Love Island bosses react to Ollie Williams backlash
Ollie Williams made his debut on the winter series of Love Island last night and some fans were not impressed.
A petition was set up over the weekend to have him removed from the show after he was exposed as an alleged game hunter.
But according to reports, bosses have no intention of axing him.
Just this weekend, photos emerged of the islander posing next to a variety of dead animals.
And ever since, he's been the target of online trolling from many convinced he's a big game hunter.
However, it seems Love Island bosses aren't at all worried about viewing figures.
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A source tells MailOnline, 'It is highly unlikely Ollie will be booted off the series.'
'He's part of the lineup and already filmed the first episode – bosses see no reason to kick him off.'
'Love Island cast Ollie out of thousands of applicants and are sticking to their decision.'
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The publication reports bosses refuse to, 'bow down to the public on a moral issue.'
'They're hoping this will all blow over once the audience gets to know Ollie after seeing him on screen.'
A source close to Ollie speaks out
Meanwhile, a source close to the islander speaks out to defend him against the backlash.
The insider tells MailOnline, 'It is categorically untrue to suggest Ollie is involved in hunting for sport.'
'Ollie is a passionate conservationist and worked with an anti-poaching unit in Mozambique.'
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'Conservation is crucial to the survival of animals and as part of that work Ollie was involved in the culling of sick animals who were a threat to the health of the herd.'
'There is a very big and important difference between trophy hunting and the conversation work Ollie has previously been involved in.'
'At no point has Ollie organised or booked anybody to go to Africa to shoot game.'
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The first episode of the winter series kicked off last night.
Get to know the first 12 contestants here.
