Love Island USA executive producer James Barker died last week after suffering a medical emergency in Fiji.
Barker started working on Love Island in 2020, beginning as a story producer and working his way up to co-executive producer and executive producer, a position he had for the past three seasons. He had similar roles on Love Island Games. He worked on production and post-production and oversaw the series’ soundtrack.
Love Island USA will honor Barker in Tuesday’s episode of the hit reality dating series, currently in its eighth season, which premiered June 2 on Peacock. The Ariana Madix-hosted real-time competition show released new episodes every day of premiere week and then will drop new installments Thursdays through Tuesdays thereafter.
“James’ unimaginable loss has been deeply felt across not just the entire Love Island USA production, but throughout all of ITV and Peacock,” ITV America and Peacock said of Barker’s death in a joint statement. “He was a beloved and greatly valued member of our collective family whose kindness, talent and dedication left an indelible mark on all of us and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. We extend our heartfelt condolences to James’ partner, family, friends and colleagues.”
