Sunshine, social media and flirting – get ready for Love Island 2021
As hit ITV2 reality series Love Island returns to our screens for the summer, Danielle de Wolfe takes a look at this year’s contestants
After an extended pandemic-induced break of more than a year, ITV2’S Love Island is officially back for 2021, complete with an all new line-up of contestants ready to take the villa by storm.
Fronted by returning host Laura Whitmore, 36, the Irish presenter will be joined by the instantly recognisable voice of Love Island, her partner Iain Stirling, 33, as the pair guide us through the head-turning antics and tearjerking heartbreaks.
Regarded as a one-stop train to fame by many prospective applicants, it’s a show that harnesses the power of social media (and lust) to full effect, boosting Instagram profiles while providing TV entertainment.
The new series comes as ITV announced brand new duty of care protocols following the intense scrutiny surrounding the deaths of former Love Island contestants Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis. Islanders will now be offered therapy sessions, social media and financial management training, mental and physical health screenings, alongside extensive aftercare following their stint in the villa.
Direct from Mallorca, the latest series is sure to provide respite from the grey skies of British summer time – and the villa has a firepit and beach hut to envy too.
Here, we take a closer look at this year’s participants.
Aaron Francis, 24
The first Islander to be announced, London-based model and luxury events host Aaron, has “been single for about six or seven months”. Accustomed to rubbing shoulders with celebrities, he was recently a host at Princess Beatrice’s wedding, noting: “It was nice and intimate.
Everyone’s chill.”
He adds: “In my job you meet a lot of famous people… unless you’re Beyoncé, I’m not really interested.”
Sharon Gaffka, 25
Hailing from Oxford, Sharon is a former operations lead at the Department for Transport and describes herself as the “most outrageous” member of her friendship group.
“I tend to date someone who is taller than me… 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.”
Liberty Poole, 21
Direct from Birmingham, Nando’s waitress and marketing student Liberty describes herself as “a bit of a social butterfly”, having already received a proposal and a “cute” napkin folded into
the shape of a rose whilst at work.
“I like tall, alpha male, confident, a cheeky chappie sort of guy. But obviously that’s always usually combined with player types, which is where I go wrong.”
Hugo Hammond, 24
The first physically disabled Love Islander, Hampshirebased PE teacher Hugo has represented his country at cricket, having played for England PD (Physical Disability) in the past.
“I’ve been to Bangladesh, Dubai, I’ve been everywhere to play cricket. I was born with club foot. I had lots of operations when I was a kid. You can only really tell when I walk barefoot.”
Shannon Singh, 22
Hoping to meet an “meet an exciting hunk”, Fife-based model Shannon says her teen glamour modelling days are “nothing to be ashamed of ”.
“I don’t feed off looks, I feed off energy, I need someone with personality… 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, 24
A man that has “always gone for blondes” and cites his dream woman as former Towie star Billie Faiers, Weston-super-mare-based water engineer Jake says he was fresh out of a seven-year relationship when lockdown hit.
“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.”
Kaz Kamwi, 26
Essex-based fashion blogger Kaz describes herself as “dramatic” and “spontaneous”, noting that she’s anything but “the mum” in her friendship group.
“I’m ready to be in a relationship. Why not be in a place where people are looking for the same things as me?”
Brad Mcclelland, 26
Northumberland-based labourer Brad says his work colleagues would probably describe him as someone who tries to “make as much money as I can by doing as little as possible”.
“I want to date face-to-face, I like meeting people. I’m easy going, laid back. Who wouldn’t want to be in a nice villa in a hot country for a while?”
Chloe Burrows, 25
Heading to the island from Bicester, Oxfordshire, financial services marketing executive Chloe says she has found herself in “awful ‘situationships’” in the past, describing herself as “quite bubbly”.
“I am quite a big character and quite loud… I could never be with someone who is quiet.”
Toby Aromolaran, 22
Arriving from Essex, semiprofessional footballer Toby plays for Hashtag United and says he’s “optimistic” and always tries to see “the bright side in the worst situations”, as well as labelling himself a “responsible guy”.
“I’ve never been in a relationship. I thought, ‘If Love Island can’t find me a relationship then no-one can.”
Faye Winter, 26
Originally from Devon, lettings manager Faye says she dreams of having her “own estate agency”, noting she’s leaving “kids and serious things” until she’s three or four years into a relationship.
“I’ve actually only taken a sabbatical from work because in my ideal world, I’d love to go back… I try to make it as Selling Sunset as possible. I’m definitely there in the mini dresses, boobs out, bum out.”
● Love Island starts at 9pm Monday June 28 on ITV2 and ITV Hub, with all episodes available the following morning on Britbox.