Who would I invite to Love Island? Justin Bieber and David Attenborough
Three of this year’s Love Island contestants tell RACHAEL DAVIS about looking for love in the villa on the eleventh series of the ITV dating show
READY for another hot summer? As the countdown begins to this year’s Love Island, the scorching dating show that keeps Brits glued to their TVs on summer evenings, it’s time to cancel your plans and get ready for an eleventh series of banter and grafting.
As ever, a group of charismatic singles from across the UK will face chats, challenges and firepit revelations as they try to find love and avoid being dumped, ultimately hoping to win over the public and take home the £50,000 prize as well as the new love of their lives.
This year’s contestants are preparing for their time in the the villa, with host Maya Jama returning to Mallorca to stir the pot and keep things juicy.
This summer’s series is coming fresh off the back of winter’s Love Island: All Stars, which saw Molly Smith and Tom Clare, who were previously contestants on the sixth and ninth series respectively, couple up and take the crown.
Love Island has seen its share of success stories – series two’s Olivia and Alex Bowen are married, and series five’s Tommy Fury and MollyMae Hague now have a daughter – but there have been plenty of break-ups too: sometimes the villa’s spark of first love just burns too bright.
Hoping to bring an end to their singledom are a fresh new bunch of attractive young Islanders, including 25-year-old model Ayo Odukoya from Canning Town in London, 26-year-old makeup artist Samantha Kenny from Liverpool and 21-year-old surveyor Ciaran Davies from Pencoed, south Wales.
Let’s hear what they’re bringing to the villa this summer.
What makes you a catch?
Ayo: I feel like the way I carry myself is very respectful and I think people take to that... The way I am gives off a good enough energy for people to feel comfortable around me. Samantha: I think the guys will be drawn to me as I’m outgoing and very easy to get along with. I’m confident, naturally funny and glam. I think they will like my chat! Ciaran: The height, beard and Welsh accent usually works a charm.
Why are you single?
Ayo: There is a lot going on with talking to other people, and trying to find the connection you had before, or talking to new people, and it’s just not working out, in terms of being compatible or not fitting. I’ve talked to people and felt a way about them but I just haven’t been able to fully commit to that situation yet.
Samantha: I don’t get out enough. I work weekends and tend to not go out in Liverpool anymore. If I want a night out I go down to London as I love the boys down south. Tall, dark and Cockney is my type.
Ciaran: Probably because I’m selective about who I speak to. Dating in my area is also hard because it’s small, so everyone knows each other or is someone’s ex.
What’s your type on paper?
Ayo: I think someone with morals is massive to me, and who is very grounded and humble. Samantha: I want someone career driven, funny and loyal. Loyalty is the most important thing to me. Ciaran: Obviously looks, but humour is a big thing for me – I’m a bit of a wind up so I want a girl who can give it back. Loyalty is another one for me, I think that’s the most important thing to look for in a relationship.
What do you think you’ll bring to the villa?
I’ll definitely have a laugh as well as bringing some Scouse glamour...
Ayo: I think I’d bring excitement and joy. I think people would have someone to come to and talk to and feel comfortable being around or to have a laugh with. I think I’m somebody everyone would take to. Samantha: I think I will definitely bring some fire, I’m very opinionated and wear my heart on my sleeve.
I’m really bubbly too so I’ll definitely have a laugh as well as bringing some Scouse glamour.
Ciaran: A lot of energy, laughs and good vibes. I’m really friendly and approachable so I’ll definitely get on with all the guys and girls.
How would your friends and family describe you?
Samantha
Ayo: They would say I’m very loveable, funny, a bit crazy sometimes, but a very kind and relaxed person. Samantha: They’d say I’m fun, outgoing, confident and a bit unpredictable.
Ciaran: Funny, loud, kind and polite.
If you could bring any celebrity to the villa with you, who would you choose?
Samantha: Justin Bieber because he’s hot! I’d also like to have David Attenborough with me because he’s really clever, and Olivia Attwood because I think she’s hysterical. Ciaran: Madison Beer, she is one of the most beautiful women in the world. I’d also have to bring David Attenborough as I’d like to sit with him and hear all of his stories. Justin Bieber would also be great, I’d have him in the villa so he could entertain us all.
Love Island starts on ITV1, ITV2 and ITVX on Monday, at 9pm