Last night's episode of Love Island ended on a cliffhanger with viewers left in shock after the arrival of the season's first bombshell was announced.
Semi-professional football player Tom Clare was the latest addition to the South African villa following a public vote. The 23-year-old has only just recently become single after breaking up with his girlfriend three months ago.
Since the split, he's been enjoying some wild nights out but said his direct messages on social media were "a bit of a scary place". Tom, who is from Barnsley, said he was confident he would "definitely be scoring some goals in the villa".
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Describing himself as a "bum guy", he admitted he'd normally go for blonde women. He told viewers: "First attraction is massive. I'm a very confident guy, being 6ft 5, girls seem to love that.
"Going into the villa, I am going for what I want and if the guys might feel a bit intimidated, maybe they might feel a bit under pressure I'm going to take their missus or something."
He added: "If there is a girl I want and she's coupled up, then nine times out of ten, I'll get her.
But who is the self-confessed High School Musical fan who is "off to find love", according to his Instagram page? Below we take a look at his career, past relationship and life in Barnsley.
CareerTom is a striker for Macclesfield and was the top scorer during the inaugural 2021/22 season after scoring 23 times. The club has since released a statement to say they were happy to support Tom's Love Island adventure.
It read: "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."
Tom revealed Macclesfield director Robbie Savage often calls him Mr Love Island.
Heartbreak
Sadly, Tom lost his beloved grandmother in May 2022 and his dog and "best friend of 15 years" Marley in July 2021.
Paying tribute to his nana, he wrote: "Sad news to wake up to this morning, rest in peace Grandma. Such a kind, caring and loving woman, life is way too short. You have to enjoy yourself like I know you and Grandpa did travelling the world, you both can rest together now. Love you always Grandma."
Losing Marley left him equally heartbroken. Tom wrote back in 2021: "I’m a broken man right now, sadly my boy of 15 years passed away peacefully last night, we are all absolutely heartbroken he was not only our family dog but my best friend! who would always be there wagging his tail even if I’d had a bad day he’d be there for us all.
"The saying a dogs a man's best friend is so true, you’ve had the best life and we’ve shared so many amazing happy times together that I will never forget! I still can’t get my head round that you won’t be there when I come down on a morning anymore. I’ve treasured every single moment with you, I knew this day would come at some point but I’m truly devastated, rest easy buddy I love you Marley."
Past relationship
According to an article in OK Magazine, Tom broke up with his girlfriend, airhostess Emily Mott just weeks before jetting off to South Africa. Sources close to the couple said there had been talk of marriage and that the end of their relationship came as a shock.
Tom revealed they had been together for three-and-a-half years.
Influencer sisterTom regularly posts snaps of him and his family, in particular of his sister Laura. Laura is also busy trying to make a name for herself on social media.
She appears to be pals with Married At First Sight star Chanita Stephenson and former Love Island star Cheyanne Kerr, who is also from Barnsley. Both are also among her impressive 15,000 followers on Instagram where she regularly posts snaps of her life in the UK and Dubai.
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