LOVE ISLE GANG IS SCOUTED OUT
Just three had applied to be on show
ALMOST all of this year’s Love Island contestants have been handpicked by producers, we can reveal.
Eight out of 11 were scouted at bars and clubs or through social media.
Just three of them applied for the show via official channels.
The statistics will anger many of the wannabes who spent time filling in a lengthy form on ITV’s website in a bid to win a place.
Last December, an online ad for the show said: “ITV2 are looking for vibrant singles from across the UK who want to head to the sun in search of love.
“If you think you’ve got what it takes, then we want to hear from you straight away.”
It’s estimated around 150,000 people apply every series.
But out of everyone who tried their luck, only Paige Thorne, Dami Hope and Andrew Le Page have landed a spot in the opening line-up for the new series.
More contestants are to be unveiled through the show’s eightweek run, which is likely to include some more of those who applied.
Bosses are hoping the crop of five girls and six guys will be a hit with viewers. We will see them head into the show’s luxury villa when it returns tomorrow night.
Host Laura Whitmore predicts the new clan will be just as popular as past contestants.
She said: “What’s so beautiful is these Islanders are just themselves and they’re open to so much and I think that’s what we fall in love with.
“Eight weeks seems like a short time in life, but on that show it feels like a lifetime. We really become invested in these relationships.”
A show spokeswoman said: “All Islanders would go through the same process before entering the villa, whether they apply or are approached.”