'Love Island' is set to return to TV screens in 2021 with a bigger budget than ever.
Laura Whitmore
The hit TV show was forced to axe its summer series in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic - but ITV bosses are determined to ensure it returns with a bang this year.
A source shared: "Everyone is keen to make this happen."
The planned summer series is set to cost more than ever before, due to the ongoing health crisis and the measures that will need to be in place for the show to get the green light.
However, ITV isn't being discouraged by the situation.
The insider told the Daily Star Sunday newspaper: "Everyone is keen to make this happen. 'Strictly' and 'Dancing on Ice' have happened against the odds and they’re determined that 'Love Island' can do the same."
TV bosses are planning to film the show - which is hosted by Laura Whitmore - in Majorca during July and August.
International travel is complicated by the pandemic, but ITV are happy to increase the show's budget to make sure it goes ahead.
The insider added: "Producers are aware that international travel will still be restricted, so they are having to plan around that.
"It is likely they will need to quarantine all contestants.
"They also think they’ll need to fly over three times as many contestants than normal in case some of them fall ill. And they’ll need to put them all in different hotels, which will be a big task and expensive.
"All of these measures will push up costs."
The upcoming series is set to be the most expensive in the programme's history.
The source revealed: "Discussions around the budget are happening. It’s definitely going to be the biggest in show history.”
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