There’s just a week to go until Love Island officially makes its return to ITV2, and the broadcaster is getting everybody hyped up after officially unveiling the first contestants that are a part of the new line up.
Let’s meet those who will be making their way to the Love Island villa!
Sharon Gaffka, 25 from Oxford, Civil Servant - Operations Lead for Department of Transport
Saying that it’s been a “running joke” within her friends group that she should apply for the show, being the most “outrageous” one amongst them (and the only one still single), Sharon is heading onto Love Island in the hopes that she’ll bag herself a man and join the ranks of her besties who have wedding plans!
As for the sort of guy she'll be going for, she says she tends to date "someone who is taller than me, even though my last long-term partner, he was actually someone who was shorter than me." She also describes herself as "intellectual", so is hoping for a man who can "kind of match that". Fingers crossed!
Aaron Francis, 24 from London, Luxury Events Host
Having experienced a breakup in lockdown, Aaron has found it hard when trying to find that special someone ever since, seeing as though the majority of us are wearing masks when out and about! Admitting to preferring a relationship to dating, this events host - who has mingled with Royals such as Eugenie and Beatrice - will likely be hoping to move any romance to the next level in as little time as possible!
As for the sort of woman he'll go for? "I need someone that is passionate about what they are doing," he says. "You can tell when someone is speaking about something and they are actually smiling while they are talking. I love that.” We’re sure that casting have got some career-loving ladies headed into the villa, so have fun, Aaron!
Liberty Poole, 21 from Birmingham, Waitress and Marketing Student
Saying that she has "never had that nice, happy relationship", Liberty is going into Love Island with the hopes that it will soon be something she's able to experience. Though she's simply looking forward to getting away following a year-long lockdown and striking up some "girly friendships", she's also got her eyes peeled for a hunky Jack the Lad!
Describing her ideal partner, she says she likes "tall, alpha male, confident; a cheeky chappy sort of guy," before adding "that's always usually combined with player types which is where I go wrong!" Will she be able to change those ways and find her soulmate? Time will tell!
Hugo Hammond, 24 from Hampshire, P.E. Teacher
Working at a secondary school, Hugo is someone extremely passionate about his job and sport, saying that "it's great to be able to pass on that enthusiasm to be physically active to the younger generation". Now though, he's swapping classrooms and school fields for the Love Island villa!
Though he's not been too open just yet about the sort of partner he's looking for, he has revealed a little about his life, in which he played cricket for England PD (Physical Disability). He explains: "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.”
Shannon Singh, 22 from Fife, Model
Hoping to meet an "exciting hunk" during her time on Love Island, Shannon says she's "got nothing to be ashamed of" when talking about her time as a glamour model, aged 18 and 19. Now though, she says she focuses more on Instagram and Youtube, along with "a bit of commercial modelling" and even some DJ-ing!
As for what she's looking for in a romantic partner? "I don't feed off looks, I feed off energy," she says. "I need someone with personality. Just someone I can have fun with." In saying that however, she does admit that "they've got to be handsome, but if he's a handsome hunk but it's like talking to a brick wall and I'd rather watch paint dry, it's not going to be great.” We love a woman who knows what she wants!
Jake Cornish, 24 from Weston-super-Mare, Water Engineer
After being in a relationship for seven years that ended when lockdown hit, Jake is now entering the dating scene once more, in a completely different time of his life than he was used to the last time he ventured in! So, what’s he looking for in a woman?
"Looks wise, always gone for blondes," he says. "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.” He says that Billie Faiers is his ideal woman, but something tells us she won’t be rocking up to the villa anytime soon!
Kaz Kamwi, 26 from Essex, Fashion Blogger
Describing herself as "fun, dramatic, spontaneous" and "friendly as well", this "light-hearted" fashion blogger describes life as one big "party" and admits she will never be confused for the "mum in the group”!
Kaz is a big fan of meeting new people and says that now she is "ready to be in a relationship", but doesn't want anybody cheap! She says her worst date was with a guy who asked her out for dinner at a restaurant where he was 'mystery dining'. She explains: "I will never get over the fact that he made me pay, while he got to eat for free and he made me sit there while he did his review!" Yikes, not a great dating experience at all!
Toby Aromolaran, 22 from Essex, Semi-Pro Footballer
"I've never been in a relationship" says Toby, who will be hoping to experience his first with the whole of the United Kingdom watching! Having played football since being six years old, he says that the career has "really come into a new light for the past year since I joined a team called Hashtag United”.
Though he hasn’t really spoken much about the type of romantic partner he’ll go for in the villa, as someone who describes themselves as “always seeing the bright side in the worst situations”, we’re sure he’s going to be going into the villa with an open mind and a smile throughout.
Chloe Burrows, 25 from Bicester, Financial Services Marketing Executive
Admitting to being in "awful situationships" in the past, Chloe is now going into the villa hoping to find a man with "a good build" as well as a sense of humour.
She goes on to say that her ideal man is someone "really funny and caring [who] will do nice little things for you. And then obviously someone who you can depend on not to ditch you.” Saying that she is “quite a big character”, she doesn’t want to be louder than her significant other, so let’s hope there’s a few men with mighty vocal cords amongst the cast!
Brad McClelland, 26 from Northumberland, Labourer
After over a year of virtual dating, Brad is looking forward to meeting potential romantic partners face-to-face. Describing himself as "easy going" and "laid back", he has a trio of celebrity crushes - Sommer Ray, Zara McDermott and Megan Fox.
Asked what his colleagues would say about him, he reveals: "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.” Hmm… We’re not sure that’s the best attitude but, we’ll see how he can do in the show!
Faye Winter, 26 from Devon, Lettings Manager
"In the last year we haven't been able to experience anything," says Faye, who thinks that meeting someone "in the sun" would be the most "amazing" opportunity. Faye isn't just thinking about finding a partner during her time on Love Island however; she's got major ambitions for the future.
Asked where she'd like to see herself in five years from now, she replies: "I would like my own estate agency or my own charity shop. I want someone who i can go on holidays and stuff with for the next couple of years, and have a really fun time. And then start thinking about kids and serious things in three or four years' time.” Faye’s definitely got her head screwed on; we can’t wait to see her Love Island journey!
Love Island starts at 9pm Monday, June 28th on ITV2 and ITV Hub. Episodes are available the following morning on BritBox.
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