James Barker, an executive producer on Love Island USA, died last week, and the Peacock series paid tribute to him on tonight’s episode.
Following the recoupling episode on Tuesday, June 16, a tribute to the late Barker appeared before the next episode of the dating series was teased.
“For James,” read the screen, followed by a series of photos from Barker throughout the years.
At the end of the tribute, the words “We love you” appeared on screen.
The executive producer died in Fiji last week after suffering an unexpected medical emergency, ITV America and Peacock confirmed.
Barker started working on Love Island USA in 2020 as a story producer and worked his way up to EP, a role he had been preparing for over the past three seasons. His contributions to the show covered both production and post-production, and overseeing the show’s soundtrack.
“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 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.”
Barker began his television career in 2011 at Leftfield Pictures, where he worked as a producer on shows like Counting Cars, Forged in Fire, and Pawn Stars. At ITV America, he produced Queer Eye and numerous seasons of Love Island USA and Love Island Games.
Watch the tribute in the video below.
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