Maya Jama is ready to turn up the heat and serve some sensational looks when the show returns next Monday.
The television presenter, 28, is making a comeback for the summer season, which will be her second series of the ITV2 dating programme.
Ahead of the show launch, the full line-up – including a Coronation Street star’s daughter, top model, deaf footballer and lip filler expert – was revealed, and host Maya can’t wait to see them set foot in the villa in Majorca.
Speaking ahead of the show launch, the star has admitted ‘the pressure is on for my stylist’ as she plans on upping her fashion game.
She said of the new series: ‘It feels so exciting, I was full of nerves for my first series because I was wondering what it would be like. Now, I know I feel really ready and excited, I just can’t wait to get started!
Sizzling: Maya Jama, 28, is ready to turn up the heat and serve some sensational looks when the show returns next Monday
Back with a bang! The television presenter is making a comeback for the summer season, which will be her second series of the ITV2 dating programme (pictured for the winter series in January)
‘Now there’s a bit more of an expectation, I just want to make sure that I live up to that expectation again…. The pressure is on for my stylist because the dresses did very well last series!’
On what viewers can expect to see her wear this series, she added: ‘We haven’t decided yet, but I’ve said that I want to look beachy, sexy and fun. I’d say “Ibiza summer” is the vibe I’m going for.’
And she is hoping to make a big entrance for what will be series 10, having suggested her favourite slow-mo song to walk in to: ‘It would depend on the atmosphere of what I was walking in for, I really like the song Maria Maria by Santana, I feel like that could be good.’
Love Island is set to return on June 5 and with a week to go, it has been revealed that beautician Ruchee Gurung, 24, from Sutton, semi-pro footballer Tyrique Hyde, 24, from Essex, and actress Molly Marsh, 24, from Yorkshire are joining the villa.
Following on from the trio are George Fensom, 24, a Business Development Executive from Bedford and ‘fun, flirty and chatty’ Catherine Agbaje, 22, a Commercial Real Estate Agent haling from Dublin.
Upping the hunk factor on the show is French model Mehdi Edno, 26, who producers are said to be will be the next Davide Sanclimenti, while Glaswegian model Ella Thomas 23, is also set to bring her award-winning looks to the villa.
The next contenders for love include gas engineer Michel Taylor, 26, from Sheffield, London-native Jess Harding, 22, who is an Aesthetics Practitioner and economics graduate and clothing brand entrepreneur Andre Furtado, 21, from Dudley.
And Maya has revealed what she thinks makes a great Islander, explaining: ‘I think being super confident and not afraid of going after what you want is a great way to be, you have to really want to find someone, but not be afraid of stepping on people’s toes in order to get them.’
In style: Speaking ahead of the show launch, the star has admitted ‘the pressure is on for my stylist’ as she plans on upping her fashion game (pictured for the winter series in January)
Fashion focus: ‘The pressure is on for my stylist because the dresses did very well last series!’,’ she said of her show outfits (pictured for the winter series in January)
Turning up the heat: On what viewers can expect to see her wear this series, she added: ‘We haven’t decided yet, but I’ve said that I want to look beachy, sexy and fun’
Meanwhile, Maya is looking forward to returning to spin-off show Aftersun to present alongside former show star Indiyah Polack and ex Made In Chelsea regular Sam Thompson.
She said: ‘Us as a little trio have formed a really nice bond and friendship, which is only going to get stronger. We know each other well and everything we did last series went well, so I’m excited to add even more to it. More opinions, more fun, more vibes!’
The list of confirmed Islanders set to join the show, with the group all changing their social media bios to read: ‘I’m off to find love in the @loveisland villa!’
Like former contestant Tasha Amber Ghouri, Tyrique is deaf, with the sportsman lacking hearing in one ear – something he has honoured with a tattoo.
Diversity on the show has frequently been called in to question, so the inclusion of disabled contestants and people of colour was lauded when the announcements were made, with fans delighting in Asian representation from Ruchee.
Already shaping up to be every inch the Islander, Ruchee regularly shares sizzling snaps on Instagram, on which her name is listed as Wawo’.
First Love Island stars REVEALED: Beautician Ruchee Gurung, 24, from Sutton and Tyrique Hyde, a 24-year-old semi pro footballer from Essex, were the first on the the list of sexy singles revealed to be entering the villa for 2023 summer series
Stunner: Actress Molly Marsh is also headed into the villa
He’s in! Following on from the trio is George Fensom, 24, a Business Development Executive from Bedford, 24, who is also looking for love on the show
Hunky: Upping the hunk factor on the show is French model Mehdi Edno, 26, who producers are said to be will be the next Davide Sancliment, after the Italian Stallion won the last series with Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
Stunner: Glaswegian model Ella Thomas 23, is also set to bring her award-winning looks to the villa while hunky Mitchel Taylor is vowing to bring his gentlemanly charm
Fill it up! London-native Jess Harding, 22, is an Aesthetics Practitioner
Here he is: Economics graduate and clothing brand entrepreneur Andre Furtado, 21, from Dudley has signed up
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.’
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.’
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.
Delighted fans penned: ‘QUEENIE, finally some asian representation… FINALLY ASIAN REPRESENTATION… Omg she’s beautiful, we got some Asian representation hereeee… Asian representation on the show’.
Hot stuff: The ITV2 reality show is set to return on June 5 and with just one week to go, it has been announced that Ruchee Gurung – a 24-year-old beautician from Sutton – is the first star to be officially confirmed to join the summer’s hottest show
Hot stuff! Away from her stint in the villa, Ruchee regularly shares sizzling snaps on Instagram, on which her name is listed as Wawo, and has changed her bio on the photosharing site to read: ‘I’m off to find love in the @loveisland villa!’
Wow! Ruchee (pictured in December) looks incredible in her sizzling snaps, which give fans a taste of what they will see in the villa
Yay! 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.
Asked what he would tell his co-stars, he said: ‘That I’m deaf in my right ear. I’ve got a tattoo next to my left one that symbolises strength and power in my good one.’
On what he’ll bring to the show, the sportsman delightedly stated: ‘I’ll bring vibes, confidence, good energy and honesty. I don’t sit on the fence, if I have an opinion I will speak up. I’m also not afraid to go after what I want.’
Handsome: Tyrique posed up a storm in his promo pictures for the new show
Hunky: 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
Hunky: He is the second star to be confirmed for the hit show
Former star: Like former contestant Tasha Amber Ghouri, Tyrique is deaf, with the sportsman lacking hearing in one ear – something he has honoured with a tattoo
Molly’s entrance on to the show was first reported earlier this month. The stunner already boasts a whopping 26k followers on Instagram and her mum Janet has enjoyed roles in a string of British soaps including Corrie.
Janet has graced the famous cobbles many a time, in three roles all within the medical profession.
She’s thought to have caught the producers’ eyes after taking a tour of the winter villa in January. Her grid on the photo sharing platform is littered with snaps from her trip to the South African mansion, including in the beach hut and fire pit.
Molly said of her claims to fame: ‘With my job being in social media, I’ve had some amazing opportunities to go on press trips and I’ve actually been out to the Love Island Villas in Mallorca and South Africa…
‘Having the experience to walk around both was amazing but to now actually live in the Villa is going to be incredible.
Hot stuff: The actress has already had a taste of fame
Stunner: Molly boasts a whopping number of social media followers before even entering the villa – an accolade most stars achieve after the show
Work on it: She already has links to the world of celebrity
Gorgeous: Molly’s entrance on to the show was first reported earlier this month. The stunner already boasts a whopping 26k followers on Instagram and her mum Janet has enjoyed roles in a string of British soaps
New recruit: She’s thought to have caught the producers’ eyes after taking a tour of the winter villa in January
George meanwhile said of the three most important things he looks for in a partner: ‘I want them to be passionate about something, whether it’s a job or enjoying trips to the zoo on Saturdays…
‘I prefer a girl who is naturally good looking, and someone who has even more banter than me- although I don’t believe that’s physically possible. I think those three qualities make for a perfect mix in a partner.’
When asked how his family would describe him, he went on: ‘I’m the first person to bring the vibe up, I’m always dancing, I’m always the one who wants to go out. My go-to dance move is what I call the Dad Dance, I’m gonna bring dad jokes and dad dancing to the Villa.’
George said of his dream celebrity Islanders: ‘I’m going to go with a little sweetheart called Megan Fox, if you’ve seen Transformers…
‘The second would be Anne Hegerty from The Chase, I wouldn’t crack on with her but I’d have a laugh with her. I’d also like Nigella Lawson to cook something sexy.
Hunky: George meanwhile said of the three most important things he looks for in a partner : ‘I want them to be passionate about something, whether it’s a job or enjoying trips to the zoo on Saturdays’
Hunky: George already boasts 2218 followers on social media with numbers undoubtedly set to mount as the show goes on
Chatting away: George said of his dream celebrity Islanders: ‘I’m going to go with a little sweetheart called Megan Fox, if you’ve seen Transformers’
The next star to be unveiled is Catherine, 22, who is from Dublin and has a job as a Commercial Real Estate Agent.
Her Instagram account shows Catherine – named as Cathy on the site – lives the high life, with glamorous holidays, chic ensembles and swanky meals.
On how her friends would describe her, she detailed: ‘Someone who is fun and a loving character. They know I have so much love to give. I’m always smiling, I’m always happy, I’m always laughing. You’ll always see me with a smile on my face.’
When asked about what people would not know about her, Catherine said: ‘My teeth are real, people always think they are veneers! I had braces when I was younger…
‘I have two degrees, I have my undergrad and my masters in Psychology and Sociology and Real Estate.’
Hot stuff: The next star to be unveiled is Catherine, 22, who is from Dublin and has a job as a Commercial Real Estate Agent
Nice! Her Instagram account shows Catherine – named as Cathy on the site – lives the high life, with glamorous holidays, chic ensembles and swanky meals.
Stunner: On how her friends would describe her, she detailed: ‘Someone who is fun and a loving character. They know I have so much love to give. I’m always smiling, I’m always happy, I’m always laughing. You’ll always see me with a smile on my face’
Next in the line-up is hunky French model and communications manager Mehdi Edno.
Mehdi is said to be ‘the definition of tall, dark and handsome’ and he certainly isn’t shy about flaunting his looks on social media.
In addition to posting brooding selfies to his 200 followers, the jet-setting European often shares snaps from his adventure-seeking, far-flung getaways.
When asked if her was ready to find ‘the one’, Mehdi said: Yes. I’ve been busy for the last few years with work, and doing my Masters degree but now I’m done with the busy schedule, and ready to find love.
Revealing what he does to get somebody to date him, he added: ‘I’d simply start by speaking French, that usually gets girls interested’, while he also listed what’s important for him in a partner.
He said: ‘Looks are important but they aren’t everything, a good sense of humour and someone who is outgoing and up for an adventure is what I’m looking for.
Hunky: Next in the line-up is hunky French model Mehdi Edno
Hot stuff: He shares a slew of sexy snaps on his Instagram account
Check me out! Revealing what he does to get somebody to date him, he added: ‘I’d simply start by speaking French, that usually gets girls interested’
Bonjour! Upping the hunk factor on the show is French model Mehdi who producers are said to be will be the next Davide Sancliment, after the Italian Stallion won the last series with Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
Winning formula: Davide Sancliment won the last series with Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
Another model on the roster is stunning Glaswegian beauty Ella Thomas, 23, who has been lined up to join the islanders.
Speaking about her claims to fame, she said: ‘I’ve been in a Headie One and Burna Burna Boy music video and I was once an extra in World War Z. I was 12 years old when I filmed it and got to meet Brad Pitt which was cool.’
Detailing her hook for the boys, she said: ‘I’m the whole package, I know what I want in life and I’ve got a big heart. I’d let the boys know that I’m wifey material so don’t play with me!’
She was named female model of the year at a Scottish media awards last October.
Stunner: Another model on the roster is stunning Glaswegian beauty Ella Thomas, 23, who has been lined up to join the islanders
Sizzling: Ella is known for showing off her figure on social media
Sizzling: She was named female model of the year at a Scottish media awards last October
Bombshell: News of her signing came earlier this month
Hunky Mitchel said of the reasons somebody would want to date him: ‘I thrive on being a gentleman. I’ll shower you with flowers, I’ll take you on dates…
‘I’ll fill your bedside drawer with your favourite sweets and chocolate. I’ve been single, I’ve had my fun and now I want to settle down’.
Despite his smooth ways, he conceded on why he is single: ‘I’m just really picky. I’ve got to find the girl that I want to marry and have kids with. I’m nearly 27, I don’t want to play the field anymore, I want to find the one.’
As for ‘The Ick’, Mitchel went on: ‘Food in your teeth and counting coins in your hand- when a girl stands at the bar counting out the coins to pay for a drink, it’s not for me!’
Nice! Hunky Mitchel said of the reasons somebody would want to date him: ‘I thrive on being a gentleman. I’ll shower you with flowers, I’ll take you on dates’
Amazing: Mitchel’s Instagram account shows his passion for travel and nights on the town
Why are you single?! Despite his smooth ways, he conceded on why he is single: ‘I’m just really picky. I’ve got to find the girl that I want to marry and have kids with. I’m nearly 27, I don’t want to play the field anymore, I want to find the one’
Jess is also in the line-up. The blonde beauty, who owns Candy Aesthetics, is set to be one of ‘the most glamorous islanders ever’.
The Londoner already boasts a whopping 25k followers on Instagram and regularly shares snaps of herself holidaying in sunny destinations such as Thailand and Dubai.
Body confident Jess – who earns her living injecting filler – also isn’t shy of showing off her figure, with her social media littered with jaw-dropping bikini shots.
Ahead of entering the villa, she of why she is dateable: ‘Firstly I think I’ve got quite a big personality and I’ve got a heart of gold. I can stand up for myself if I need to. I’m honest, and I love, love. I’m also a really good girlfriend.’
When asked why she is single, Jess mused: ‘Because every boy is giving me the ick at the moment. I feel like it’s fate because I’m saving myself for Mr Right in the Villa!’
Sizzler! Jess is also in the line-up. The blonde beauty, who owns Candy Aesthetics, is set to be one of ‘the most glamorous islanders ever’
Stunner: The Londoner already boasts a whopping 25k followers on Instagram and regularly shares snaps of herself holidaying in sunny destinations such as Thailand and Dubai
Pump it up: Jess revealed her passion lies in giving lip fillers
And on the ick she is getting, she specified: ‘When a guy stunts for money, that’s an ick. Showing off all their designer clothes because most of the time they’re probably fake anyway!…
‘Another one is when a boy runs for the train and the train goes without him. Lunch Boxes also – just go to Tesco and get a meal deal!
Following on from Jess is hunky graduate and clothing brand entrepreneur Andre.
And the eligible bachelor will easily impress his fellow Islanders after finishing his three-year long degree in business economics and being the co-founder of fashion line Social Kids.
The singleton, whose clothing brand already has 17.5K followers on Instagram, is preparing to enter the Majorcan villa.
Smouldering: Following on from Jess is hunky graduate and clothing brand entrepreneur Andre
Popular: The singleton, whose clothing brand already has 17.5K followers on Instagram, is preparing to enter the Majorcan villa
Charmer: When asked what he’ll bring to the villa, he said: ‘I’m charming, I’m going to bring good looks and some language lessons. I’m going to teach the other Islanders Portuguese, Spanish and a little bit of Creole. I think I’ve got every slice of the pie’
When asked what he’ll bring to the villa, he said: ‘I’m charming, I’m going to bring good looks and some language lessons. I’m going to teach the other Islanders Portuguese, Spanish and a little bit of Creole. I think I’ve got every slice of the pie.’
In the midst of his charm, is also the problem with falling hard and fast in love: ‘I would say I fall too quickly to be honest. When I look at beautiful ladies, before I’ve said hello to them I’ve already fallen in love. I’m already planning the wedding.’
He also stated what his ideal ‘money no object’ first date would be, saying: ‘I would love to go strawberry picking, I’d want to have a field spelt out in her name, then I’d have to ask her to be my girlfriend. So I’d like to plant a field full of strawberries.’
Love Island starts at 9pm Monday 5th June on ITV2 and ITVX.
MEET THE ISLANDERS
Ruchee Gurung
NAME: Ruchee Gurung
AGE: 24
FROM: Sutton
OCCUPATION: Beautician
WHY ENTER THE VILLA? 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 for me.
WHY DATE ME? 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
Tyrique Hyde
NAME: Tyrique Hyde
AGE: 24
FROM: Essex
OCCUPATION: Footballer
WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? I’ll bring vibes, confidence, good energy and honesty. I don’t sit on the fence, if I have an opinion I will speak up. I’m also not afraid to go after what I want
CLAIM T0 FAME? Toby Aromolaran is one of my best friends, we grew up together and were in the same class at school
Molly Marsh
NAME: Molly Marsh
AGE: 24
FROM: Yorkshire
OCCUPATION: Actress
WHY LOVE ISLAND AND WHY NOW? I think it’s ideal timing and the perfect way to find someone.
I don’t go out and party and I don’t use dating apps, I’m actually quite old-fashioned, so there’s no better way to meet someone than by going into a Villa in the sun with the potential ‘one’ in there.
George Fensom
NAME: George Fensom
AGE: 24
FROM: Bedford
OCCUPATION: Business Development Executive
HOW WOULD YOUR FAMILY DESCRIBE YOU? I’m the first person to bring the vibe up, I’m always dancing, I’m always the one who wants to go out. My go-to dance move is what I call the Dad Dance, I’m gonna bring dad jokes and dad dancing to the Villa.’
Catherine Agbaje
NAME: Catherine Agbaje
AGE: 22
FROM: Dublin
OCCUPATION: Commercial Real Estate Agent
HOW WOULD FAMILY AND FRIENDS DESCRIBE YOU? Someone who is fun and a loving character. They know I have so much love to give.
I’m always smiling, I’m always happy, I’m always laughing. You’ll always see me with a smile on my face.’
Mehdi Edno
NAME: Mehdi Edno
AGE: 26
FROM: Bordeaux/London
OCCUPATION: Communications Manager/Model
ARE YOU READY TO FIND THE ONE? Yes. I’ve been busy for the last few years with work, and doing my Masters degree but now I’m done with the busy schedule, and ready to find love.
THREE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO HAVE IN A PARTNER? Looks are important but they aren’t everything, a good sense of humour and someone who is outgoing and up for an adventure is what I’m looking for.
NAME: Ella Thomas
AGE: 23
FROM: Glasgow
OCCUPATION: Model
WHAT’S YOUR CLAIM TO FAME? I’ve been in a Headie One and Burna Burna Boy music video and I was once an extra in World War Z. I was 12 years old when I filmed it and got to meet Brad Pitt which was cool.
WHY SHOULD SOMEBODY DATE YOU? I’m the whole package, I know what I want in life and I’ve got a big heart.
Mitchel Taylor
NAME: Mitchel Taylor
AGE: 26
FROM: Sheffield
OCCUPATION: Gas engineer
WHY SHOULD SOMEBODY DATE YOU? I thrive on being a gentleman. I’ll shower you with flowers, I’ll take you on dates, I’ll fill your bedside drawer with your favourite sweets and chocolate. I’ve been single, I’ve had my fun and now I want to settle down.
WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? I’m just really picky. I’ve got to find the girl that I want to marry and have kids with. I’m nearly 27, I don’t want to play the field anymore, I want to find the one.
Jess Harding
NAME: Jess Harding
AGE: 22
FROM: London
OCCUPATION: Aesthetics Practitioner
WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? Because every boy is giving me the ick at the moment. I feel like it’s fate because I’m saving myself for Mr Right in the Villa!
WHAT GIVES YOU THE ICK? When a guy stunts for money, that’s an ick. Showing off all their designer clothes because most of the time they’re probably fake anyway! Another one is when a boy runs for the train and the train goes without him. Lunch Boxes also – just go to Tesco and get a meal deal!
Andre Furtado
NAME: Andre Furtado
AGE: 21
FROM: Dudley
OCCUPATION: Economics graduate and clothing brand entrepreneur
WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? I’m charming, I’m going to bring good looks and some language lessons. I’m going to teach the other Islanders Portuguese, Spanish and a little bit of Creole. I think I’ve got every slice of the pie.
DO YOU FALL IN LOVE QUICKLY? I would say I fall too quickly to be honest. When I look at beautiful ladies, before I’ve said hello to them I’ve already fallen in love. I’m already planning the wedding.
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