15 January 2024 , 20:20
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Love Island’s contestants asked ITV for more cash to star in the first All Stars series, a telly boss has confirmed.
For the first time in the dating show’s history former contestants - including Liberty Poole, Toby Aromolaran and Anton Danyluk - will return to the villa for a star-studded legends edition.
While TV bosses are hoping the twist to the franchise will be a hit with viewers, it has come at a price with the stars begging for more money to take part now they are no longer ‘civilians.’
It had previously been reported that the show had been plunged into chaos ahead of Monday’s launch night with the cast demanding more money for their appearances. Contestants were said to be refusing to sign their contracts without a 433% rise on their original fee.
Addressing the rumours, Love Island’s executive director Mike Spencer told the Mirror: "We are paying all of them exactly the same - and yes it’s more than the civilians get. It’s not like the rumours I’ve heard elsewhere, you know some shows it can be £50,000 to appear it’s nothing like that. But I get it. It’s the name of the game to ask for more money. If I was going on the show I’d ask for a million.
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"We say we only want people looking for love and we research and we vet the contestants but only time will tell [what they are here for.],” said Mike, adding that viewers would immediately be able to spot immediately if someone was only on the show for a quick cash injection.
Asked about whether the so-called All-Stars were being more demanding than ever in the run up to the first spin-off it’s kind, Mike said: "They are all quite diva-ish now aren’t they!? The new villa [which boasts striking gold interiors] is set up for the divas. We are ready. We will embrace it.”
Former contestant Chris Taylor has starred in a Hollywood movie since his last stint on the show in 2019. Love Island superfan Margot Robbie secured him a cameo in the hit movie Barbie, with Chris now returning to his reality TV roots. Despite his brush with the A-listers, producer Mike describes Chris as ‘lovely’ and a ‘really nice guy.’ "There's been no crazy demands yet though from the cast - so far so good but we aren’t on air yet so I won’t hold my breath," he added..
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