Over the years we have sat through countless tense recouplings at the fire pit. Some of the most dramatic moments on Love Island usually happen during these scenes. Remember in season three when Johnny Mitchell labelled Theo Campbell 'a gigantic bellend' and the scene descended into chaos? Or last year when Hugo Hammond called out Toby Aromolaran for 'mugging off' Chloe Burrows? However, it turns out that the recoupling ceremonies are a lot more staged than fans ever imagined.
Shaughna Phillips, who had her own iconic recoupling moment ( 'Congrats hun') has revealed the extent of the producing. During an appearance on Alex Light & Em Clarkson's Should I Delete That podcast, the reality star was questioned on the filming process of the fire pit scenes.
The Islanders apparently don't go into the ceremony blind and discuss the direction of their speeches. She revealed: 'You kind of go over it with a producer before, that night. So, during dinner time you kind of talk through it. It's very produced.' This is a new revelation for fans of the show as some of the quotes said around the fire pit have become iconic moments. So, to know they could have been pre discussed might be shocking for some.
The recoupling scenes are also not quick to film either, as islanders have to say their speeches in three sections. She explained, 'But when you're doing, like, the "I would like to couple up with this person because…" you do that in three sections.' She continued, 'So you say that, and then you have a big pause, then you say the next bit, pause. They kind of ask you to go for chats and certain things. It's a TV show, so I get it.
She previously revealed to OK! the true length of time they take to film. The ex islander said, 'I would say it depends on how many [couples] there are. It could be an hour and a half to two hours, but when you're sitting down there, you have to sit in silence, so you literally have to sit in silence until you have to say your part, and it's so difficult. Shaugna continued, 'I remember there would be like times where we would just all burst out laughing, and we would all have to then stop and be straight-faced.'
However, sometimes the process would run a little bit too long, with filming stretching into the early hours of the morning. She said, 'You can hear the birds start chirping and you're like "oh my god, I should really be going to bed right now."'
She revealed that sometimes it could get frustrating for the islanders: 'I remember, there would be times when some of the girls would sit on the beanbags and one of us would literally cry because we're so tired... you've just got to kind of wait for one more thing to happen and if that one scene or that one conversation takes ages, you're just like "just do what they're asking you to do," because you're just so knackered.'
Where To Buy The Exact Love Island Bikinis From This Series
As Ekin-Su announced the dreaded Casa Amor recoupling text, we saw her don a cobalt blue swimsuit - the exact one is the Majorca strappy back swimsuit (£38) from Boux Avenue.
Indiyah chose a different style of swimsuit to make her breakfast in Casa Amor, with a cheeky banana print. You can grab this bikini straight from the ISAWITFIRST website as the Yellow Banana Print High Waisted Bandeau Bikini (£20)
Paige showed off a new black bikini with pearl features whilst being fed breakfast from the new boy. Snap up the exact set from boohoo as the Women's Pearl Embellished Triangle Bikini Top (£11.25) and Women's Pearl Embellished Triangle Bikini Briefs (£9).
As the new girls strolled into the Casa Amor villa, we saw them don some hot bikinis. Jazmine was seen in the MODAMINX strawberry daiquiri hot pink violet crystal bikini top (£25) and bottoms (£25).
Cheyanne's exact bikini is the SHE Eva bikini set (£25) Chyna's bikini is the Rib Underwire One Shoulder Bikini Swimsuit (£9.49) from Shein but you can get a similar vibe from Cupshe one shoulder high waist bikini set (£26).
Chyna entered the villa in a hot zebra print swimsuit with cut-out features. You can grab a similar vibe from PLT as the Monochrome Zebra Print Wrap Waist Plunge Swimsuit (£22)
Antigoni has been ruling the roost for most impressive bikinis as she's moved into the villa. We loved her orange shell bikini which is the ZAFUL Shell Cutout Halter Bikini Set in Sandy Brown (£12.97).
In episode 23 of Love Island, we saw Paige wear a very skimpy red swimsuit as part of the heart-racing challenge. She certainly sent some hearts through the roof in a PrettyLittleThing Red Minimal Basic Swimsuit (£10).
As Tasha started sweating watching Andrew be pulled for a chat with Danica, we saw her jump in the pool in a Pretty Little Thing Multi Abstract Printed Triangle Bikini Top (£11) and bottoms (£7). Grab the matching shirt (£25) for a full three-piece set.
Tasha was back in her cobalt blue bikini which is a complete fan favourite this season. It's back in stock as ASOS DESIGN mesh bandeau ruched front bikini top (£18) with the ASOS DESIGN hipster bottom in cobalt blue (£15). If you want a dupe, then you'll want to grab the NA-KD Shiny Circle Detail Strappy Bikini Top (£23.95).
Antigioni stunned in a green set bikini with a matching hairband - you can snap up straight from her own collection. A dupe we love is the Mango Wrap back bikini top (£19.99) and bottoms (£17.99).
You can grab Tasha's exact white bikini as the ZAFUL Skimpy Ribbed Smocked String Bikini Swimwear in White (£15.60). Grab her Khaki Linen Look Beach Shirt (£22) from Pretty Little Thing too.
In episode 21 of the season, we saw Indiyah and Gemma lounging on the outside chairs - Indiyah was wearing an exact Neon Orange Wear Me Any Way Multi Swimsuit (£20) from ISAWITFIRST whilst Gemma laid in a yellow leopard print bikini, just like the Luxe Palm high neck halterneck bikini top in yellow leopard print (£14).
The girls have been big fans of Shein this summer, with Paige showing off in this sweet Butterfly Print Self-Tie Halter Bikini Swimsuit (£10.49). Get a similar style in the Brit Manuela X ZAFUL Convertible Micro String Butterfly Bikini Swimwear (£14.73) and Abercrombie and Fitch Wide Strap Underwire Bikini Top (£25.20).
On her date with Jay in the hot tub, we saw Tasha in the Boux Avenue Hvar bronze ruched multiway bikini top (£22) and bottoms (£16). We also saw her in this earlier in the series when Liam left the villa. Get a similar brown option with the India Recycled Triangle Bikini Top in Chocolate (£26).
Paige donned a hot pink bikini - the Shein Solid Underwire High Cut Bikini Swimsuit (£9.49). We like the Hollister Rib Underwire Bikini Top (£15.99) as a good alternative. In a chat between the girls, Indiyah donned the Oh Polly Sanctuary Cut Out Cross Front Bikini Top in Ivory (£20) which can also be found as the Nude Waffle Texture Halterneck Bikini Top (£13) on Pretty Little Thing.
Antigioni turned the boys heads in her entrance, wearing a blue bikini set that's from her own collection - ANTONIABRONZE Bikini Bottom (£28). For a similar option go for the Calzedonia Slide Triangle Bikini Top Indonesia Eco (£20) and bottoms (£15).
You can get Paige's multicoloured bikini with leopard print and tie-up features from Club L London as the Wild Thing Leopard & Green Colour Block Halter Neck Bikini Top (£25) and Bottoms (£20).
Tasha laid back in a brown and white swimsuit which is the Shein Color Block Cross Ruched One Piece Swimsuit (£9.49). Block swimsuits are out in style all over, including the CUPSHE Avery Color Block One Piece Swimsuit (£25) and Nike colour block crossover swimsuit in mid blue (£32).
Snap up Gemma's exact bronze bikini from Hunkemoller as the Havana Non-Padded Underwired Bikini Top Rebecca Mir (£29)
Danica wore an interesting bikini with fluffy features - the Shein Bright Silk Decor Halter Tie Side Bikini Swimsuit (£10.99). For similar effect, go for a towelling bikini like the Topshop towelling bikini set in blue (£24) or the Pretty Little Thing Blue Towelling bikini (£15).
Sharing the love, Ekin-Su showed off a purple swimsuit with gold heart detail - the Kuta heart asymmetric swimsuit in Lilac (£38) from Boux Avenue.
Ekin Su actually showed off a top that was really a bikini top for one of the challenges around the firepit. You can get the exact option from Club L London as the Club L London Check In Black Bardot Ruffle Bikini Top (£35)
Paige was wearing a classic orange triangle bikini for the 'Lip Service' challenge, which you can grab from the Recycled Orange Mix & Match Triangle Bikini Top (£5) and the Recycled Orange Mix & Match Tie Side Bikini Bottoms (£5). Pour Moi has a similar vibe with the India Recycled Triangle Bikini Top in Orange (£26).
Sold out on Motel Rocks right now, we saw Tasha don the Gata Bikini Top In Abstract Butterfly Gold (£28). Butterfly print is very in this summer, though, so you can grab a similar bikini with the Jaded London Butterfly Bikini Top (£28) and bottoms (£28).
Indiyah was seen rocking a neon yellow and snake print bikini which is from ASOS as the South Beach sequin bikini top with contrast lining in brown snake print (£12) and matching South Beach sequin tie side bikini bottom in brown snake print (£8).
Danica's black bikini with gold chain is straight off of the ISAWITFIRST website as the Black Gold Chain Bikini (£7.50). It's currently sold out so you can be notified on the website or grab the Pretty Little Thing Black Gold Chain Strap V Front Bikini Top (£15) and Bottoms (£12) as a dupe.
Danica stepped into the villa with an apple-green bikini and heart-shaped diamante features. The Apple Green Diamante Heart Triangle Bikini Top (£15) and Apple Green Diamante Heart Bikini Bottoms (£15) are available on Pretty Little Thing right now.
Indiyah's pink, crystal bikini is from Modaminx and makes a great addition to any holiday wardrobe. Shop her pink triangle crystal bikini top (£30) and matching pink tie-side crystal bikini bottoms (£30). Grab a similar vibe from the Moda Minx Strawberry Daquiri ruffle in pink & purple ombre bikini (£25).
Amber was spotted getting some time away from the sun and relaxing in the shade. She wore a gorg zebra print bikini from Boux Avenue. Get her look with the zebra asymmetric bikini top (£32) and matching zebra bikini bottoms (£16).
Gemma wore a chic white swimsuit when having a chat with partner Luca. We saw her in the H&M ribbed belted swimsuit in white (£11). We love this white belted swimsuit from Etsy (£26) as an alternative.
Tasha avoided any tan lines last night with this bandeau bikini from PLT. Shop her look with the cream hammered trim bikini top (£15) and matching cream hammered trim bikini bottoms (£15).
On a date with new boy Jay, we saw Ekin-Su in a green, two-piece bikini from Boux Avenue. Re-create her exact look with the green deep v-neck bikini top (£26) and matching green bikini bottoms (£16).
Indiyah's light pink bikini is straight from Oh Polly as the Majesty Ring Halter Neck Bikini Top in Light Orange (£24). Ring bikinis are very in this season and we like the Aerie triangle halter neck bikini top with ring detail (£28) and EVARAE Sia cutout embellished stretch-ECONYL halterneck bikini top (£150) too.
Whilst being thrown around by Luca, we saw Gemma wear a bright orange corset bikini. The Club L London After Sun Burnt Orange Corset Halter Swimsuit (£45) stood out in the challenge.
Relaxing in the sun, Amber was spotted in this Boux Avenue Sydney textured triangle bikini top (£22) and matching bottoms (£16).
Tasha's gorg multicoloured bikini is straight from Shein as the Color Block Smocked Halter Triangle Tie Side Thong Bikini Swimsuit (£6.49). You can get similar examples from the ASOS DESIGN tie side bikini bottom bold abstract print (£9.60) and Free People Frankies Phillipa Shine Bikini Top (£88).
We're familiar with Gemma's own brand line OG Beachwear which she dons on the daily - like this grey Valencia bikini which is available right now. If you love this style, boohoo do a similar style in their O-ring Bikini Bandeau Top (£10)
Paige's bikini that she wore on a date with new man Jacques is sold-out Ann Summers (Kota Bikini Top, £9), but if you like the style there are loads of similar options like the Ann Summers Suncity Soft Bikini Top (£26).
In Episode 5 of Love Island, we saw Tasha don this exact bikini from Boux Avenue. Snap up the Hvar bronze ruched brazilian bikini briefs - Bronze (£16) and Hvar bronze ruched multiway bikini top - Bronze (£22) on the website right now.
Gemma showed off her gorgeous tan with a grey shiny swimsuit from Hunkemoller. You can get the Havana Multi-Way Swimsuit Rebecca Mir in Grey (£40) on the website now.
Neon is very in this summer and Indiyah shows us how it's done in her Oh Polly Layered Bikini Top in Lime (£22) Other neon lime and yellow options include the PrettyLittleThing Light Lime Mini Crinkle Underwired Square Neck Bikini Top (£20), the Hollister High Apex Ribbed Underwire Bikini Top (£27) and the GUESS Fluo colour bandeau bikini (£27).
Just as we saw Liam leave the villa, Paige was wearing this super skimpy green ombre swimsuit with a tie front. The exact match is available on ASOS as the ASOS DESIGN lace up cut out swimsuit in green ombre print (£30).
Newbie Afie donned 'Lime Sherbet' Emerald Contrast Triple Crystal Bandeau Top (£25) on her first day. We also like this similar dupe - the Andressa top from Camila Coelho (£89).
Paige looked pretty in pink in a ruched bikini top - and you can shop a very similar vibe on REVOLVE with the PQ Remi Ruched Bandeau Bikini Top (£67).
Tasha's orange and pink bikini is straight off of Missy Empire. The Jorja Pink Orange Contrast Tie Side Bikini Bottom (£14) and Saffron Pink Orange Contrast Strap Triangle Bikini Top (£14) is available right now.
Amber's H&M Ombre Swimsuit (£14) was giving us real summer sun envy and it seems like everyone else is obsessed with the swimsuit too, as it's already sold out. We love the Beachy Ombre Cross Back One Piece Swimsuit (£19.99) as a strappy alternative.
In a girlie chat over the boys, Tasha was seen in a hot orange strappy bikini whilst Indiyah was spotted in a MANGO zebra print bikini. The bikinis are available online right now - you can get Indiyah's MANGO Zebra print bikini top (£19.99) and MANGO Printed bikini bottom (£17.99) whilst Tasha's bikini is the Cruz line from Oh Polly (£22).
Amber set off the show with a leopard print kimono which stood out against a classic black bikini set. You can buy the SXY Leopard Print Ruffle Trim Belted Kimono (£30) or ASOS do a dupe with the Brave Soul kimono with belt tie detail in leopard print brown (£22).For a staple black bikini like Amber's, we like the House of Harlow 1960 x REVOLVE Darian Top (£67) and House of Harlow 1960 x REVOLVE Darian High Waist Bottom (£79) to match.
Gemma's Entrance Bikini was straight from Club L London, as the Tied Up Coral Wrap Detail Bikini Top (£25) and matching briefs (£23).
Paige entered the villa in a flashy pink sequin bikini as seen on Sherbert Lemon (£40). For those wanting to get on the pink sequin action this summer, the superdown Chantell Sequin Bikini Top (£47) and matching bottoms (£48) are a contender.
Indiyah also donned a Sherbert Lemons choice when walking into the villa, in their White Beaded Bikini Set (£25). We loved her cover-up beach skirt the most though, and you can get dupes easily like the lovewave Alisa Skirt (£151), Zaful Cowl Neck Strappy Cami Top And Tassels Sarong Skirt (£22.95) and the Urban Outfitters Knit & Lace Mini Beach Skirt (£42).
Love Islander Amber was seen in a strappy green top with hoop detail and gold features. You can buy the exact bikini from New Look right now, with the Ring Tie Strappy Triangle Bikini Top, £13.99 and Green Ring Tie Side Bikini Bottoms, £9.99.
Paige wears a classic baby pink strappy tie bikini set in her promo shots, which are available to grab from Pretty Little Thing. They have 10% off each now as Pretty Little Thing Baby Pink Mix & Match Triangle Bikini Top (£4.50) and Baby Pink Mix & Match Tie Side Bikini Bottoms (£4.50).
Neon is so in for summer colours at the moment, so we knew we had to hunt down this style from Gemma Owen. Gemma wears the Oh Polly Ramona Layered Bikini Top (£22). We're fans of a similar dupe from Hollister High Apex Underwire Bikini Bra (£27).
Indiyah showed off her body with an orange number, found as the Oh Polly Jorani Hoop Detail Bikini Top in Orange (£24). If you like this style of slinky bikini, the VDM The Label Ziggy reversible triangle bikini top (£55) matches up well.
Dancer Tasha showed off her lean body in her sneak peek with a bright red set from Ann Summers, found as the Ann Summers Catalina Soft Bikini Top (£26) and Ann Summers Catalina Brazilian Bikini Bottom (£16).