Multiple stars from Netflix's Too Hot to Handle have confirmed that they'd previously been in the mix to join Love Island.
Brits Robert Van Tromp, Tabitha Clifft and Cam Holmes all feature on the newest season of the hands-off dating show, but things were nearly very different for them.
All three say that they were first approached by producers at ITV to enter the villa at various points in the last few years, before ultimately deciding to go on a brand new dating show instead.
Unfortunately for them, they would later find out they'd been tricked into competing on Too Hot to Handle, where they'd have to rely solely on emotional connections or risk losing the grand prize money.
"I was actually in the Love Island process back in season six, among other shows as well," Robert told The Mirror.
"But with [Too Hot To Handle], it was very much signing up for something that you just assumed would be kind of with lots of half-naked girls."
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Robert also said he was frequently promised there would be luxury boats as part of Too Hot to Handle, and was ultimately disappointed to learn "there's actually no boats".
Tabitha had a different reason for avoiding Love Island – she's a fan of the show, so she prefered an unpredictable experience.
Love Island 2021 outfits and style
"There's a lot more to the unknown [with Too Hot To Handle]. Whereas Love Island, you kind of know what you're expecting," she said.
"I think in my head, I'd rather not know until I'm there, otherwise I probably would have said no!"
We imagine Tabitha – and the others – probably got more surprises than they bargained for!
Love Island will continue on ITV2, and is available via catch up on ITV Hub.
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Justin is a freelance entertainment journalist and writer. He first joined Digital Spy as a freelance entertainment reporter in 2010 and also worked as a sub-editor for the brand, serving as Night News Editor from 2016 to 2024. Over more than a decade, Justin has covered numerous major entertainment events from the US and has interviewed a wide-ranging group of public figures, from comedian Steve Coogan to icons from the Star Trek universe, cast members from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and reality stars from numerous Real Housewives cities and the Below Deck franchise. Justin has also been on the ground to cover major pop culture events like the Star Wars Celebration and the D23 Expo. He's written for titles across the Hearst network, plus the likes of CBR and Us Weekly.
