It's going to be one long, hot summer for Love Island viewers as ITV bosses are planning to make the show's return to our screens the biggest and best yet.
The hit reality TV series, which begins on Monday night, has already got people excited before the first episode has even been aired as the new Islanders were revealed to eager fans.
However, rumour has it that we've not met quite everyone set to enter the iconic Spanish villa.
Speaking to The Sun, a Love Island insider has revealed that some surprises are already planned for the love-seeking singletons.
"ITV have at least two other contestants on standby, ready to go," the source said.
"Due to Covid-19 producers lined up more people than they needed in case anyone was forced to drop out.
"But producers were so blown away by the standbys that they are now thinking about whether they could incorporate them as part of this series."
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, the new Islanders have been living in bubbles to keep safe prior to filming.
The 2021 series comes after the show was forced to cancel it's planned summer production in 2020 due to the pandemic.
"No chances are being taken,” the in-the-know insider added.
"Those taking part will have been in their own bubbles for more than a week so they will be desperate to meet their island-mates."
Earlier this week, it was revealed all future Islanders have been forensically vetted and prepared for their time on the dating show as producers take no chances with the new series.
The show, hosted by Laura Whitmore, has come under fire in the past.
Several suicides of past contestants, and former presenter Caroline Flack, have led to many criticising the show for not providing enough aftercare for those linked to the popular primetime hit.
This year, producers put hopeful wannabes through the strictest psychological tests to vet their suitability.
"ITV puts the welfare of its Love Island stars front and centre and this year’s checks were the most extensive ever carried out," a source revealed.
Bosses have also fully vetted all the sexy singletons hoping to find love on the show, trawling through their social media posts to ensure no scandal can emerge while they're in the villa.
As well as DBS checks being carried out, an examination of all the future Islander's Twitter activity was carried out to ensure no hopefuls had a history of racist, sexist or homophobic posts.
An insider said: "The makers carried out suitable background checks on everyone who was shortlisted in the selection process.
“This included Disclosure and Barring Service and online checks of social media to make sure a potential contestant wasn’t a rabid racist or bigot.
They added: “It wasn’t going to be an issue if someone had a conviction for shoplifting but the last thing the show needs is a convicted sex offender popping up in the villa.”
