The eighth season of Love Island USA takes place in Fiji
Bosses released a statement to remember the TV boss and offer condolences to his family (Image: James Barker/Instagram)
A ‘kind’ and ‘talented’ Love Island producer has sadly passed away days after celebrating the launch of a new season. James Barker, 40, was an executive producer on Love Island USA and is preparing to work on the eighth season in Fiji.
A statement obtained by TMZ read: “ITV America and Peacock will honor Tuesday’s episode of Love Island USA executive producer James Barker, who died last week in Fiji after suffering an unexpected medical emergency. James’ unimaginable loss has been deeply felt not just throughout the Love Island USA production, but across ITV and the Peacock.
“He was a beloved and highly valued member of our collective family whose kindness, talent and dedication left an indelible mark on each and every one of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. We extend our deepest condolences to James’ partner, family, friends and colleagues.”
The mirror reports that the cause of death remains unclear, according to the paper.
James’ death comes just days after he celebrated the launch of Love Island with what became his final Instagram post. He wrote: “We come to Fiji for magic. We come to @loveislandusa to laugh, cry, worry.
“Our islanders feel like the best part of us and stories feel perfect and powerful… because here… they are. Hope you all enjoy the new season, brought to you by a great team of brilliant people, including the three models standing next to me.”
Fans of Love Island rushed to the comments section of his post, with one writing: “looked like a great guy! RIP!” and another said: “May he RIP”, while a third wrote: “(white heart emoji) Rest in Peace (white heart emoji)”
The news comes amid speculation that Love Island USA is becoming more successful than its UK counterpart, which is also currently on air. Based on comments from fans as the second week of Love Island UK started, viewers feel the UK version needs to “step it up” to match the level of TV the US puts out.
One fan said: “The UK needs to step it up because the US already had two challenges and a vote. All we had is a fake dump and six bombs that were no bombs. Will it get any better?”
Another also decried the lack of challenges in the UK version. They said, “Bro, get some f******g challenges. You don’t have to have a big budget to get games in that will touch the pool like the pool game USA did or the quote challenge from S12 or even the ask anything challenge from AS3. The producers are so lazy.”
A third said on TikTok: “The Love Island US first look has me wanting to pack it in with Love Island UK. First of all the diversity! Crazy, absolutely insane, it just looks so good. Second, the budget. The budget was so high. You can hardly compare them because the US would be the biggest winner.”
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