James Barker, a producer on Love Island, has died following an unexpected medical emergency while working on season eight in Fiji.
Barker, 40, served as the show’s executive producer of post-production and passed away last week.
According to TMZ, the series will acknowledge his death during the broadcast.
In a statement to the outlet, the network said: “ITV America and Peacock will honor Love Island USA series Executive Producer James Barker in Tuesday’s episode after he passed away last week in Fiji following an unexpected medical emergency.”
Love Island producer James Barker has died from an unexpected medical emergency while filming in Fiji . He was the show’s executive producer of post production
The crystal-clear waters just off an island in Fiji, where the current season of Love Island is being filmed
The statement added that Barker’s death has been felt far beyond the immediate production team, saying his loss has deeply affected not only the entire Love Island USA crew, but also colleagues across ITV and Peacock.
It continued: “He was a cherished and highly respected part of our extended family, and his kindness, talent and commitment made a lasting impact on all of us, as well as everyone who had the chance to know and work with him.”
‘We extend our heartfelt condolences to James’ partner, family, friends and colleagues.’
His partner Adam Roth shared a statement about Barker’s death with People on Monday.
‘James was the absolute light and love of my life. He brought joy and brilliance to everything he touched,’ Roth said.
Roth, 48, is the CEO and founder of Silent Partner Advisory, had been together for almost five years.
‘James was such a champion of the community of young music artists he was able to introduce to audiences on Love Island,’ Roth added. ‘We met at a Billie Eilish concert, and live music was a constant in our relationship.’
In January, Barker announced he purchased a property in Brooklyn with Roth.
His partner Adam Roth shared a statement about Barker’s death with People on Monday
‘Did we just buy a condo? Apartment? Whatever it is, it feels like home. We moved in almost two years ago and when presented with the opportunity to purchase we couldn’t think of anywhere else we wanted to live. Here’s to our new adventure and once again, thanks Billie!’
According to Barker’s LinkedIn, he joined ITV America around August 2020. He became a full-time executive producer in January 2026 after working part time.
Love Island USA season eight premiered on June 2 and is now streaming on Peacock.
Barker is said to have worked on over 110 episodes of Love Island and eight episodes of Love Island Beyond The Villa.
He also worked on the reality shows Pawn Stars, Queer Eye, Cosmic Love and Are You My First?
Pictured: (l-r) Beatriz Alexa Hatz, Aniya Harvey, Trinity Celeste Tatum, Mackenzie ‘Kenzie’ Brooke Annis, Melanie Moreno of Love Island USA
The cast of Love Island USA season eight
In one of his last Instagram posts, Barker posted about working on the palm-lined beaches.
‘We come to Fiji for magic. We come to @loveislandusa to laugh, to cry, to care,’ he wrote in his caption.
Love Island USA season eight premiered on June 2
‘Our islanders feel like the best part of us, and stories feel perfect and powerful… because here… they are.
‘Hope you’re all enjoying the new season brought to you by a huge squad of brilliant people, including the three models standing beside me,’ his caption read.
In 2025, he wrote on Instagram that he loved being a part of Love Island USA.
‘The minute I heard #loveisland was coming to the US I knew I had to be apart of it. Now, 6 years later, we’re doing absurd numbers on @loveislandusa and I love my job more than I ever have. Congrats to the team, past and current. We did it.’
