Studying Time: 2 minutes
Now we have tragic information to report from the world of actuality TV at the moment.
James Barker, a producer on Love Island USA, has handed away whereas filming the present’s eighth season in Fiji.
Information of Barker’s loss of life comes courtesy of an announcement from Peacock and ITV America.
“James’ unimaginable loss has been deeply felt throughout not simply the whole Love Island USA manufacturing, however all through all of ITV and Peacock,” the networks stated in a joint assertion (by way of Folks).
“He was a beloved and significantly valued member of our collective household whose kindness, expertise and dedication left an indelible mark on all of us and everybody who had the privilege of figuring out and dealing with him.”
Peacock and ITV additionally introduced that Barker will likely be honored in the course of the June 16 episode of Love Island USA.
No reason behind loss of life has been publicly disclosed, however insiders have divulged that Barker died following an “surprising medical emergency” final week.
Barker joined Love Island USA in 2020 as a narrative producer earlier than rising by way of the ranks to grow to be government producer for the present’s previous three seasons.
Alongside the way in which, he performed a key position in each manufacturing and post-production and helped oversee the collection’ soundtrack.
Barker’s tv profession started at Leftfield Photos in 2011, the place he labored on well-liked actuality packages together with Pawn Stars, Solid in Fireplace, and Counting Automobiles.
He later added credit on Queer Eye and several other different unscripted initiatives earlier than changing into one of many driving artistic forces behind Love Island USA and its spinoffs.
Simply days earlier than his loss of life, Barker celebrated the launch of Season 8 on social media.
“We come to Fiji for magic,” he wrote in a June 3 Instagram put up whereas praising the forged and crew behind the collection.
Information of Barker’s loss of life despatched shockwaves by way of the Love Island neighborhood, significantly as a result of the producer had grow to be such an integral a part of the franchise’s current success.
Season 8 premiered on June 2 with Ariana Madix returning as host, and manufacturing has continued in Fiji following Barker’s passing.
Tributes from colleagues and followers rapidly started showing on-line after the announcement, with many expressing disbelief over the sudden lack of a producer who was extensively revered all through the fact tv trade.
Our ideas exit to Barker’s family members throughout this extremely troublesome time.
We may have additional updates on this creating story as new info turns into obtainable.
