Love Island 2021: Start date, contestants, length and everything else we know

With last year’s season cancelled, we’ve been left with a Love Island-shaped hole in our lives. But the good news is, it’s returning in 2021.

In 2020, fans were treated to a winter edition of the show, before the summer series was cancelled due to concerns surrounding coronavirus.

Even though we don’t have all of the details yet, ITV confirmed on March 4 that the show would be returning this year.

Managing Director of Media and Entertainment Kevin Lygo said: ‘There’s so much to look forward to on ITV this spring and into summer, with the Euros and the return of Love Island, but much more besides.’

Here’s everything else we know so far about Love Island 2021.

When does Love Island 2021 start?

Series 7 will be delayed this year due to Covid constraints, despite the show’s regular start date of early June.

The programme is set to premiere in late June and will continue throughout July and August. The crew will depart for Majorca on June 20, with filming expected to begin a week later.

A source told the MailOnline: ‘Crew members are scheduled to fly out to Majorca on June 20 – with the series expected to launch a week later. The delayed launch date will not have an impact on the length of the series, with the show still running for a duration of eight weeks.’

Who are the Love Island 2021 contestants?

It’s too early to know who will be heading into the villa, but we do know that more people than ever before applied to take part in series 7.

ITV has even extended applications – which were due to close on April 30 – in order to find the perfect cast, according to The Sun.

This series is set to feature the ‘most diverse cast ever’ as bosses are looking for ‘all shapes and sizes’ to take part. 

It has been reported that Chelsea party boy James Price is being lined up to star on the show, and he already has history with a previous Love Island favourite.

The 23-year-old recruitment consultant is thought to have previously tried to couple up with series five star Lucie Donlan.

It’s also been reported that the son of boxer Nigel Benn had video meetings with show bosses earlier this year, and they’re apparently ‘very excited’ at the possibility of having him on the programme.

Where will Love Island 2021 be filmed?

Like previous seasons, the show will be filmed on the island of Majorca, with a special Covid-secure set in the works.

It will be filmed at a luxurious villa on the outskirts of Sant Llorenç des Cardassar.

Before shooting begins, it is expected that all of the contestants will be flown out and quarantined, with each contestant having their own chaperone to ensure that they are kept separate from the other islanders.

ITV is also said to have a backup villa in Jersey in case Covid results in filming in Majorca not being possible.

How can I apply for Love Island 2021?

The Love Island application form is currently live. In order to apply, you have to be aged 18 or over, you need a passport that is valid until at least February 2022, and you need to be free for a minimum of 10 weeks.

What’s even more exciting is that if you’re on Tinder you can now apply to appear on the show straight through the app.

The new Tinder casting call is straight forward too. All that users have to do is swipe right when an ad for the show appears in between their potential matches.

Their profile will then be sent to the Tinder team for consideration. These profiles will be added to a ‘priority list’, which guarantees the account will be reviewed by Love Island casting agents.

Love Island is available to watch on ITV Hub.

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