Love Island is returning, but this series may be a little different to usual as TV bosses are calling for gay singletons to apply for the hit show.
It’s the highlight of summer TV, and ITV producers told the Daily Star they are open to any singletons over the age of 18 to apply – despite previously saying it would be “hard” to make a mixed sexuality series of the show.
Many gay men and women have taken to Twitter to say that they have noticed adverts for show appearing on their Tinder apps after bosses teamed up with the dating site to get a more diverse range of Islanders.
A source told the Daily Star: “ITV and Love Island teamed up with Tinder earlier this year to find a new batch of islanders.
“They have been placing the ads strategically inside the app so you have to swipe left or right.
“The ads have been showing up on both male and female gay accounts as well as on those of straight people.”
An ITV spokesman added: “Our only stipulation for applicants on Love Island is that they are over 18, single and looking for love.”
Although bosses may be taking applicants from any budding Islander the adverts have left viewers confused.
One tweeted: “Lol just got excited as you can now apply to Love Island through Tinder and then I realised I’m gay. Sad times.”
Another added: “Just had an advert for Love Island on Tinder – does this mean they’re finally having gay contestants?! I applied – should probably hit the gym tbh.”
Love Island has previously had bisexual islanders in the villa but is yet to pick any gay contenders.
Executive producer Richard Cowles explained he would be open to have all sexualities in the villa but said it creates “logistical difficulties”.
“You are trying to create couples. It is not impossible and it is not something that we shy away from… but there is a logistical element which makes it difficult.”
Love Island is expected to begin in June.
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