‘Winter Love Island’ bosses are said to be approaching people in their thirties to star in the new series.
The winter version of the popular summer show looks set to hit screens in January with host Caroline Flack returning, after auditions for the dating show began back in September, and bosses behind the 2020 series are said to be keen to shake the series up a bit.
A TV insider told the Daily Star Online: "’Love Island’ bosses have been approaching people through Instagram for the show. Some women in their late thirties have been approached, with bosses saying their age isn’t a problem."
‘Love Island’ has previously recruited numerous younger contestants in their twenties for the show – with Arabella Chi being the eldest female contestant last year aged 28.
Islanders in the past – including 2018 pairing Laura Anderson, 29, and Wes Nelson, 20, – have been trolled online for the age gaps in their relationships.
At the time, one Twitter user wrote: "Laura defo lied about her age. She looks old. #loveisland (sic)"
Another wrote: "Laura is a big Jez who should be getting engaged and a mortgage like her age mates but instead she’s being a cougar to a 20 year old #loveisland (sic)"
ITV2 producers are said to be keen for model Jay Munro to be the "new" Tommy Fury.
Fans of the ITV2 dating show were delighted with the 20-year-old boxer over the summer series, and now the 22-year-old former footballer is being lined up for a trip to the villa this winter.
An insider said: "Jay will be the one all the girls will be chasing. Just like Tommy Fury, he’s a sportsman, in good shape and has dreamy looks."
It’s said Jay was actually in line to appear over the summer, but producers decided to hold him back for the upcoming winter series in January, which is set to be filmed in Cape Town, South Africa.