\'Love Island\' applications have hit a record high as more than 12,000 people have requested to be on the show during lockdown.
The summer series of the ITV2 dating show has had a surge of singletons sign up to take part, as their dating lives have been put on hold amid the coronavirus pandemic.
An insider told The Sun newspaper: "Applications have gone through the roof since lockdown. Never before have so many people applied in this six-week time span.
"Over 70 per cent of the applications have come from 18 to 28 year olds and the videos being sent in have been more creative than ever as people have more time on their hands."
The show is expected to return this summer, despite the global health crisis.
Producers have hired extra staff to help interview the wannabe Islanders on the video conferencing app Zoom.
The insider added: "Once candidates have been whittled down to a shortlist, they\'ll be interviewed face-to-face."
It comes after \'Love Island\' winner Paige Turley - who won the first-ever winter series earlier this year, alongside boyfriend Finn Tapp - predicted many more people will apply for the reality show since the isolation measures were brought in.
The 22-year-old singer said: "There will be so many more applicants - and they should, they should 100 per cent apply.
"It\'s six weeks and you\'ll be in the sun, meeting all these hot boys and girls. They should apply."
What\'s more, producers are making plans to test the new crop of sexy singletons for the virus to prevent it spreading in the villa.
A source recently said: "Producers are optimistic the series could go ahead, but they don\'t want to take any risks with coronavirus spreading on set so are looking at testing contestants in advance.
"Talk of hosting the show in the UK has been vetoed. There would be nothing more depressing than seeing lovers huddled under blankets and umbrellas and stomping around in wellies.
"But if lockdown restrictions are lifted soon crew will work towards an August or September start date."
