Love Island could make a surprise return later this year despite the ongoing threat of the coronavirus pandemic, a report has claimed.

The summer series of the ITV2 reality show was officially cancelled last week due to COVID-19 with a promise that it will return "stronger than ever" in 2021.

According to The Sun, plans are afoot to potentially broadcast a bonus series in September or October, with the Canary Islands being used as a setting instead of the Balearics.

"The location is up in the air, as Majorca would maybe be a bit chilly by September/October, but the Canary Islands could be possible," a source told the newspaper.

"Casting was well under way for the summer season and producers don't want to lose some of the gems they had hand-picked.

"The winter series lacked a few standout characters, so they had been careful to find reality TV wannabes with looks as well as brains and personality."

An industry expert last week claimed that the commercial impact of axing Love Island could be as much as £100m in lost revenue.