Love Island bosses extend application deadline to recruit ‘all shapes and sizes’

Love Island bosses are reportedly looking to recruit "all shapes and sizes" for the latest edition of the ITV2 dating show.

Applications for the seventh series were due to end next month but the deadline has been extended in a bid to more sexy singletons.

Over 100,000 forms have been received so far but producers are hoping to find a more diverse line-up of contestants.

An insider told The Sun: "In the past the show has been criticised for being too white, and having a lack of body diversity.

"Viewers want to see women and men that they can relate to and hot singletons come in all shapes and sizes so this is a positive move.

"The casting team have been told to get the most diverse line up ever. It's being seen as a bit of a long overdue shake-up."

Love Island, which is hosted by Laura Whitmore, was axed last year due to the coronavirus pandemic and bosses are hoping to make the next series the biggest yet.

ITV executives have been busy planning on the location for the next series.

The hit TV show, which has previously been filmed in Spain and Cape Town, was thrown into chaos in 2020 when lockdown restrictions made it impossible for producers to make it happen.

Bosses confirmed last month that this summer's series will definitely go ahead, so it's now the location they have to settle on.

It seems as though producers are eyeing up the idea of Jersey as borders are set to open up to UK guests on April 26.

The Mirror reports that the island has been chosen as back-up if returning to the Spain is too difficult to do.

A source told the publication: "The Channel Islands get plenty of sunshine so it makes sense to hold Love Island there if we can't get back to Spain.

"Either way we're going to put out a belting series.

"Viewers have missed Love Island for the whole of 2020 and they're desperate to have it back. They're going to love what we do, wherever we do it."

Daily Star has contacted ITV for comment.

Last month, it was reported that contestants would be undergoing a string of enhanced mental, physical and emotional tests before entering the villa.

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"Love Island's only stipulation is that applicants are over 18, single and looking for love," a source told The Sun.

"The application and casting process is inclusive to all and they're always aiming to reflect the age and diversity of the audience on the show."

Finn Tapp and Paige Turley were named the winners of the sixth series of Love Island back in February last year.

The lovebirds pipped Siânnise Fudge and Luke Trotman to the post to win the first-ever winter edition of the dating show.

Love Island is expecting to return to ITV2 later this year

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