Love Island 2021: OnlyFans star Shannon has famous footballers in her DMs, events host Aaron claims meeting Stormzy was bigger than hosting a royal wedding and civil servant Sharon reveals why she’s swapping Brexit for bikinis – the islanders in their own words as they prepare to enter the villa
- The contestants for the 2021 series of Love Island were revealed on Monday with names including Nando’s waitress Liberty Poole, fashion blogger Kaz Kamwi and semi-professional footballer Toby Aromolaran
- The pandemic resulted in last year’s series being postponed and fans are eagerly awaiting the new series following the ITV2 juggernaut’s extended break since February 2020
- Each confirmed contestant will be given thorough psychological and medical assessments by health experts before, during and after the series as part of the show’s new duty of care protocols
- Love Island returns on Monday June 28 at 9pm on ITV2 and the ITVHub – it is hosted by Laura Whitmore
- Got a story about the Love Island contestants? Email [email protected]
Love Island’s 2021 lineup has been revealed with this year’s hopefuls including an OnlyFans star with footballers in her DMs, a civil servant with a history working on Brexit and an events host who has worked on a Royal Wedding.
After the lineup was officially unveiled by bosses on Monday, the new series is set to return to screens on Monday 28th June, after last year’s instalment was postponed due to the Covid pandemic.
Leading the way are OnlyFans star Shannon Singh, fashion blogger Kaz Kamwi, events planner Aaron Francis and the show’s first ever disabled contestant, PE teacher Hugo Hammond.
Alongside the hopefuls is civil servant Sharon Gaffka, Nando’s waitress Liberty Poole, financial services marketing executive Chloe Burrows, semi-pro footballer Toby Aromolaran, water engineer Jake Cornish, labourer Brad McClelland and lettings manager Faye Winter.
So as Love Island prepares for its long-awaited return to screens on Monday 28th June, here is everything you need to know about this year’s sexy singletons.
Lowdown: Love Island’s 2021 lineup has been revealed with this year’s hopefuls including an OnlyFans star with footballers in her DMs and a civil servant with a history working on Brexit (L-R Sharon Gaffka, Hugo Hammond, Chloe Burrows, Shannon Singh, Kaz Kamwi, Brad McClelland, Faye Winter, Aaron Francis, Toby Aromolaran, Liberty Poole, Jake Cornish)
Leading the lineup is OnlyFans model Shannon Singh, 22, who currently resides in Fife while making a living through her racy social media content after spending several years working as a glamour model.
She says: ‘I used to be a glamour model when I was 18/19. I loved those days, I’ve got nothing to be ashamed of, they were my glory days. Now I’m more on Instagram/ YouTube. I’ve done a bit of commercial modelling. I can DJ as well.’
Admitting she tends to feed off energy rather than looks when it comes to finding a man, Shannon insists she won’t couple up with someone if they’re the ‘convenient choice.’
Sexy: Leading the lineup is OnlyFans model Shannon Singh, 22, who currently resides in Fife while making a living through her racy social media content after spending several years working as a glamour model
Wow! Earlier this year, appearing on the Who’s Your Daddy podcast, Shannon gave a raunchy insight into her sex life, saying: ‘I am very sexually active, I have sex like eight times a day’
Gorgeous: While Sharon admits she tends to feed off energy rather than looks when it comes to finding a man, civil servant Sharon Gaffka, 25, (right) says she decided to apply for the show as she’s only the single girl in her friendship group
Asked whether she has any claim to fame, she adds: ‘I’ve got quite a lot of people who’ve been in my DMs… some I can’t even say. A few footballers.’
‘I don’t tend to meet up with people through Instagram and things like that. I like more natural settings. I’ve got a whole chunk of my teens and growing up that I’ve been ‘locked in’ relationships,’ she continues.
‘So when I broke up with my ex, I wanted to have a year for me. I’ve ‘seen’ guys, but I wanted a year to myself to make sure I know what I want going forward.’
Sharon Gaffka, 25, is an Oxford-born civil servant who currently works as an operations lead for the Department Of Public Transport, who admits she decided to apply for the show as she’s only the single girl remaining in her friendship group after her dating life was halted by the Covid pandemic.
Detailing her ‘intense’ job, she reveals she’s spent the past year working on policy for Brexit and the government’s transition period after the UK left the European Union last year.
LOVE ISLAND 2021: MEET THE CONTESTANTS
Sharon Gaffka, 25
Name: Sharon Gaffka
Age: 25
Location: Oxford
Occupation: Civil Servant – Operations Lead for Department of Transport
Who is their type on paper? ‘I tend to date someone who is taller than me, even though my last long-term partner, he was actually someone who was shorter than me.
‘I’m quite an intellectual person so I want someone who can kind of match that.’
Aaron Francis, 24
Name: Aaron Francis
Age: 24
Location: London
Occupation: Luxury Events Host
Who is their type on paper? ‘I need someone that is passionate about what they are doing – from scientist to anything – you can tell when someone is speaking about something and they are actually smiling while they are talking. I love that.
‘I don’t like when people are doing a job just to make money and then they kind of just live for the weekend. Especially because I work on the weekends.’
Liberty Poole, 21
Name: Liberty Poole
Age: 21
Location: Birmingham
Occupation: Nando’s Waitress and Marketing Student
Who is their type on paper? ‘So I like tall, alpha male, confident, a cheeky chappy sort of guy.
‘But obviously that’s always usually combined with player types, which is where I go wrong. So I am trying to change my ways and go for more of a nicer guy that is going to treat me right.’
Hugo Hammond, 24
Name: Hugo Hammond
Age: 24
Location: Hampshire
Occupation: PE Teacher
Who is their type on paper? ‘I’ve been single for a while now. With the current climate, it’s been really hard to get back into dating.
‘I saw it as an opportunity to have an amazing fun summer and put myself back out there.’
Shannon Singh
Name: Shannon Singh
Age: 22
Location: Fife
Occupation: Glamour model
Who is their type on paper? ‘I don’t feed off looks, I feed off energy, I need someone with personality. Just someone I can have fun with.
‘I’m a party girl, I love going out, I’m very social. For me it’s quite hard to find people who are genuine and looking for what you’re looking for’
Jake Cornish
Name: Jake Cornish
Age: 24
Location: Weston-super-Mare
Occupation: Water Engineer
Who is their type on paper? ‘Looks wise, always gone for blondes. But for me, the main thing is having respect and having good fun, and someone who will be loyal to you…
‘I’ve had messages from girls that have got boyfriends and husbands. This is why I don’t trust anyone. Someone who is loyal really. But when I’m single, I like having a good time!
Kaz Kamwi
Name: Kaz Kamwi
Age: 26
Location: Essex
Occupation: Fashion Blogger
Who is their type on paper? ‘I like meeting new people, I’m ready to be in a relationship. Why not be in a place where people are looking for the same things as me?’
Chloe Burrows
Name: Chloe Burrows
Age: 25
Location: Bicester
Occupation: Financial Services Marketing Executive
Who is their type on paper? ‘I like a good build. I go to the gym. I want someone who is funny. Really funny and caring and will do nice little things for you.
‘And then obviously someone who you can depend on to not ditch you. Because I am quite a big character and quite loud, they would have to be as loud, if not more.
‘I could never be with someone who is quiet. Someone that gives you a bit back’
Faye Winter
Name: Faye Winter
Age: 26
Location: Devon
Occupation: Letting Manager
What is her type on paper? ‘Someone that will put me in my place. Someone that makes me laugh. But also someone that takes my banter. I’m like a five-year-old in a playground, if I like you, I will make a mockery of you and laugh and joke. That is my really terrible flirting skills. I need someone who can take that.’
Brad McClelland
Name: Brad McClelland
Age: 26
Location: Northumberland
Occupation: Labourer
Who is their type on paper? Sommer Ray from Instagram. Zara McDermott, she’s a good-looking lass. Or Megan Fox.
Toby Aromolaran
Name: Toby Aromolaran
Age: 22
Location: Essex
Occupation: Semi-pro footballer
How would he describe himself? ‘Optimistic. I always see the bright side in the worst situations. I’m a fun guy when I go on a night out. Responsible guy as well.’
Hard work: Detailing her ‘intense’ job, Sharon also reveals she’s spent the past year working on policy for Brexit and the government’s transition period after the UK left the European Union last year
Model behaviour: Sharon won Miss International UK in 2018,
She adds: ‘I’ve been a civil servant since I was 18. I’ve worked in lots of different departments. I’ve been doing Brexit policy for the last year, I did a stint during the Coronavirus pandemic in the Department of Health so I was helping deliver testing kits and managing the operations. It’s been an intense year!’
Sharon also reveals she’s already crossed paths with a Love Island veteran, as she and 2019 star Molly-Mae Hague had the same pagent director when she won Miss International UK.
Describing her ideal partner she continues: ‘I have this thing where if something doesn’t work out with one person, I’ll try and go for the other extreme to see if that works out. I tend to date someone who is taller than me even though my last long-term partner he was actually someone who was shorter than me. I’m quite an intellectual person so I want someone who can kind of match that.
‘Somebody who can make me laugh and I can be myself around. I’m really clumsy and goofy. On social media, I look really put together but my friends who know me know I’ll fall down the stairs.’
Meeting royalty! Luxury Events host Aaron Francis, 24, has had his own famous encounters through work on some of the country’s biggest events, including the wedding of Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi
Impressive CV: Aaron ‘hosted and chatted’ at Princess Beatrice’s wedding to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi last summer
Wow! Aaron worked at the 2020 BRITs where he networked with the likes of Billie Eilish and Stormzy
Asked what she’s looking forward to most in the villa, Sharon says: ‘Having a bit of normality. I live on my own so actually getting to see people on a daily basis. There are so many rules with dating and all of that is taken away. I don’t have to do any weird guessing games. I don’t have to think about when I’ll next speak to him because he’s sharing a bed with me.’
Luxury Events host Aaron Francis, 24, has had his own famous encounters through work on some of the country’s biggest events, including the wedding of Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
He explains: ‘Yeah, Eugenie’s and Beatrice’s over the summer. I hosted and chatted. It was nice and intimate. Everyone’s chill. In my job you meet a lot of famous people… unless you’re Beyonce, I’m not really interested.
‘Obviously this life is nice but it’s not really something you can settle down with. Unless you’re doing very, very well. For me the ultimate goal is family. I want to have like three or four kids.’
But despite crossing paths with the Royal Family, Aaron says the biggest star he’s ever met is a grime legend, saying: ‘Stormzy. At the Brits he was jokes! I was hosting the winners’ room in 2020.’
Idol: Aaron (L) adds that meeting Stormzy at the 2020 BRIT Awards topped crossing paths with members of the Royal Family, while P.E. teacher Hugo Hammond, 24, (R) describes his ideal partner as someone who ‘doesn’t take themselves too seriously
Aaron, who has been single for around six or seven months, goes onto explain that in recent months he’s been far more focused on his skincare regime, explaining: ‘I am into skincare, not many guys are. My skin used to be terrible. I cleared it up at uni and my confidence blew from there.
Love Island comes under fire for ‘lack of diversity’
Love Island’s 2021 bosses have defended claims of a lack of diversity in the upcoming series, saying the Islanders have ‘healthy BMIs’
The line-up had come under fire from ‘disappointed’ fans as they complained about the lack of diversity after execs promised an ‘inclusive’ cast.
Taking to Twitter after 11 new contestants were revealed on Monday, which includes the show’s first disabled Islander – PE teacher Hugo Hammond, frustrated viewers also pointed out the programme’s failure to include plus-size singletons.
Love Island has previously been slammed by fans and former contestants for lack of different ethnic backgrounds, body types and members of the LGBT community represented on the show.
However, representatives for the reality show told MailOnline: ‘As a broadcaster, ITV celebrates diversity of every sort across our range of programmes in our schedule and across our channels.
‘In terms of casting for Love Island, the only stipulation to applicants is they must be over 18, single and looking for love.
‘This year’s Love Islanders come from a diverse range of backgrounds with a mix of personalities and have a healthy BMI.’
Taking to Twitter after the 2021 cast was revealed, fans shared their ‘disappointment’ over the lack of diversity and plus-size contestants, saying: ‘They stuck with tokenism and just hit copy and paste.’
However, despite the first 11 contestants already being confirmed, the ITV2 dating series will be introducing other Islanders, which are yet to be revealed, onto the show as the season progresses – allowing a chance for more diversity.
‘Now when girls look at me, I’m not thinking, ”Ah she’s looking at my dead skin”, I’m thinking, ”Ah maybe she fancies me.” It changes the vibe completely! So I kind of promote that on socials and stuff just because I know boys don’t know about it and they are wondering about it. But they are too shy to ask about it.’
Describing his dream partner, he continues: ‘I need someone that is passionate about what they are doing – from scientist to anything – you can tell when someone is speaking about something and they are actually smiling while they are talking. I love that.
‘I don’t like when people are doing a job just to make money and then they kind of just live for the weekend. Especially because I work on the weekends. And usually someone that works out. I work out every day.’
P.E. teacher Hugo Hammond, 24, who has made history as the show’s first ever disabled contestant, describes his ideal partner as someone who ‘doesn’t take themselves too seriously, who can be a best friend first that could turn into a romance.’
Describing himself he says: ‘Tall, dark and handsome. That was a cliché answer! The real answer is funny, around my friends and family I’m always the one to get things going and to have a laugh.
‘Charming, self-proclaimed charmer. I’ve got the gift of the gab which has put me in good stead when I’ve been single in the past. And I’m a gentleman, my mother raised me well. I’m very respectful.’
Explaining his ideal date, he continues: ‘I can give you the blueprint of my usual date. I’m a big fan of actually doing something rather than just a sit down dinner. Me being a sporty guy, something like mini-golf. I love a cocktail, so a cocktail afterwards. My favourite cocktail is Sex on the Beach, that’s a go-to!’
Given his love for sport, it’s no surprise that Hugo is a competitive man, admitting: ”Im really competitive. Obviously, I’m from a sporting background. That comes hand in hand.
‘I’m sure it’s going to translate into dating as well. If there is an opportunity to become the alpha male around everyone else. I’m looking forward to getting stuck into it and giving it my best.’
Discussing his cricket career, he continues: ‘I’ve actually played cricket for England PD (Physical Disability). I’ve been to Bangladesh, Dubai, I’ve been everywhere to play cricket. I was born with clubfoot.
‘I had lots of operations when I was a kid. You can only really tell when I walk barefoot. I’ve got a really short achilles heel. I walk slightly on my tip toes.’
Changes: Hugo is also set to make history as Love Island’s first ever disabled contestant, having grown up with clubfoot and undergoing multiple operations
Hunky! Hugo shares a number of snaps on social media including scantily-clad shots and suited and booted pictures
Jaw-dropping: Water engineer Jake Cornish, 24, reveals he became a single man at the beginning of lockdown following a seven-year romance, while waitress Liberty Poole, 21, (R) confesses she’s no stranger to an awkward split
Liberty Poole, 21, is a waitress and marketing student from Birmingham, who confesses she’s no stranger to an awkward split having witnessed some toe-curling breakups during her time working in Nando’s.
She reveals: ‘Yeah, I’ve seen some people walk out on the other person and then it’s just really awkward because the staff are like, ”Do we clear the plates, do we not clear the plates? Do we ask them if they’re okay? Do we not ask if they’re okay?” I’ve had people try and rinse me for a date at Nando’s, get the discount and stuff. But I’ve never had a date in one.
‘I’ve had a few things happen at work. I’ve had a napkin shaped as a rose given to me which was cute, that was when I first started working there and then I’ve been proposed to. It was a bit unexpected! He was on his own, he’d come into the restaurant every week and he got down on one knee and was like, ”Will you marry me?”.
‘But in his hand, it was a charity support badge not a diamond ring or nothing. So I was thinking, that’s one way of saying I’m a charity case when it comes to love!’
Candid: Of her dream crush she continues: ‘Alex Bowen looks wise but obviously he is with the beautiful Olivia. But celebrities in general, Jamie Dornan or Theo James’
Wow! Liberty’s social media is a hot bed of sizzling snaps which she shares with her 9,500 followers
Describing her ideal man she continues: ‘So I like tall, alpha male, confident, a cheeky chappy sort of guy. But obviously that’s always usually combined with player types, which is where I go wrong. So I am trying to change my ways and go for more of a nicer guy that is going to treat me right.’
Of her dream crush she continues: ‘Alex Bowen looks wise but obviously he is with the beautiful Olivia. But celebrities in general, Jamie Dornan or Theo James.’
Despite hoping to find love in the villa, Liberty also divulges the greatest date she’s ever been on, saying: ‘Yeah! There was one where we went for a few drinks and then we went to this old school bar and I got picked up on the dance floor like in Dirty Dancing.
‘I was swung about on the dance floor like that. I felt like I was in a movie or something and then I went to the bathroom and these girls were like, ”Oh my God, are you on that date with that guy?!”
Water engineer Jake Cornish, 24, resides from Weston-Super-Mare, reveals he became a single man at the beginning of lockdown following a seven-year romance, and he still has a preference for blondes.
Gorgeous: Essex-born fashion blogger Kaz Kamwi, 26, who has already landed a brand collaboration with Boux Avenue, explains she creates content for brands on platforms such as TikTok
Setting things up: Kaz’s Instagram account shows her penchant for sexy style
Stunning: Kaz (L) describes herself as ‘fun, dramatic and spontaneous’ with the hope of finding someone ‘driven,’ and financial services marketing executive Chloe Burrows, 25, (R) is looking for someone who is ‘funny and caring’
He says: ‘Looks wise, always gone for blondes. But for me, the main thing is having respect and having good fun, and someone who will be loyal to you. I’ve had messages from girls that have got boyfriends and husbands. This is why I don’t trust anyone. Someone who is loyal really. But when I’m single, I like having a good time!’
Describing his celebrity crush, he continues: ‘My ideal woman is Billie Faiers. She is my dream woman. I think for a laugh once with the boys, I messaged her. I can’t remember what I messaged her. She’s a lady, she’s just lush.’
Essex-born fashion blogger Kaz Kamwi, 26, who has already landed a brand collaboration with Boux Avenue, explains she creates content for brands on platforms such as TikTok, and describes her ideal partner as ‘someone who is driven, enjoys what they’re doing, has a passion. Someone who is not overly charming, but has enough confidence.’
She describes herself as ‘fun, dramatic, spontaneous. Friendly as well. Light-hearted. Life is a party – I’m not the mum in the group, my friends are not looking at me to look after them!’
Excited: Chloe adds: ‘We have been locked down for a year as well, just to play in a villa with people my age for however long will just be fun!’
Heading to the villa! Chloe makes no secret of her sexy style on social media
Asked whether she’s competitive, she says: ‘I’m really, really, really competitive. A game of Connect Four, I don’t lose, ever. I’m not a sore loser though. I’m good at chess as well.’
Love Island bosses: ‘Think before you post’
Love Island bosses have warned viewers to ‘think before you post’ during the new series.
The ITV2 dating show is to make a long-awaited return next Monday after being cancelled last year due to coronavirus; and a social media message shared by the producers has issued a warning to fans in advance.
The series has become known to attract trolls online, and many former Islanders have slammed the show, claiming they have suffered with mental health issues after taking part on it.
Two past contestants have died by suicide, with the show’s former host Caroline Flack also taking her life.
A message on the programme’s Instagram account read: ‘You’ve got a text! These Islanders are all single and ready to find love. We can’t wait to watch them get to know each other, date, and maybe even find the one.
‘We’re so grateful they’re letting us follow their journey this summer. We hope you enjoy the show, but please think before you post.’
Host Laura Whitmore and narrator husband Iain Stirling shared the same message
Kaz also reveals she picked up a new skill during lockdown, saying: ‘How I have a real passion for shopping. I learnt how to edit videos. I didn’t get into the banana bread thing. I learned that I enjoy walking… did a lot of that. I learnt TikTok dances.’
Labourer Brad Mcclelland, 26, hails from Northumberland, and he explains he decided to sign up for the show to try and enjoy face-to-face dates again after months in lockdown.
Describing how he’s viewed by his colleagues, he says: ‘I try and make as much money as I can by doing as little as possible. They’d probably say – not lazy, as I’m energetic – I just try to get away with doing literally nothing.’
Asked what he looks for in a romantic partner, he continues: ‘Someone who doesn’t take themselves too seriously. I could not be with someone that’s constantly on your case. I’d say I like dark hair, dark skin, dark eyes. But then my ex-girlfriend who I was with for over eight years was fair skinned, blue eyes, blonde hair.’
Brad also confesses he’s never even been on a blind date, and continues: ‘I’ll just be myself and go with it. When I was in a relationship we only went for about 3 or 4 meals out as I cooked myself. I’ve been told I’m quite a good cook.’
Chloe Burrows, 25, is a financial services marketing executive from Bicester, who is looking for someone who is ‘really funny and caring and will do nice little things for her,’ as well as ‘someone she can depend on not to ditch her as she’s quite a big character and quite loud.’
Revealing her worst dating experince, she continues: ‘I went on one with this boy, it was when I first moved to London, to this really swanky bar. He was wearing a suit and he got me Champagne, it was really nice.
‘At the bar, it wasn’t very loud and he was like, ”Oh, one minute”. And I was like, ”What?” and he was like, ”I’m gonna fart”. Everyone was looking at us. It was so embarrassing. I was just looking at everyone and they were looking at me and he was just grinning and I was like, ”I have to leave!”
On the hunt: Labourer Brad Mcclelland, 26, hails from Northumberland, and he explains he decided to sign up for the show to try and enjoy face-to-face dates again after months in lockdown
Never? Brad (L) also confesses he’s never even been on a blind date, and continues: ‘I’ll just be myself and go with it,’ while semi-professional footballer Toby Aromolaran, 22, (R) insists he doesn’t have a foot fetish but views them as a ‘dealbreaker’
Chloe adds: ‘It would be so nice to meet someone. All my friends are buying houses and having babies. I’m literally going from friendship group to friendship group every weekend with different plans because they are like, ”Okay well I’ve got to see my boyfriend”. We have been locked down for a year as well, just to play in a villa with people my age for however long will just be fun!’
Toby Aromolaran, 22, is a semi-professional footballer from Essex, who plays for the team Hashtag United, and he says being part of the club has helped him rediscover his passion for the sport.
He says: ‘I’ve played football since I was about six, but it’s really come into a new light for the past year since I joined a team called Hashtag United. They’re very social media focused. Everything is on YouTube, Instagram and Twitter. Playing with them has really made me fall in love with the game again.’
After admitting he’s never been in a relationship Toby describes his dream partner and insists he doesn’t have a foot fetish, adding: ‘Looks wise, I’m a sucker for a cute face. Nice feet. That’s a dealbreaker for me. I don’t have a foot fetish but I appreciate nice feet!
‘I think you can judge someone by their feet. Girls who walk around at the club with no shoes on, that’s one of my hates.
‘I’ve got friends, I can make more friends but my number one is meeting someone. I’m looking for someone to do nothing with. I want to be at home and do nothing with someone.’
Meaningful: Asked whether he’s learned anything in lockdown, the sportsman profoundly says: ‘I’ve learned in lockdown that we shouldn’t take anything for granted and to live your life one day at a time’
Asked whether he’s learned anything in lockdown, the sportsman profoundly says: ‘I’ve learned in lockdown that we shouldn’t take anything for granted and to live your life one day at a time.
‘There is no point tip toeing around everything. You don’t know if you’re going to be in lockdown for a year and lose out on a whole year! We’ve just got to take everything in our stride.’
And rounding out the lineup is Letting Manager Faye Winter, 26, from Devon, who admits she tries to take inspiration from Selling Sunset stars such as Christine Quinn when attempting to close on a sale.
She says: ‘I’m a lettings manager and I’ve got an amazing team. I go out and do valuations, win business for the company and I’ll do the odd viewing and find tenants.
‘My main role is the sales side of things. I absolutely love it! I’ve actually only taken a sabbatical from work because in my ideal world, I’d love to go back to work.
‘I try to make it as Selling Sunset as possible. I’m definitely there in the mini dresses, boobs out, bum out, turning up and you can see the wives say to their husband, ”You’re staying outside”. It’s so fun.’
Stunning: And rounding out the lineup is Letting Manager Faye Winter, 26, from Devon, who admits she tries to take inspiration from Selling Sunset stars such as Christine Quinn when attempting to close on a sale
Asked what she looks for in an ideal partner, she continues: ‘Looks wise they have to be like 6ft. But then my last relationship that I was in for five years he was like 5ft 7”. Someone that will put me in my place. Someone that makes me laugh. But also someone that takes my banter.
‘I’m like a five-year-old in a playground, if I like you, I will make a mockery of you and laugh and joke. That is my really terrible flirting skills. I need someone who can take that.’
Describing herself she continues: ‘Loud. I think they’d say I’m authentic. I’m an individual person. A bit of a foghorn – opinionated.
‘My friends have been my friends for years and years so I must be alright because they’ve stuck around for a long time. I say it how it is. Even with my closest friends if they do something wrong I tell them.’
Outspoken: She continues: ‘Describing herself she continues: ‘Loud. I think they’d say I’m authentic. I’m an individual person. A bit of a foghorn – opinionated’
Red hot: Her social media snaps leave little to the imagination and prove she is the perfect fit for Love Island
Detailing her celebrity crush she says: ‘Anthony Joshua or Zac Efron. I really fancy Tom Hardy as well. He’s so fit! I also fancy Gerard Butler. That was my school crush back in the day. I fancy older guys too but I’ve also been to ‘Cougarville’. I actually really like younger guys as well. Might go for you… might go for your dad!’
This year’s Love Island will once again be hosted by Laura Whitmore, with her husband Iain Stirling acting as narrator.
Speaking about the new series she said: ‘I am so excited to be back hosting. It’s been a year where I think we all need a bit more love and fun inour lives and I think everyone is ready for Love Island to be back – myself included.
‘I’m really excited about seeing the Villa. I’ve never seen the Villa in Mallorca so I’ll probably be there a little bit fangirling at the Villa. It’s almost like a person to me. So I need to remember that I’m there doing a job, not just a fangirl.
‘I haven’t met any of the Islanders yet but I’ve heard from the people behind the scenes that they are an incredible cast – it’s really exciting.’
Asked whether she missed the series during its time off the air, Laura added: ‘I’ve never worked a summer Love Island, so I’d normally be watching it on the telly. I really missed watching it. I couldn’t watch the news anymore.
‘I needed something that was a bit more fun – I think everyone’s the same. Having the break from it has made people appreciate it more.’
Following the announcement of this year’s lineup, Love Island did face some backlash from ‘disappointed’ fans as they complained about the lack of diversity after execs promised an ‘inclusive’ cast.
Love Island has previously been slammed by fans and former contestants for lack of different ethnic backgrounds, body types and members of the LGBT community represented on the show.
However, representatives for the reality show told MailOnline: ‘As a broadcaster, ITV celebrates diversity of every sort across our range of programmes in our schedule and across our channels.
‘In terms of casting for Love Island, the only stipulation to applicants is they must be over 18, single and looking for love. This year’s Love Islanders come from a diverse range of backgrounds with a mix of personalities and have a healthy BMI.’
Taking to Twitter after the 2021 cast was revealed, fans shared their ‘disappointment’ over the lack of diversity and plus-size contestants, saying: ‘They stuck with tokenism and just hit copy and paste.’
Earlier this month, Love Island boss Amada Stavri teased the 2021 line-up and promised that it will be ‘diverse and inclusive’.
However, the ITV commissioner said at the time that including gay Islanders was a ‘logistical difficulty’ due to the format of the dating show.
Love Island has previously been slammed by fans, and former contestants, for lack of different ethnic backgrounds, body types and members of the LGBT community represented on the show.
She’s back! Laura Whitmore will once again act as host for the new series, offering the latest updates and drama to the islanders including unexpected twists, turns, and of course, recouplings
Speaking to RadioTimes, the ITV commissioner said: ‘We’re always very mindful of diversity and inclusion and hopefully you’ll see that when we announce the line-up.’
Stavri added: ‘In terms of gay Islanders, I think the main challenge is regarding the format of Love Island. There’s a sort of logistical difficulty, because although Islanders don’t have to be 100 per cent straight, the format must sort of give [the] Islanders an equal choice when coupling up.
‘With our dating shows, such as The Cabins, there is much more sexual diversity. The formats don’t have as much restrictions as Love Island. So we’re very sort of mindful of that across our programming on ITV and dating series. But that’s the difficulty with Love Island.’
The programme has featured bisexual contestants in the past, including Megan Barton-Hanson, Katie Salmon and the late Sophie Gradon – who became the show’s first-ever same-sex pairing in 2016.
The Love Island 2021 contestants were revealed on Monday, with a slew of singletons from all walks of life preparing to enter the Majorcan villa next week.
The pandemic resulted in last year’s series being postponed and fans are eagerly awaiting the new series following the ITV2 juggernaut’s extended break.
Promises: Earlier this month, Love Island boss Amada Stavri teased the 2021 line-up and promised that it will be ‘diverse and inclusive’ (pictured 2018 cast)
Each confirmed contestant will be given thorough psychological and medical assessments by health experts before, during and after the series as part of new duty of care protocols.
Every Islander must fully disclose their medical history to ensure the environment of the villa is suitable. The 2021 summer series will be hosted by Laura Whitmore who featured in the show’s big teaser advert last week.
The 2021 summer series will be hosted by Laura Whitmore who featured in the show’s big teaser advert last week.
The hit ITV2 dating show has not aired since February 2020 after both the summer 2020 and winter 2021 editions were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Love Island bosses confirmed the show’s duty of care protocols last week.
Line-up: However, the ITV commissioner said at the time that including gay Islanders is a ‘logistical difficulty’ due to the format of the dating show (the 2019 line-up pictured)
Making history: The programme has featured bisexual contestants in the past, including Megan Barton-Hanson, Katie Salmon and the late Sophie Gradon (pictured together in 2016)
Dr. Paul Litchfield – who ITV appointed in 2018 to review the show’s participant welfare processes – said: ‘Society’s appreciation of the importance of mental health and wellbeing has grown enormously in recent years and the pandemic has brought that into even sharper focus.
‘Reducing the risk of harm, where possible, is an imperative but promoting good mental health is also necessary.
‘ITV’s evolving commitment to these issues, backed up by tangible action, is an example to others in the industry and beyond.’
Stern reminder: Love Island bosses have also warned viewers to ‘think before you post’ during the new series, after two former contestants, and host Caroline Flack, died by suicide
The process for ‘all contributors involved’ in the show includes ‘comprehensive psychological support’, ‘training for all Islanders on the impacts of social media and handling potential negativity’ and ‘training for all Islanders on financial management’, as well as ‘guidance and advice on taking on management after the show’.
There will also be ‘detailed conversations’ with contestants about the ‘impact of participation on the show’, as well as a ‘proactive aftercare package’ which promises to support Islanders once filming has ended with ‘proactive contact’ and extra support where necessary.
ITV has confirmed that registered mental health professionals will be available for Love Island stars throughout the entire series, from pre-filming, during the show itself and as part of the aftercare, there will be a welfare team during and after the show, and the senior team in Majorca has mental health first aid training.
Love Island returns on Monday June 28 at 9pm on ITV2 and the ITVHub.
Back soon: Love Island returns on Monday June 28 at 9pm on ITV2 and the ITVHub
Love Island duty of care protocols in full – ahead of 2021 series
Pre-filming and filming
- Registered mental health professional engaged throughout the whole series – from pre-filming to aftercare.
- Thorough pre-filming psychological and medical assessments including assessments by an independent doctor, psychological consultant and reports from each Islander’s own GP to check medical history.
- Potential Islanders are required to fully disclose any medical history that would be relevant to their inclusion in the villa and the production’s ability to provide a suitable environment for them.
- Managing cast expectations: detailed explanations both verbally and in writing of the implications, both positive and negative, of taking part in the series are given to potential cast members throughout the casting process and reinforced within the contract so it is clear.
- Cast are told they should consider all the potential implications of taking part in the show and work through this decision-making process in consultation with their family and those closest to them, to ensure they feel it is right for them.
- Senior Team on the ground have received training in Mental Health First Aid.
- A welfare team solely dedicated to the Islanders both during the show and after.
Aftercare
- Bespoke training on dealing with social media and advice on finance and adjusting to life back home.
- A minimum of eight therapy sessions will be offered to each Islander when they return home.
- Proactive contact with Islanders for a period of 14 months after the series in which they have appeared has ended, with additional help provided where applicable.
- We encourage Islanders to secure management to represent them after the show and manage them should they choose to take part in other TV shows, advertising campaigns or other public appearance opportunities.
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