ITV has reportedly been left stunned by an unprecedented level of applications for this year's Love Island.
The hit ITV2 dating show was axed last summer amid the coronavirus pandemic - and with the disease still wreaking havoc around the world, there had also been doubts whether it could return this year.
Producers are determined to stage the new series by putting in extensive health and safety measures to create a COVID-secure set in Majorca, and according to The Sun, they will be spoilt for choice when it comes to the contestants.
"The casting team have been shocked by the amount of contestant applications they've received and impressed with the standard," a source told the newspaper.
"They can't wait to start remotely screen-testing their favourites over the next few months.
"Producers reckon it's because youngsters have been stuck at home, getting cabin fever and know the show is a one-way ticket to success.
"With very few new telly programs being made at the moment, Love Island is set to be a ratings winner."
The new series - to be hosted by Laura Whitmore alongside voiceover man husband Iain Stirling - has been earmarked for a July launch on ITV2.
Neil Wilkes
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