Love Island bosses set sights on stunning actress with soap star mum for new summer series

PANTO performer Molly Marsh is the first name down to tread the Love Island boards this year.

Yorkshire-born Molly is in final talks for the new series of the hit ITV2 show, returning on June 5.

The 24-year-old, a social media influencer as well as racking up the theatre roles, hit it off with telly bosses after she was invited to tour the winter Love Island villa in January.

A source revealed: “Molly was scouted after visiting the villa in South Africa earlier this year.

“She was on the tour as an invited guest when she caught the eyes of producers.

“Molly made it clear she would love to be a part of Love Island and she was told to audition. After going through the process, she’s now a shoo-in to fly to Majorca later this month.

“She is a star on the rise and comes from a showbiz family — her mum Janet even had small roles on Coronation Street and Still Open All Hours.

“Molly has made it clear she’s got what it takes to make a bang and ITV love her.”

Before trying her luck on Love Island, Molly has appeared in theatre productions across the UK, including roles in national tours of the musical Oliver! and the pantomime Sleeping Beauty.

She also has more than 25,000 Instagram followers — and even shared posts about her recent experiences touring the Love Island villa.

A show source told The Sun producers had now whittled the thousands of wannabes down to a shortlist of 25 — with the final cut to be announced in the coming days.

The dating show’s last series, held in South Africa, was hosted for the first time by Maya Jama.

Maya, 28, took over the role from Laura Whitmore, 38, last year and was a hit with fans.

The winter show in March was won by PE teacher Kai Fagan and social worker Sanam Harrinanan, who split the £50,000 prize pot between them.

Now the villa in Mallorca is gearing up for a summer return, with the contestants already signed up for this series due to fly out later this month.

Since Love Island was revived in 2015 it has helped its winners find love, fame and fortune following their success on the show.

It has also been a ratings smash for ITV2 but producers need to plot a return to form after disappointing viewing figures for the latest winter series.