A proposed version of hit reality show Love Island set in Ireland has reportedly been scrapped.
The dating show attracted millions of viewers to Virgin Media television last year, and sources said an Irish version was in the works – to be set on the Aran Islands.
A source close to the project told Extra.ie that despite plans, the show was too much of an undertaking for such a small budget.
“It was a great idea but there is just no way of doing a low-budget version of the show,” the source revealed.
“Virgin Media and TV3 enjoyed success with Irish versions of Gogglebox, The Apprentice, Come Dine With Me and Masterchef so it seemed appropriate to investigate an Irish Love Island.
“The problem is that you have to film it over a couple of months in Mallorca and the cost is extremely high.
“When you have Irish budgets it just becomes prohibitive.
“You have to go to Spain and film it there; it’s not like you could ship the contestants off to the Aran Islands for the duration of the show.
“There are smaller villas like in the Australian version which could bring the cost down, but not enough for Irish budgets.”
Love Island UK will be back on our screens next month.
