Love Island 2021: will the UK reality show return to ITV this year for series 7 - and where will it be filmed?

Love Island will be returning to our screens this summer after being cancelled in 2020 due to Covid restrictions, though it is expected to air later than usual.

One of the most popular reality competitions on TV, previous seasons have raked in around six million viewers.

So, when can we expect the seventh series of Love Island? This is what we know so far.

Will Love Island return in 2021?

With international travel restrictions expected to lift until late June. ITV bosses are confident a 2021 season will go ahead.

The channel previously announced that the show is scheduled to make a return, and it is currently planning the upcoming series.

However, due to restrictions not lifting until the latter end of June, the upcoming series is expected to begin in early July instead of it’s usual early June debut.

Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, said: "Love Island returns for its seventh sizzling series, as a host of new singletons seek to find their perfect match.

"Returning to ITV2, the Islanders must do their best to flirt, date, couple up and try and avoid being ‘dumped’.

"With new arrivals, heads may turn, while others will prove their true feelings.

"From romance and heart-to-hearts to betrayal and broken hearts, there’s never a dull moment in this ultimate search for love.”

This year's show promises to be just as dramatic as previous years, with ITV adding: "More texts, fire pit gatherings and challenges await the lovestruck Islanders, meaning there’ll be plenty for them to dish the dirt on in the Beach Hut.

"And there’ll be lots of twists and turns along the way, with shock recouplings, unexpected splits and dramatic exits.

"As the pairs attempt to win the hearts of each other – and the nation – one couple will ultimately triumph and be crowned Love Island winners 2021."

Will it be filmed in Majorca?

The original villa is located in the Balearic Island of Majorca and it is expected that the 2021 series will also take place on the island.

However, there have been reports that Jersey – part of the UK’s common travel area – is a possible alternative destination if international travel is not permitted.

Producers have remained tight-lipped about the details of the show - but it is thought that there will only be one season this year, instead of the summer and winter sun series.

The winter version has previously been filmed in South Africa.

Who will host this year’s show?

The 2021 series is likely to be hosted by Radio 1’s Laura Whitmore, alongside her husband Iain Stirling – who provides the show’s voiceover.

The couple welcomed a daughter in late March, but both are expected to return to Love Island when by late June.

Whitmore has already returned to work after giving birth, she was pictured filming ITV’s Celebrity Juice in early April.

How do you apply for Love Island?

Applications for the summer series are currently open with a closing date not yet confirmed.

If you wish to put yourself forward for series seven, fill out the application form on the ITV website.