Love Island bombshell Tom split from stunning air hostess girlfriend just weeks before doing show
LOVE Island bombshell Tom Clare was in a committed relationship just weeks before heading to South Africa.
The footy star, 23, has shocked friends by taking part in the series, not long after ending things with his long term girlfriend.
The hunky striker was dating stunning air hostess Emily Mott for over three years before things came to a sudden end last year, just months after he publicly declared they would be together “forever”.
Tom will go up against Ellie Spencer in a public vote to see who will become the first bombshell to enter the villa when the show kicks off on Monday – but is not guaranteed a place in the villa.
An insider said: “Everyone was really shocked to see Tom pop up as a bombshell.
“As far as most people knew he was really loved up with Emily. They were always together and enjoyed exotic holidays together. They were even talking about marriage at one point.”
Tom has been given permission to go on a break from Maccesfield FC to do the show, but they have left the door open for his return.
Speaking ahead of his potential entrance, Tom said: “I’m a good laugh, a good vibe. I’m not snakey, I don’t like that kind of stuff. If I’ve got an issue with someone I’ll speak to them.
“Since my ex-girlfriend, no-one’s really come to me and I’ve thought, ‘Wow’.
“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.”
ITV have already revealed ten stars who will be this year’s originals in only the second-ever winter edition of the show.
The new Islanders are set to enter the Love Island villa in South Africa on January 16 as new host Maya Jama takes over from Laura Whitmore, who announced she was stepping down in August.
The new series is the show’s first winter series since before the coronavirus pandemic.
A rep for Love Island said: “All Islanders taking part in Love Island are single and looking for love.”