Love Island auditions for the 2021 series are taking place right now, according to former contestant, Anna Vakili.
The reality star, 30, revealed on Friday that budding Love Islanders have messaged her in recent months asking for advice, as she recalled the ‘nerve-wrecking’ audition process.
Her comments come after it was reported that the ITV2 dating competition will go ahead this year following speculation it would be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Back to business: Love Island auditions for the 2021 series are taking place right now, according to former contestant, Anna Vakili, as she recalled the ‘nerve-wrecking’ audition process
She said to The Sun: ‘I’ve had a few DMs from people within the last month saying, “oh I’m going for an interview for Love Island. Have you got any advice?”
According to Anna, she didn’t know any of them personally, but nevertheless wished them luck.
She added: ‘I took the time to respond because I know how nerve-wrecking that process is, so when I saw a message like that I felt I had to reply – I knew it would help them feel better.’
The former Love Islander, who starred on the 2019 series, revealed she was scouted by the dating competition, as they sent her a message via social media.
Casting call: The reality star, 30, revealed on Friday that she has responded to multiple messages in recent months from budding Love Islanders who have asked for her advice
The brunette beauty, who was working in a pharmacy at the time, had approximately 40,000 followers during the casting process, but now boasts an Instagram following of 1.2 million, as of Friday.
She believes her job title, glamorous appearance and heritage stood her in good stead when applying for the show.
Anna said: ‘I think it was different to see a Middle Eastern, who was a little bit curvy and a pharmacist, but at the same time still be glam. I think that made me stand out.’
Earlier this month, it was reported that Love Island bosses are on the hunt for ‘brains as well as brawn’ as they are keen to include a key worker in the line-up due to the recognition.
Fingers crossed: Her comments come after it was reported that the ITV2 dating competition will go ahead this year following speculation it would be cancelled due to the pandemic
Strike a pose: Anna, who starred on the 2019 series, went on to reveal that she was scouted by the dating competition, as they sent her a message on Instagram
NHS doctor Alex George, 29, and solicitor Rosie Williams, 29, were both hits with viewers after they appeared as contestants on the fourth series of the dating show in 2018.
Anna told the publication that she ‘likes the sound of’ a ‘key-worker special’ as it could bring more ‘substance’ to the show.
The reality said she feels that we don’t see enough educated contestants in comparison to influencers and models on Love Island, as she admitted most people don’t associate her with her medical background.
She wants to encourage the younger generation to have ‘fun and a good time’ while also being intelligent, as she concluded: ‘It’s cool to study’.
Education: She believes her pharmacy job and glam appearance stood her in good stead during auditions, as ITV bosses are now reportedly considering a ‘key-worker special’ (pictured Love Island contestant Dr Alex George)
It comes after an emotional first look trailer for Caroline Flack: Her Life and Death was released on Monday by Channel 4, one year after her tragic passing.
The 40-second clip sees the late Love Island host, who was found dead on February 15, 2020 at the age of 40, break down in tears in previously unseen footage.
The heartbreaking first look trailer also sees emotional interviews from Caroline’s mother Christine, her twin sister Jody and her former X Factor co-host Olly Murs.
In what is sure to be emotional viewing, the late presenter breaks down in tears as she says: ‘The only person I’ve ever hurt is myself.’
Candid: The reality TV personality said she feels Love Island doesn’t show enough educated contestants in comparison to social media influencers and models
Another heartbreaking moment sees Caroline’s mother, Christine, say: ‘She was my little girl, it doesn’t actually seem real.’
Caroline Flack: Her Life and Death will see friends and family of the late presenter pay tribute to her as it documents the rise of her career and tragic passing one year on.
In another emotional moment during the poignant trailer, the late presenter’s former The X Factor co-host Olly, 36, breaks down in tears.
He says: ‘I just wish I could have told her not to do it. I never got the opportunity to do that.’
Caroline’s other former The X Factor co-star Dermot O’Leary adds: ‘Those demons start to play with you.’
Caroline’s twin sister Jody recalls: ‘She did feel things very, very deeply.’
While a different person off-camera adds: ‘All that talent, the joy that she brought, just gone.’
During the trailer, which also shows unseen footage of Caroline throughout her life, a voiceover says: ‘One year on from her tragic death, we pay tribute to one of Britain’s biggest stars, revealing the complex woman behind the TV persona.
‘Her story, told by those who knew her best.’
Heartbreaking: It comes after an emotional first look trailer for Caroline Flack : Her Life and Death was released on Monday by Channel 4, one year after her tragic passing