17 January 2023 , 13:45
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Love Island served its first twist before the Islanders could even settle into the villa last night.
After the first coupling, bombshell Tom Clare entered the villa ready to meet the new contestants.
New host Maya Jama introduced Tom, 23, to the Islanders after the public voted him in. She also explained that as Tom is single, he has the chance to get to know all the female Islanders before choosing someone to couple up with in just 24 hours.
Semi-professional footballer Tom called himself "loyal" and "very protective" as he said: "I’m loyal, trustworthy, family-orientated. I don’t like to just sit in, I like to do fun dates. I’m very protective.
Bombshell Tom Clare entered to the villa to stir things up (ITV)"Since my ex-girlfriend, no-one’s really come to me and I’ve thought, 'Wow'.
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"Until I have that, I’m not really going to settle for less. Not in a bad way, but the next person I get with, I want to marry."
As the scene unfolded, viewers made their predictions on who could couple up with Tom. One wrote: "Tanyel is itching to know Tom I can tell".
"First thoughts on #LoveIsland. Tom & Tanyel definitely getting together. Ron is fit & Tanya is the cutest love her," another penned.
Tom is looking for romance and hopefully his future wife (ITV)
Tom has a few celebrity links away from Love IslandAnd a third wrote: "Following Tom's arrival into the villa last night - who do you want him to couple up with? #LoveIsland I hope he couples up with Olivia. Just because she's friendzoned Will and I think she deserves more a chance. All the other couples still need time I feel."
As we await to find out who Tom will crack on with, we dive into everything we know about the bombshell so far...
Tom's influencer sister Laura Clare
Before heading into the villa, Tom would have no doubt got some tips on dealing with the spotlight from his sister Laura Clare.
The footballer's sister boasts 15,000 followers and Instagram – including former Islander Amy Hart.
Tom's sister is jet-setting influencer Laura Clare (Instagram)
Laura, who is currently in Australia, is backing her brother on the show (Instagram)The 26-year-old's profile reveals she splits her time between the UK and Dubai but has also jetted off to New York, Marbella, Miami and Monaco.
However, her most recent Instagram story posts reveal the blonde influencer is currently in Australia.
Despite being on the other side of the world, Laura has been cheering her brother on as he entered the villa.
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She re-posted a share announcing Tom as the first bombshell to enter the villa and wrote: "Currently 11 hours time difference trying to watch.
"Arghhhhhh let's go @tomclare__" followed by a trio of starry eyed emojis.
Tom's link to Robbie Savage
Before his arrival into the villa, Tom's decision to temporarily step away from his football career in a bid to pursue love.
However, as the ITV show announced a public vote between Tom and fellow potential bombshell Ellie Spence some footie fans weren't pleased.
Tom Clare is a striker for Macclesfield FC (Macclesfield FC)Tom's stint in the villa clashes with his team Macclesfield FC's fight for promotion.
And Macclesfield FC supporters were not impressed to see top scorer of last season Tom jetting off to South Africa.
However, his time away from the footie field was backed by his team. Even Macclesfield FC's director of football Robbie Savage spoke out to reveal he fully supported Tom's decision.
Robbie Savage backed Tom's villa stint (Getty Images)Former Manchester United player Robbie, 48, told the Mirror: "He pulled me to one side and asked if he could go on the show.
"He'll definitely be missed but how could we say no to an offer that could change his life?
"I told him, 'This is a fantastic opportunity for you and your family.
"I could have said no but how could I live with that?"
Tom's net worth
Although Tom's exact net worth is not known, semi-professional footballers can earn anything between £250 to £3,000 per week – depending on the club and league you are in.
Tom joined Macclesfield FC in July 2021 as a centre-forward player but also plays centre-back, too.
Macclesfield was promoted to Northern Premier League Division One West in August 2021.