing his commentary in real time. Their reactions were immediate and visible, showing clear discomfort with his assessment.

Ben’s comments on Love Island UK raise questions about respect and game strategy within the Love Island format. His suggestion that the women needed “testing” struck many as patronising and unnecessary.

The incident also highlights the double standards often present in reality dating shows. While contestants regularly strategise and play games, Ben’s approach seemed particularly calculated and dismissive.

The Love Island UK fan reaction suggests viewers expect more authentic behavior from islanders, especially regarding respect for fellow contestants. Ben might have lost favour with viewers—and even other villa residents—as a result of his remarks.

The backlash suggests that viewers value authenticity and mutual respect over calculated gameplay.

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You can watch Love Island UK every night—except Saturdays—at 9 p.m. BST on ITV2, or stream it on ITVX.