Almost all of this year’s Love Island contestants were handpicked by producers, we can reveal.
Eight out of 11 of them were scouted at bars and clubs or through social media.
Just three of them applied for the show through official channels.
The statistics will anger many of the wannabes who spent time filling in a lengthy form on ITV’s website in a bid to win a place on the show.
Last December, show chiefs called on fans to apply with an online ad that said: “ITV2 are looking for vibrant singles from across the UK who want to head to the sun, in search of love.
“If you think you’ve got what it takes, then we want to hear from you straight away.”
It’s estimated around 150,000 people apply every series.
But out of everyone who tried their luck, only Paige Thorne, Dami Hope and Andrew Le Page have landed a spot in the opening line-up for the new series.
More contestants will be unveiled throughout the show’s eight-week run, which is likely to include some more of those who applied.
Bosses are hoping the crop of five girls and six guys will be a hit with viewers.
We will see them head into the show’s luxury villa when it returns to screens tomorrow night.
Host Laura Whitmore predicts the new clan will be just as popular as past contestants.
She said: “What’s so beautiful is these Islanders are just themselves and they’re open to so much and I think that’s what we fall in love with when it comes to Islanders.
“Eight weeks seems like a short time in life, but on that show it feels like a lifetime. We really become invested in these relationships.
“The Islanders are looking for love and know that the nation will be watching.”
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