Love Island fans have praised the returning show for its inclusivity after the first two Islanders were confirmed on Monday.
So often criticised for a perceived lack of ethnic diversity, the ITV2 show was applauded across social media after London based beautician Ruchee Gurung was unveiled as a new contestant.
The 24-year old was confirmed alongside partially deaf semi-professional footballer Tyrique Hyde, and their inclusion prompted a unanimously positive response from viewers of the hit show.
Taking to Twitter, one impressed fan wrote: ‘Haven’t seen diversity like this on a show since britains got talent.’ [sic]
Elsewhere a second viewer agreed, albeit with a sage warning, adding: ‘Great to finally see some diversity within the love Island line up. Ruchee looks incredible. I think she’ll be really sweet as well.
Well done: Love Island fans have praised the returning show for its inclusivity after the first two Islanders were confirmed on Monday
Hitting the right notes: So often criticised for a perceived lack of ethnic diversity, the ITV2 show was applauded across social media following the announcement of its first contestants
‘I just hope she finds a nice boy to match now as we all know on this show the nice girls always get their heart broken.’
Seemingly echoing the thoughts of many, a third wrote: ‘Finally someone that’s a different ethnicity.’
While a fourth quipped: ‘Asian???? Oh, maybe y’all did a good casting.’
Another added: ‘QUEENIE, finally some asian representation… FINALLY ASIAN REPRESENTATION… Omg she’s beautiful, we got some Asian representation hereeee… Asian representation on the show’.
Evidently in agreement, a sixth wrote: ‘the asian rep i’ve been asking for.’ [sic]
Popular: Sutton based Ruchee is already a hit with fans, weeks before she enters the villa
Getting involved: Partially deaf Tyrique is a semi-professional footballer from Essex
Already shaping up to be every inch the Islander, Ruchee regularly shares sizzling snaps on Instagram and has changed her bio on the photo-sharing site to read: ‘I’m off to find love in the @loveisland villa!’
Speaking about the show, she said: ‘I’m single and looking for love, and it’s the perfect opportunity for me to find someone… I’m a relationship kind of girl, but so far it’s not worked out. So I’m looking forward to finding the right person in the Villa.’
Tyrique meanwhile said of entering the villa that he was ready for love.
When asked about how she would ‘pitch herself’ to get somebody to date her, Ruchee said: ‘I’m really caring, when I’m with someone I’m all about them…
‘I’m also really loyal and love doing nice things for the people that are special to me. My love language is gift giving, so I’m a real giver when it comes to relationships.’
Our type on paper: Ruchee was given universal praise across social media on Monday
Don’t mind me: Already shaping up to be every inch the Islander, Ruchee regularly shares sizzling snaps on Instagram
When the announcement was shared on the official Love Island Instagram page, a host of fans delighted in the fact there would be Asian representation on the show, which has been widely criticised for lack of diversity in the past.
Regarding what gives her ‘the ick’, she confessed overly tight skinny jeans and lack of ambition sit at the top of the list: ‘Guys with no ambition…
‘I also get the ick if I see a guy wearing white jeans and red trainers. Another one is super skinny jeans when they look like leggings. Fashion is such an important thing for me. If I go on a date and the guy isn’t wearing something I like, I’m going home.’
Tyrique is also a prolific social media user and is even followed by former star of the show Danica Taylor and TOWIE star Chloe Brockett.
The summer version will see a new host of singletons travel to Majorca and stay in a luxurious villa for two months.
Maya took over from Laura Whitmore to present series nine of the reality show.
A TV source told The Sun : ‘ITV have already lined up the islanders who will be heading to the show’s villa in Majorca. The cast will fly out late next month ready for the show to begin in just eight weeks.’
They continued: ‘Maya [Jama] is chomping at the bit to get to work on this series too. Having her on board has given Love Island a real boost and it’s expected that ratings will soar.’
Love Island currently airs twice a year on ITV2 and they are also preparing to air a middle-aged version of the show – dubbed The Romance Retreat.
Love Island starts at 9pm Monday 5th June on ITV2 and ITVX.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk