One of the new Love Island stars raring to find a connection in the villa has been granted permission to appear on the series by his football club.

We’re just days away from the launch of the 2023 winter series, which is taking place in a swanky estate in South Africa with a new cast of excited singletons.

Following the announcement of the cast, which includes Tanya Manhenga, Anna-May Robey, Ron Hall and Kai Fagan, it was revealed in a huge new twist that there are two bombshells who are also hoping to join the islanders.

However, it will be up to fans to vote to choose between Tom Clare, a 23-year-old footballer, or Ellie Spence, a 25-year-old business development executive.

Ahead of the series premiere, Tom’s football club Macclesfield FC – which was only founded in October 2020 to replace the former Macclesfield Town FC – released a statement about his involvement on the show.

‘Macclesfield FC can confirm that the club have granted Tom Clare an extended period of leave in order to appear in this year’s Love Island competition,’ it read.

Tom has skills on the pitch… but how about in the game of love? (Picture: ITV)

It was explained that Tom approached the club with his request to appear on the programme ‘a number of weeks ago’, and the football side ‘were happy to show the same loyalty that he has to us since becoming one of our first-ever signings back in 2021’.

‘Despite the fact that we are disappointed to lose a player of Tom’s calibre for the foreseeable future, we also recognise the incredible opportunity that this represents for both him and his family on a personal level,’ the statement continued.

‘Tom remains very much part of our plans here are the Leasing.com stadium and has expressed his unwavering desire to return to the club after the show.

‘We wish Tom every success and look forward to welcoming him back to the club in due course.’

During last year’s summer season, Jacques O’Neill was released from his contract at rugby league team Castleford Tigers so that he could take part in Love Island.

Jacques had a tumultuous time in the villa (Picture: ITV/Rex/Shutterstock)

After his emotional exit from the villa, Jacques paid a visit to the club, writing on Instagram: ‘Honestly felt amazing being back at the jungle Friday night.. Seeing all the boys & the fans, it’s literally the best I’ve felt since getting out of the villa.

‘Thank you so much to everyone who give me the warm welcome I received, it’s appreciated so much!’

After his departure from the series, Castleford Tigers head coach Lee Radford cast doubt on the reality star returning to the team, joking: ‘I think he’ll want to make a couple of million first and then maybe dip his toe into rugby league, we’ll have to see.’

Jacques’ bio on Instagram currently states that he’s an ex-professional rugby league player.

Love Island starts on Monday January 16 at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX

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The team look forward to ‘welcoming him back’.