Love Island 2018: When it starts, line-up and everything else you need to know

It’s the news you’ve been waiting for – Love Island 2018 is on its way!

Last year, the likes of Kem Cetinay, Amber Davies, Olivia Attwood and Chris Hughes had us hooked on the ITV2 reality show. From their blazing rows to troubled love stories to strange use of the English language (“little bit leave it”, anyone?), we just couldn’t get enough.

And when the series ended, we were left with a deep, unfillable hole in our lives. Okay, that’s a bit dramatic, but we have really missed our daily fix of Love Island (it’s been nominated for a BAFTA, don’t you know?)

Fortunately, show bosses are currently hard at work putting the new series together and there’s not long left until its return. So, what’s the deal? Well, here’s everything we know about Love Island 2018 so far…

1. Love Island 2018: When does it start?

ITV hasn’t confirmed anything just yet, but we can make a pretty solid guess by looking back at previous series.

Last year, Love Island launched on Monday, June 5 at 9pm on ITV2. The year before that, it started on Monday, May 30 at 9pm on ITV2.

So we have a hunch the 2018 series will kick-start on either Monday, May 28 (a bank holiday) or Monday, June 4 at 9pm on ITV2.

And host Caroline Flack dropped a massive hint that our suspicions aren’t *too* far off the mark, quote-tweeting this two-month countdown on Easter Monday, April 2…

Confirming Love Island‘s return last year, Head of Digital Channels and Acquisitions Paul Mortimer said: “At ITV2, we couldn’t be more thrilled with how Love Island fever has gripped the nation.

“Now established as the perfect series to start the summer, we’re delighted to be bringing the show back for our young adult audience in 2018.”

2. Love Island 2018: Who are the contestants?

ITV bosses haven’t decided yet. Applications are still open and producers have been inundated with submissions.

According to show insiders, more than 60,000 people applied to be on the show in the first 12 hours after applications opened on December 30. So the casting team have quite a tough job on their hands.

The line-up is expected to be announced in late May/early June.

And as for that rumour that reality TV wannabes aren’t welcome? A Love Island spokesperson told Digital Spy: “Anyone is welcome to apply – the only stipulation is that applicants are over 18 and single.”

Also, don’t forget that former TOWIE regular Georgia Harrison and ex-Made in Chelsea cast member Tina Stinnes both appeared on the show in previous series.

3. Love Island 2018: How do I apply?

Those of you who registered your interest earlier this year will now be able to complete your applications in full, but for those of you who are making it your New Year’s Resolution to find love, don’t worry – applications are open until the end of April.

To be in with a chance of getting on the show, all you need to do is fill out the application form (which is available here) and make sure you’re 18 or over on or before the application closing date of April 30, 2018.

If you are serious about taking part in the show, you’ll need to be available for a minimum of ten weeks in the summer, kicking off from May 2018.

4. Love Island 2018: Is there a trailer?

Erm… kinda. Marking the countdown to the nation’s favourite telly event,ITV2 dropped its first teaser trailer earlier this month, giving fans a look at… well, nothing really.

Revealing absolutely nothing about the villa – which is expected to be the same – the contestants or even the start date, our first look at Love Island isn’t exactly an informative one.

It’s still bloody exciting, though.

Check it out:

5. Love Island 2018: Will the new series include LGBTQ couples?

GIF ©  ITV

Possibly…

In August last year, ITV’s Head of Digital Channels, Paul Mortimer, said that introducing same-sex relationships into the villa would “complicate” the format.

“The format doesn’t really allow it,” he said at the Edinburgh TV festival. “If you’re familiar with the programme, it’s about coupling and re-coupling.

“To complicate it with same-sex relationships is to take something away from the format.”

However, a Love Island spokesperson recently reiterated that the only stipulations for contestants are that they be over 18 and single, so that’s not to say LGBTQ contestants can’t apply.

The show has, after all, had some LGBTQ representation in the past, with a love triangle having taken place during the 2016 series after the arrival of Katie Salmon, who identified as bisexual.

Executive producer Richard Cowles has expressed an interest in introducing a same-sex version of Love Island before too. Watch this space!

6. Love Island 2018: Are there any big changes in store?

GIF ©  ITV

Apparently so. After last year’s shenanigans, The Mirror claims that ITV bosses have decided to introduce strict new rules, which include a ban on full nudity and having sex while drunk. The publication also reports that islanders will be giving a handbook, which sets out what they can and can’t do in the villa, as well as advice on sexual intercourse and using protection.

In another surprise move, ITV are reportedly planning to introduce a new clause to the islanders’ contracts, which states that its entitled to 10% of their future earnings! Digital Spy reached out to ITV for clarification on the matter but a spokesperson declined to comment.

7. Love Island 2018: How long will this series run for?

The 2017 series ran for just under eight weeks. However, this year, producers have specified on the application form that potential islanders need to be free for a minimum of 10 weeks, which suggests Love Island 2018 may have a slightly longer run – yay!

According to Radio Times, ITV bosses have decided to run the show for an extra seven days, meaning it will be on air for a total of eight weeks, making it the longest series to date.

8. Love Island 2018: Who will be presenting the new series?

Caroline Flack has hosted the show ever since its reboot in 2015, and quite frankly, we can’t imagine the show without her.

However, ITV has not yet confirmed whether the presenter will be returning to front the show along with our favourite voiceover artist Iain Stirling.

9. Love Island 2018: What is the prize?

The prize for winning Love Island is £50,000. The winner can choose whether to keep the cash for themselves or split it with their partner.

On top of that, once the queen and king of the villa return home, they can expect to make up to six personal appearances a week, charging between £2,000 and £5,000 a pop.

Better hurry up and get your application in!

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