While the project runs the danger of becoming more about the media than the castaways involved, the Stephensons will busy themselves with preparing the island's school. It is unlikely that the island will remain isolated throughout the year as, even once the press interest dies down, the programme's director, Chris Kelly, expects an invasion of day-trippers once the summer starts. Before the next intended set of programmes in 2001, the island's owner John McKye will sail to the island every fortnight to take the castaways post and supplies. Last night, amid speculation that last week's costly decision to helicopter 18 islanders over to Harris to stay in a hotel would put the programme over-budget, Lion TV said such events were taken into consideration when the programme was conceived. Castaways have been found both fighting and having sex, rumour has it, but it is clear they find it hardest to face the isolation and hardship.
Deserted islands are less fun than they sound.