Guest column: Anna Vakili
I’ve got my fingers crossed that Love Island is able to return this summer, if the coronavirus restrictions are gradually eased. I read recently that ITV producers are looking to cast more Islanders “with brains, as well as beauty and brawn” and that can only be a good thing! It’d be great to have more doctors, lawyers, or even pharmacists – like me – on the show. Not only will it mean a more diverse cast of contestants, but it’s brilliant for young people watching to be inspired in that way. We know the huge impact Love Island stars can have – some leave the villa having amassed millions of social media followers and with brand collaboration opportunities. I get young girls messaging me about a variety of things, including my job. I do think it’s important to shine a spotlight on educational influencers, too, so that rather than younger viewers only aspiring to look glamorous, they can think, “I’d like to follow in their footsteps, and do what they do.”
This past year, amid the COVID19 pandemic, I feel there’s been a real shift in the public perception of some reality stars. My fellow Islander Dr Alex George has shown it is possible to use the public platform it gives you in a positive way, and is now ow an NHS frontline hero after returning to the A&E department he works at in London’s Lewisham hospital. More recently, he’s been appointed as youth mental health ambassador for the government to help improve youngsters’ mental wellbeing.
As well as more varied careers, I’d also like to see producers include a more diverse range of ethnicities and sexualities. I was probably one of the first Middle Easterners to go on the show, and I was in the fifth season. I think it would be great if they could cast the net wider and promote diversity and inclusiveness even more. It’ll be interesting to see the lineup come July – if it’s allowed to go ahead that is.
Check out Anna’s Select Fashion collaboration at Selectfashion.co.uk/vakili-sisters