Love Island contestants 'to be tested for coronavirus'

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief

Published: April 26 2020 | 10:57

Last updated: April 26 2020 | 21:47

Contestants appearing on the next series of Love Island will reportedly be screened for coronavirus before they enter the villa.

Contestants on the upcoming series of Love Island will reportedly be tested for coronavirus before they are allowed to take part in the show.

ITV are said to be adamant that the popular series will go ahead as planned in Mallorca this summer, despite the pandemic having led to travel restrictions and the imposition of social distancing measures.

Contestants are normally given STI checks before they enter the villa and according to The Sun, they will now have to be declared free of COVID-19 too.

"Producers are optimistic the series could go ahead, but they don't want to take any risks with coronavirus spreading on set so are looking at testing contestants in advance," a source told the newspaper.

"Talk of hosting the show in the UK has been vetoed. There would be nothing more depressing than seeing lovers huddled under blankets and umbrellas and stomping around in wellies. But if lockdown restrictions are lifted soon crew will work towards an August or September start date."

The UK remains in full lockdown until May 7, although there are suggestions that some of the measures could start to be eased after this date.