‘We’re a tough act to follow’
They were the key T characters to the most successful Love Island series ever – with two million fans transfixed last summer – and Marcel Somerville and Chloe Crowhurst have some sound advice for this year’s wannabes.
Marcel, 32 – who recently split from co-star Gabby Allen after he admitted cheating on her – tells Closer, “I can’t wait for this series, it’s going to be fun to watch. I still haven’t seen last year’s show because it’s stressful watching yourself on TV. People going in this year are going to have to compete with our year – it’s going to be a tough act to follow.
“The contestants need to remember to be light-hearted and not to take anything too seriously. No one stepped forward for me on the first day, but I took it on the chin. Have fun and be chilled. Oh, and it helps if you can go in with a catchphrase, too!”
Marcel was a firm favourite in the villa last year, after doling out love advice and constantly referencing the fact he’d previously been in hip-hop group Blazin’ Squad. He and Gabby were the only couple to abstain from having sex on screen, and he says he doesn’t have any regrets about that.
He says, “I didn’t have sex in the villa
and I’ve done quite well off of that. I guess there will be more of that this year but, looking back, I’d say I’m glad I didn’t have sex on TV. It’s up to the individual, though. If you want to have sex with someone, then go for it – just be prepared for the consequences.”
Chloe, 21, was renowned for stirring the pot in dramatic situations, but she remains unapologetic and warns this year’s contestants that if they try to be false, they’ll get caught out.
She says, “Don’t go in there and pretend to be someone you’re not. Just be yourself, because people will see through it if you’re fake – no one will like you. Being real will help you get the most out of the experience. Love Island has been amazing for getting me to where I am, the profile and the followers. The experience itself was intense, but it’s led me to a great place. I’m proud to have been part of the best series ever!”
The Essex native – who failed to find love in the villa but went on to reunite with her on-off boyfriend, TOWIE star Jon Clark – says that finding fame has changed her life and insists she won’t harbour any bitterness or jealousy towards this year’s contestants.
She adds, “There’s no need for me to have any rivalry with the new girls. I’ll be nice and not bitchy, like some of the other Love Island girls were in the past. Anyway, this new series can’t be as good as last year – nothing will top that!”