Love Island returned on Monday, January 16 with a fresh batch of singletons all hoping to be lucky in love. The launch episode saw payroll administrator Anna-May Robey from Swansea, Michelle Keegan body double and Bond star Olivia Hawkins, farmer and TikTok star Will Young, and student and influencer Tanya Manhenga, enter the villa.
They were joined by PE teacher Kai Fagan, makeup artist Lana Jenkins, financial advisor Ron Hall, hair stylist Tanyel Revan, airport security officer Shaq Muhammad, and TV salesman Haris Namani. You can see the Love Island 2023 line-up in full here.
However, at the end of the episode, presenter Maya Jama revealed a new bombshell would be entering the villa after receiving the most votes from the public. Earlier in the week, Love Island bosses asked fans to pick between 25-year-old Ellie Spence, a Business Development Executive at a law firm from Norwich, or Tom Clare, a 23-year-old semi-pro footballer from Barnsley.
Read more: Who is Anna-May Robey? Swansea Love Island star's age, job and Instagram
But how old is Tom, what does he do for a living and how can you follow him on social media? Here are all the details.
Who is Tom Clare?
The 23-year-old is a semi-pro footballer from Barnsley. He is a striker for Macclesfield.
In a statement the club said: "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.
"Tom approached us with the request a number of weeks ago and we 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.
"Tom remains very much part of our plans here at 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."
Talking about his claim to fame, Tom said: "Robbie Savage is the director of my football team. I just have such a good relationship with him. I see him as a mate."
Asked why he wanted to join Love Island, Tom said: "I want to meet someone. It’s good going out and having a laugh but I miss sharing stuff. Life’s too short. These opportunities don’t come around often. "
He added: "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. "
Is Tom Clare on Instagram?
You can follow Tom on tomclare__, however, his profile will remain dormant while she is in the villa. Usually, family members and friends take over the contestants' accounts while they are on the show, but the broadcaster has confirmed that nothing will be published on the Islanders' behalf this year.
The change is part of Love Island's duty of care measures and aims to protect both the islanders and their families from the adverse effects of social media. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
READ NEXT:
Love Island 2023 bombshells announced in first major twist for new series
Welsh Love Island contestant Anna-May Robey shares bizarre 'ick' ahead of villa entrance
- Love Island 2023 contestants: Michelle Keegan body double and Bond star signs up
- Winter Love Island 2023 line-up in full as ITV announces cast
Win a £50 Just Eat voucher to celebrate the return of winter Love Island
