‘Now fans ask me about my y job, rather than my outfit’
Nurse Rachel
Fenton, 27, left the villa in 2016 with now ex-boyfriend Rykard Jenkins. And while a career as an influencer beckoned, she chose to return within weeks to her role as an orthopaedic nurse at a busy hospital in southwest London.
Rachel says, “I really enjoyed my time on Love Island, but after leaving the villa, I knew I could never give up nursing. So many people said to me, ‘Why don’t you pursue a career in influencing?’ But I didn’t ever consider not going back to work. Nursing is my vocation – it’s what I love to do.
“It’s great that the NHS is getting so much recognition and praise right now. Over the last few weeks, I’ve had so many young girls message me to ask about how to get into nursing and what they can do to help, rather than where my outfit is from. It feels so refreshing.
“The last few weeks have been a learning curve – I’ve been working in a different department to where I’d usually be, as I’m filling in for colleagues who have moved to work with coronavirus patients.
“I actually tested positive for COVID-19 in March, which was crazy. I remember feeling something was not quite right, but other than that, I had no symptoms. I spent two weeks isolating at home, before returning to work. I feel really happy I’m back helping.
“I think there should be a shift towards reality stars being praised for their achievements, rather than superficial looks. We should look up to people for their kindness, their empathy, and for what they’re doing to help the world.
“They could always do a future Love Island with just doctors and nurses – that would be amazing!”