Photo: Peacock/Ben Symons
James Barker, producer on Love Island USA, died at the age of 40. He had an “unexpected medical emergency” last week while in Fiji, where the show films. Barker joined the series in 2020 and served as an executive producer. There will be a special moment on Tuesday’s episode dedicated to Barker. “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 shared in a joint statement to People. “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.”
Barker’s partner, Adam Roth, remembered their connection and how music was important to their relationship. “James was the absolute light and love of my life. He brought joy and brilliance to everything he touched,” he told People. “James was such a champion of the community of young music artists he was able to introduce to audiences on Love Island. We met at a Billie Eilish concert, and live music was a constant in our relationship.” Barker was instrumental in Love Island USA’s most iconic needle drops. He told Rolling Stone how he loved to spotlight smaller artists on the summer’s biggest show. He said, “When we have put independent artists on who get their first sync or their first time on a big show like this — I’ve seen Instagram videos in the past of them seeing their song on television for the first time, flipping out. As a music head and a music lover, that’s the coolest thing in the world.”
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