In the UK, the launch of a new season of Love Island marks the start of summer. And after an extended break — the show was forced to cancel last year’s summer and winter seasons because of the pandemic — the very idea of hearing the words “can I pull you for a chat?” might actually reduce us to tears. So how long do we have to wait? A whole 10 days, it transpires. Love Island returns to ITV2 on 28 June at 9pm.
But don’t worry! As we all wait on tenterhooks for our favourite show to reappear on our screens, Tinder has stepped in to tide us over with their new in-app experience ‘Swipe Island’. On Sunday 20 June at 8pm, Love Island singletons will be joining the world’s most popular dating app in a bid to turn heads and find their type on paper.
But while you can’t bag a date with this year’s islanders, you can at least have a go at coupling up with the still single (so sad!) stars of the past six seasons. To celebrate season seven, Tinder has convinced Amy Hart, Anton Danyluk, Curtis Pritchard, Kaz Crossley, Ched Uzor, Demi Jones, Eve Gale and Jess Gale to join the rest of us in the depths of the app.
Amy — who famously got mugged off by Curtis in 2019, when all he ever wanted was to make everyone coffee — says she’s “just looking for a good time and someone to make me laugh”. Awkwardly (always the way), her Love Island ex Curtis is also on the app. His bio says: “I love chilling at home and I’m a massive foodie, massively into extreme sports and love to work. Don’t get me wrong though, I do love a good night out. Custard Cream is my fav biscuit.” Okay! Good to know!
Tinder’s very own digital island has been described as a ‘virtual paradise’ where anyone will have the ability to match with their favourite cast members from over the years. However, if you’re looking to get yourself a new bae for the summer, you’ll have to be a fast mover as the Love Island singletons will only be online for two hours. In other words, there’s no room for small talk.
So let’s see whose head you can turn!