‘My life’s ambition is to be a lingerie model’
Love Island bombshell Rebecca Gormley on how she failed to meet her match and why women shouldn’t always worry about girl code
Whichever side of the fence you sit on when it comes to Love Island’s Rebecca Gormley, there’s no denying she’s refreshingly honest. And when we catch up with her, just hours after she’s landed back in the UK, the 21-year-old Geordie shoots from the hip.
Rebecca entered the villa as a late “bombshell” contestant, setting the boys’ temperatures soaring with a sexy lap dance. She then went on to ruffle feathers by coupling up with Connagh Howard, Luke Trotman and Wallace Wilson, before turning her attention to Casa Amor’s Jordan Waobikeze.
But it wasn’t meant to be and the pair were dumped, going on to say they may be better off as friends.
So what’s going on? The former Miss Newcastle reveals the behind-the-scenes secrets and why she’s still on the lookout for her very own Christian Grey…
Hi Rebecca.You’ve had a crazy few weeks...
From start to finish, it’s been amazing. I’ve never laughed so much. When I went in there, I thought it would be pretty staged, but it wasn’t. Everything was so real. Whatever choice you wanted to make, you could.
How was it being a “bombshell”?
I don’t know what girl wouldn’t want that entrance! To have the opportunity to enter the villa like that was such a buzz. Don’t get me wrong, I was so nervous. But as soon as I got out there and saw them all, it was an amazing feeling.
Did you have your eye on any of the guys?
I had a top three – Mike, Callum and Connagh. But when I got to the top of the stairs, I didn’t know if I was going left or right. My nerves really took over. I felt really welcomed by the guys.
And the girls?
They were all looking at me over the balcony, gobsmacked. But once I met them, it was all good. Believe it or not, Shaughna was most welcoming – bearing in mind I danced on Callum first! But as time went on I was closest with Jess and Siânnise. Jess because she could relate to my situation – going in as a bombshell. And Siânnise is just a really lovely girl. One of the nicest in there.
Will you be avoiding anyone on the outside?
No. At the beginning I felt like there was a divide – either me, Jess and Siânnise, or me floating about. But once things were out in the open and they knew I wasn’t going to steal their men, they put their guards down. We became a big group of girls.
You got stick for not having girl code.What’s your take on that?
If it’s your best mate, then girl code all the way. But if it’s a girl I’ve only met a few times, I don’t necessarily see it. I have no loyalty to that girl.The whole thing got blown out of proportion. I’d only known them for four days! I went to the villa to find love, so the first thing on my mind wasn’t girl code, it was finding a man.
Why did none of your couplings work out?
I got to know a few guys but there was always something missing. I’m really loud and silly and I need someone who’s on the same level as me.They were lovelylooking guys, but I wanted someone who ticked all the boxes. I’m looking for someone I can have a laugh with, but also see a future with.
What went wrong with Jordan?
When I first saw Jordan I thought,“Oh my God! He’s my type on paper.” Then I spoke to him and it was nice.
But as I saw the other couples progress, I felt like we’d got to a friend stage. It came to a standstill. Our personalities are very different. I know people say opposites attract, but on this occasion the sexual attraction was there, but I didn’t see anything beyond that.
Were there any other guys who took your fancy?
If I had to pick anyone, it would probably be Callum. But when I was speaking to him in the villa, there was nothing there.
‘I’m looking for someone I can have a laugh with and see a future with’
Last year’s winner, Amber Gill, has said you’re a bit “full-on” and usually go for older men. How do you respond?
I don’t know what she means… I’m not full-on at all. She knows a guy I used to be with, who was older, but I’ve only spoken to her a handful of times.
Did your background in beauty pageants help on the show?
Pageants really helped me gain confidence and my entrance on Love Island took a lot of that, so it really helped. It also helps your social skills as you’re talking to people constantly, and speaking out in front of people. I’d recommend pageants to any girl.
What’s next for you?
I do part-time modelling but I want to do it full-time, potentially going down the lingerie route.
Are you still looking for love?
I’m always looking for that Christian Grey!