Love Island bosses have reportedly seen a massive increase in applications for the next series, with more than 13,000 singletons rumoured to be seeking a place in the villa. Despite weeks of rumours surrounding the show’s status, producers are said to be pushing on with this year’s summer series and could launch the show in August or September. And according to new reports, extra staff have been drafted in to interview potential Islanders and whittle them down into a shortlist.
A TV insider told The Sun, 'Applications have gone through the roof since lockdown. Never before have so many people applied in this six-week time span. Over seventy per cent of the applications have come from 18 to 28-year-olds and the videos being sent in have been more creative than ever as people have more time on their hands.' They continued, 'Once candidates have been whittled down to a shortlist, they’ll be interviewed face-to-face.'
Although a record number of contestants have applied for the show, producers also often scout potential Islanders on social media. In fact, just six of the 36 2019 Islanders applied the traditional way.
This all comes after it was reported that the next set of Islanders will be tested for coronavirus before entering the villa. ‘Producers are optimistic the series could go ahead, but they don’t want to take any risks with coronavirus spreading on set so are looking at testing contestants in advance,’ a source told The Sun.
The source went on to reveal that plans to film the next series in the UK have now been 'vetoed'. They added, 'There would be nothing more depressing than seeing lovers huddled under blankets and umbrellas and stomping around in wellies.'
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