Trevor Kearon looks out from his pod

As well as Ray Bowyer's highly-publicised departure from the island, some castaways had to leave the island for nearby Harris after four days because their "eco pod" homes were not yet finished.

Four of the castaways also lost personal possessions when a container carrying their belongings fell into the sea during an airlift.

But now the group said the teething troubles were behind them, and they were confident of seeing 2000 out in their simply-furnished eco pods.

Edinburgh-born Mike Laird, 31, said: "I love it here. It doesn't faze me at all and I am confident of making it - I have no intention of leaving."

4,000 applications

Rosemary Stephenson, who is on the island with her husband Roger and their two children, said: "I think some people, when it comes to leaving, will find it a big wrench.

"In a way, it's a shame it's just a year because of all the effort we've put into getting all the accommodation ready and so on."

Fan mail: Ben Fogle

The BBC received 4,000 applications to take part in the show, and the progress of the 35 on the island now can be seen when a new Castaway 2000 series starts on 23 April.

Executive producer Jeremy Mills said the series would include the reasons behind Ray Bowyer's departure.

There are eight children, aged between two and 11 on the island, who are being taught by two members of the community who are qualified teachers.

According to the castaways, there have been no major fall-outs, and nor have there been any romances.

Ben Fogle, a 26-year-old picture editor, has been bombarded by fan mail since he appeared on the show.

He joked: "I spent all of last year in London looking for a beautiful girl and failing.

"Then I get here and I am some kind of heart-throb. I've got people writing to me and I'm stuck out here."