Rodman won five NBA basketball titles before retiring in 2000

The former Chicago Bulls star, 45, was one of basketball's biggest names until he retired in 2000. He will join the reality show for up to a week.

He is the third surprise guest to take part in the programme, following Paul Danan and Jackass star Steve-O.

The second series of Love Island has struggled to find viewers, with audiences rarely higher than 2 million.

The show's regular contestants include Chris Brosnan, son of Bond star Pierce, former Eternal singer Kelle Bryan and actor Lee Otway.

Model Alicia Duvall and socialite Lady Victoria Hervey have both been thrown off the programme by public vote.

Rodman was one of the best defensive professional basketball players of all time, winning five NBA titles.

Since retiring he has reinvented himself as a celebrity, and is known for his controversial behaviour and cross-dressing.

He has written three autobiographies and has appeared in a number of films.