Love Island's Amber Gill never applied for show - as casting process is exposed as 'sham'

Love Island's audition process has been exposed as a sham – with just six of this year's 36 contestants being picked from the general public.

Another six were placed by showbiz agents and the remaining 24 were cast by the hit programme's producers.

So although the audition system was heavily promoted during the series as a way to appear, in reality each of the 85,000 applicants had just a 0.007% chance of getting through.

The revelations come as finalists denied accusations of faking on-screen relationships for financial gain.

Of the original contestants in the villa, air hostess Amy Hart, 26, fireman Michael Griffiths, 27, and caterer Joe Garratt, 22, all applied via the advertised process.

Tommy Fury and Molly-Mae Hague didn't apply for the show - casting doubt on the application process (PA)

Basketball player Ovie Soko, 28, who finished third in Monday night's final, also submitted his own application.

But Amber Gill, 21 – winner with Greg O'Shea, 24 – and fellow original Sherif Lanre, 20, were scouted by producers.

Pro dancer Curtis Pritchard, 23, had an agent prior to being cast for the show – as did boxer Tommy Fury, brother of champion fighter Tyson.

An ITV source said: "Having agents beforehand can be beneficial for the contestants, as they've got a better understanding of what to expect when they come off the show."

Amber didn't have to apply for the show as she was scouted (HUMPHREY NEMAR)

ITV's chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall confirmed the numbers as part of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee's inquiry into reality TV. The probe follows the suicides of Love Islanders Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis.

MPs asked how many contestants had been approached by casting team members in relation to the number that had applied.

Dame Carolyn has told them applications total about 98,000 and denied casting directors are instructed on physical appearance in making their selections.

She said: "There is a very rigorous application and casting process.

Maura Higgins and Curtis Pritchard already had big social media followings before they arrived in the villa (PA)

Ovie Soko was one of the six Islanders who actually applied to go on the show (PA)

"They take the 98,000 down to about 90 or 100 then go through medical and psychological questionnaires plus assessments. The number then falls to 30 or 40, who get selected to appear."

In the 'faking it for cash' row, runner-up Molly-Mae Hague – dubbed 'Money-Mae' by viewers – insisted: "I know how I feel about Tommy."

Curtis said of his relationship with Maura Higgins: "I'm not faking it and I don't think Maura is."

*Love Island: The Reunion airs Sunday at 9pm on ITV2