Over 80,000 Brits apply to be on the next series of Love Island in 2018 as reality hysteria sweeps the nation

MORE than 80,000 people have applied for the next series of Love Island as hysteria over the hit show sweeps Britain.

The overwhelming number of applicants has smashed all reality show records, producers say.

A Love Island source said: “There’s an extraordinary demand to be on the show next year.

“We’ve already had over 80,000 applicants after just a week. It seems like more young people than ever want to go on TV, have sex, find love and maybe even make a million pounds. It’s an irresistible combination.”

Producers are planning to make next year’s fourth series bigger and better.

Negotiations are already under way to keep popular presenter Caroline Flack.

And there is no shortage of applicants to be contestants, who must be at least 18, hold a passport and can take part for a minimum of eight weeks next year between May and July.

The briefing from ITV to potential contestants reads: “ITV2 are looking for vibrant singles from across the UK who want to head to the sun, in search of a summer of love.

“The chosen cast will spend time in a luxury villa, getting to know one another.”

Despite ratings of four million for the last series, won by Kem Cetinay and Amber Davies, it will stay on ITV2.

The insider said: “The formula worked on ITV2. The show might be–come longer but we want to keep it on the channel.”

Meanwhile, Caroline, 37, was keeping it casual as she went out in London in shredded jeans.