The first contestant for Winter Love Island has been rumoured as fashion model Ellis Iyayi.
According to The Sun, potential contestants have until November 30, 2019, to apply for the new show.
Read more: Former Love Island couple meet up again after ‘secret messages’
One already reportedly signed up is Ellis from Leicestershire.
He’s modelled for brands including ASOS, Nike, JD Sports and GymShark.
He’s also a personal trainer and studies Sport and Exercise Science at Leeds Beckett University.
A source told the publication: “Ellis is over the moon about it – he’s had to be sworn to secrecy about it but he’s been in to meet producers a few times and they love him – he can’t wait to get in the villa.
“Ellis is exactly what the show is looking for and he ticks all the boxes – he will make great television.”
Ent Daily has contacted reps for Love Island for comment.
Producers will be creating a winter series in South Africa, as well as the usual summer version in Europe.
However, it’s recently been reported by the Daily Star that producers are considering a different location for the series after a spike in violent gang-related crimes.
It is the second problem to hit the planning stage of the programme.
It was previously reported that health and safety experts were going to have to be drafted in to rid the villa of venomous snakes, poisonous spiders, scorpions and hungry big cats.
Read more: Jamie Lomas and Love Island’s Amber Gill ‘swapped numbers’ at the TV Choice Awards
A source told The Sun: “Health and safety experts will be specially drafted in to help look out for deadly snakes and other poisonous creepy-crawlies. There will be a specialist medic on hand, too, so contestants can get urgent medical attention.
“This is a very different kettle of fish to filming in mainland Europe.
“The South African outback is a hive of wildlife activity and exactly why it is a top destination for safaris. Scorpions and spiders are likely to be lurking in contestants’ shoes – these won’t kill you but they will put you in hospital if you’re bitten.”
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