Love Island 2022: The Islanders in their own words as they prepare to enter the villa

The line-up for Love Island 2022 has been revealed and among those hoping to find the one in the villa are the show’s first ever deaf contestant, Michael Owen’s daughter and a fishmonger who took a girl on a private plane for their first date.

The eighth series of the show is set to return to screens on Monday June 6, with this year’s islanders moving into a brand new villa in Mallorca.

Leading the way are model Tasha Ghouri, 23, footballing legend Michael Owen’s daughter Gemma, 19, and fishmonger Luca Bish, 23.

Also looking for love are paramedic Paige Thorne, 24, microbiologist Dami Hope, 26, hotel waitress Indiyah Polack, 23, master’s student Liam Llewellyn, 22, business owner Davide Sanclimenti, 27, pharmaceutical salesman Ikenna Ekwonna, 23, real estate agent Andrew Le Page, 27, and nanny Amber Beckford, 27.

So as Love Island prepares for its long-awaited return to screens, here is everything you need to know about this year’s sexy singletons. 

Model Tasha Ghouri from Thirsk is the show’s first ever deaf contestant and experienced her first brush with fame when she modelled for a brand while wearign her cochlear implant last year.

She explained: ‘I was in articles worldwide last year because I was modelling for a brand and my [cochlear] implant went viral on Twitter. It was in Bangladesh, America, India, so many places!’

When asked why she is single, Tasha admitted: ‘I think guys get quite intimidated by me. I’ve been on so many dates before but it just hasn’t worked out for me. I haven’t found that click with somebody yet. I think I’m waiting for that click moment and that spark, it’s all about the spark on the first date.’

Tasha has been unlucky in love so far but is hoping the villa will change things, saying: ‘My dating life has been a shambles. This is an opportunity for me to find ‘the one’ and have a great summer at the same time. 

‘I’m definitely ready for a relationship. I’m 23 now so I’m ready to get to know someone, go on holidays and travel with them.’

Describing her dating history as ‘trash’, Tasha admitted she may have to ‘step on a few toes’ to find the one for her.

She said: ‘It’s a tough one because I’m a girls’ girl but it is a dating show and I’m here to find my man. I may have to step on toes but I’ll do it in the nicest way possible.’

Gemma clearly takes after her father as the dressage rider told how she has a competitive streak viewers may see in the villa.

She said: ‘Sport has always been a big thing for me and my family. My dad was a professional football player. I’ve competed for Great Britain in dressage since I was 11-years-old. I’ve travelled all across Europe competing in big arenas in big competitions. I would say I’m very competitive.

‘[When it comes to relationships] I will always go for what I want. But at the same time, I’m not going to mess up something for someone who is in a proper relationship or get in the way of a couple if they have a genuine connection. 

She added: ‘I wouldn’t do anything to another girl that I wouldn’t be happy with them doing to me.’

The guys in the villa will have to be on their best behaviour in the villa as Gemma has a list of things that turn her off in a man.

She said: ‘A lot of things give me the ick – bad hygiene, someone whose breath smells, their hair isn’t nice or they don’t look after themselves. A few clothing items can give me the ick, like someone who wears trainers with long socks!’

Asked how would her family describe her, Gemma said: ‘I think they would say I’m very honest and a bit stubborn, straight up and a bit fiery. I can be quite protective.

‘When you get to know me, I’m quite fun but it just takes a while for that guard to come down. They would say that I can take the mick out of myself quite easily!’

Although admitting she doesn’t fall in love quickly, when she does, Gemma insisted she is loyal to the end.

She said: ‘I do think I’m a good girlfriend. I would say that once I’m in something, I’m loyal and all for that person. I don’t think my head would get turned easily.’

She added: ‘I am open to finding love, I’m wanting to have a really fun summer. I was seeing someone and then that didn’t work out so I thought, “Why not?”‘

Luca Bish from Brighton isn’t afraid to pull out all the stops to impress a girl he likes, telling how he once whisked a girl on a private plane for their first date.

He said: ‘I’ve taken a girl on a private plane for a first date. She wanted flying lessons. She flew the plane and I was in the back!’

The ladies in the villa may have their work cut out for them when trying to impress Luca as he has ‘high standards’ when it comes to romance.

Luca, who reckons his family would describe him as a ‘class clown’ and an ‘idiot’, is planning on being the jokester of the villa.

He said: ‘A lot of laughter hopefully. I like having a bit of fun, I’m not someone who takes everything too seriously. I want to have a good time there and make sure everyone else is – you don’t want anyone sulking about. 

‘I don’t think I’m a bad looking geezer but I think it comes down to personality and who can actually hold a conversation – I think I’ll be good in the Villa.’

If a girl does catch his eye, Luca won’t think twice about going after what he wants.

Describing himself as ‘proper competitive’, he said: ‘I hate losing. I’m not a homewrecker but if it’s early doors and I like that girl then I’ll go for her.’

Also looking for love is Paige from Swansea who admitted she rarely makes it past the first date when out with a guy.

Like some of her other islanders, the paramdic also warned she has a competitive streak: ‘If I really like the guy and it’s worth treading on toes for, then I will, but I wouldn’t do it just to do it. 

‘I would only do it if it was absolutely necessary and the guy was worth it. I would still stick to some sort of girl code, I’d be like, “Look gal, I know you like him too but we are both here for the same thing.”‘

Paige wanted to go on Love Island after running out of guys to date in her hometown.

She said: ‘In Swansea there is just no-one I can find, I’ve tried and there’s just nobody there anymore. I need to break out and broaden my horizons and Love Island just brings everyone together for me. I haven’t got to go out and I haven’t got to swipe. So, hopefully they can just come to.’

Asked why she is still single, Paige said: ‘I came out of a relationship and I was just so done with guys so was like, “Right, that’s it. I’m going to focus on me.”

‘Then I was like, “Ok, I’m bored now, I’m lonely and I miss love and the connection and everything else.” I’ve been on a few dates but I just haven’t clicked with anyone.’

Also looking for love is Dami from Dublin, who wanted to go on the show as a way to be ‘open to new things’.

The microbiologist believes he is a catch because of how ‘passionate’ he is, saying: ‘When I’m actually in a relationship, I think it’s a star sign thing, I’m an Aries but I’m very passionate – I always used to put that person first. 

‘If they had something they wanted to do or something they were passionate about, I’d make sure that even if it’s something I’m not talented at I’d get talented at it just so it helps them. I’m really good at being in a team and actually looking after each other.’

Ask what gives him the ‘ick’ when dating, Dami said: ‘Bad hygiene or girls that talk about money too much. I like material things myself but it can get too much. 

‘I like girls that have initiative to be like, “No I’ll get this.” Even just showing me that, I’ll still pay.’

Indiyah from London isn’t shy about her faults, admitting she has ‘commitment issues’ and is ‘picky’ when it comes to men.

The waitress is confident in her dating abilities, saying she will impress people simply by ‘being herself.

She said: ‘I feel like that’s all I need to do to impress people. I don’t think I need to fake it or you know, be too over dramatic. I’ve got quite good energy and I feel like if we are meant to connect, we will.’

Asked why she wanted to go into the villa, Indiyah said: ‘I feel like I’m at a stage in my life now where I’m ready to meet new people and start dating properly. 

‘I have been single for some time and I feel like for my generation of people, it’s quite hard to date without being influenced by social media and stuff like that. 

‘Love Island particularly is like a closed space and I think it is a great place to get to know someone oneon-one and build a real connection.’

Discussing her competitive streak, Indiyah said she takes no prisoners when it comes to romance.

She said: ‘I feel like it’s not an issue for me but I’m also not a ‘beg’. So, if I feel like you’re with somebody else or somebody else thinks they have a chance, you can p**s off! I feel like if you’re not all about me, then forget it!’ 

Although he’s only 22, Liam from South Wales is already looking for a serious relationship.

He said: ‘I think 22 is a really nice age to meet someone, you’ve got your years ahead of you so you have time to experience stuff and grow together. 

‘I think Love Island is a great opportunity to meet someone, you’re in with a load of different types, so you can get to grips with what you really like about people.’

The master’s student has been single for the last few months and is now ready for romance once more.

He said: ‘I had a long term relationship for three years which came to an end in November, since then I’ve been enjoying myself, having a little dabble here and there! I’ve been happy on my own so I’m not going into the Villa because I need to, I’m going in there because I want to.’

Asked how does he go about impressing girls, Liam said: ‘Pay them a compliment! The thing that girls quite like is that I’m not just like, “You’re mint.” I’m like, “Your eyes are piercing, I’m lost in your eyes.” Or I’ll say something like, “You’ve got nice feet” or something.’

Aside from his long-term relationship, Liam admitted he hasn’t dated much at all, saying: ‘I’ve only had one or two dates! I don’t really date, I just go out and meet girls. I’m not messaging girls like, “I want to take you out, I want to do this, I want to do that.” I meet girls naturally. If I want to see them again, I just go and see them.’

Self-proclaimed ‘Italain stallion’ Davide from Rome is very confident in his abilities to land his dream girl, saying all the girls he meets in Manchester ‘love’ him. 

He said: ‘I think Love Island is going to be so much fun. I’m going to be the Italian stallion in the Villa! With my Italian charm, I can also be a very romantic guy. 

‘I’m good looking and I’ve realised since I first arrived in Manchester, a lot of English girls actually love me. They love to be around me and I love to be around them. It’s going to be fun, I’m looking forward to it. 

‘I want to find my soulmate, find my person so I can actually build something in the future, grow with them, be a family.’

Asked if he has any memorable dating stories, Davide said: ‘I did a lot of romantic stuff for my first girlfriend when I was in Italy. I made a big quote and put it outside her house, it said, “You are one of the things for which I have fought, and I will fight for you again.”‘

Davide is hoping for something long-term out of the villa, adding: ‘My personality and my Italian charm. I’m 27 now, I’m getting serious about my life and my goals. My biggest dream is to find someone I can spend the rest of my life with.’

Ikenna from Nottingham reckons his height – 6’5 – will help him to stand out from the pack and promises to bring ‘spontaneity’ to the villa.

He said: ‘I’m single by choice I would say. It’s also pretty hard to find good looking people out there who are my type and my age so Love Island will put me in a situation where there will be people like that and hopefully that will force me to settle down.’

He added: ‘I’ve only been in one past relationship but now I think I’m at the age where I could find someone.’

Andrew, who splits his time between Guernsey and Dubai is another romantic who likes to treat a girl, revealing he once surprised his ex with a trip to Paris.

He said: ‘With my ex, we went out for dinner for her birthday. I pretended that I got her absolutely nothing and she was kind of fuming. Then I whipped out that, ‘We’re actually going to Paris tomorrow’. She was very happy with that!

‘When I’m with someone I’m very loyal, I’m a good boyfriend as when I’m with someone I’m all for them,’ the 27-year-old said, adding that now he’s ‘actually single for once’ it’s the best time to give Love Island a go.’

Asked about his competitive streak, Andrew said: ‘If they’re actually in a relationship, I’d go for someone else. If they’re just starting, I will see what I can do. If I get turned down, I get turned down. I’d just move on.’

Rounding out the contestants is Amber from London, who said she knows what she definitely doesn’t want from the Love Island guys. ‘I don’t like guys that show off,’ she said.

‘I don’t like flashy, showy-offy guys – just have a personality and make me laugh. There was this one guy and he was trying to purposefully show off his car keys and we were literally in the middle of a restaurant!’

As for what she can bring to the villa, the bubbly brunette says her job has meant she’s been lacking in adult company. ‘I can definitely be opinionated so I’m not sure how that’s going to go down. As I work with kids I have patience with kids but adults, they annoy me!’

Amber added that it ‘feels like the right time’ to look for love, explaining: ‘This year it definitely feels like it’s two feet in. I feel like now I’m most definitely ready, and wanting to look for a boyfriend.’

This year’s contestants will be given inclusivity training, round the clock access to mental health experts and bespoke guidance on how to cope with instant fame as part of an extensive care package implemented ahead of its latest series.

Producers have ensured its latest crop of singletons are given plenty of professional guidance as part of their duty of care protocol – before, during and after their stay in the Spanish villa.

Ahead of this series, contestants will be offered video training and guidance covering appropriate inclusive language around disability, sexuality, race and ethnicity, as well as general behaviours and microaggressions.

Pre-filming psychological and medical assessments, including reviews conducted by an independent doctor, psychological consultant and reports from each Islander’s own GP to check their respective medical histories, are also required.

The inclusion training, which Islanders are offered prior to entering the Villa, consists of conversations chaired by BCOMS (Black Collective of Media in Sport) founder Leon Mann MBE.

It also included DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) consultant Hayley Bennett, disability specialist Shani Dhanda and broadcaster Sean Fletcher.

The discussions have been devised to tackle topics including inclusive language, behaviour, creating safe spaces and being a good ally.

Additionally, prospective Islanders will watch a video fronted by the show’s executive producer and head of welfare interviewing former Islanders about their experiences on the show.

This includes details on the two week period before they enter the Villa, how to cope being filmed 24 hours a day, the interaction they will have with producers in the Villa, the support provided to family members, dealing with social media trolling, and adapting to life away from the show.

As always registered mental health professional engaged throughout the whole series – from pre-filming to aftercare.

Potential Islanders are also required to fully disclose in confidence any medical history that would be relevant to their inclusion in the Villa and the production’s ability to provide a suitable environment for them.

The cast will also be told they should consider all the potential implications of taking part in the show – in particular the negative feedback they might receive on social media – and work through this decision-making process with their families.

It comes after Love Island previously addressed their duty of care after two islanders; Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis, and host Caroline Flack, tragically died by suicide within a period of 20 months.

Meanwhile, Love Island is reportedly set for another series’ as ‘bosses begin plans for a 2023 winter’ edition, just a week before the summer cast are set the enter the villa.

ITV aired its first winter series in South Africa in January 2020, which was won by Paige Turley and Finn Tapp, having previously started in June every year since 2015.

Love Island starts at 9pm Monday 6th June on ITV2 and ITV Hub. Episodes are available the following morning on BritBox.