love island the information contained in this press pack is strictly embargoed until 22.00 monday 21st june 2021 love island returns to itv2 and itv hub

Love Island returns to ITV2 for its seventh sizzling series, as a brand new host of singletons seek to find their perfect match.

Laura Whitmore is at the helm as the Islanders do their best to flirt, date, couple up and try and avoid being ‘dumped’ from the iconic Mallorcan villa.

With new arrivals, heads may turn, while others will prove their true feelings, all narrated by the inimitable voice of Love Island, Iain Stirling.

From romance and heart-to-hearts to betrayal and broken hearts, there’s never a dull moment in this ultimate search for love.

More texts, fire pit gatherings and challenges await the lovestruck Islanders, meaning there’ll be plenty for them to dish the dirt on in the Beach Hut.

Love Island was the most watched show on any digital channel in 2020 and as it returns there’ll be lots of twists and turns along the way, with shock recouplings, unexpected splits and dramatic exits.

As the pairs attempt to win the hearts of each other – and the nation – one couple will ultimately triumph and be crowned Love Island winners 2021.

Plus, returning to ITV2 is Love Island: Aftersun, with Laura Whitmore hosting live from London, catching up with Islanders as they leave the villa, getting the inside scoop from family, friends and celebrity fans, plus sharing unseen footage.

Love Island is produced by Lifted Entertainment, part of ITV Studios, and Motion Content Group. It is distributed internationally by ITV Studios and has been commissioned in 21 territories from Australia and US to Spain and the Netherlands and many more. laura whitmore How does it feel to be back hosting the new What’s your favourite thing about hosting Love What would your advice be for someone going series of Love Island? Island? into the Villa?

“I am so excited to be back hosting. It’s been a year “Purely from a fangirl point of view, getting to see “The only thing I can say is be yourself. Eight weeks where I think we all need a bit more love and fun in behind the scenes of one of the best shows out is a long time, if you try and play a game or try to our lives and I think everyone is ready for Love there. It’s like going on set of a movie and seeing be something you’re not, you’re going to get found Island to be back – myself included. I’m really how it works. I worked on TV shows before where out quite quickly. From watching the show, I would excited about seeing the Villa. I’ve never seen the it’s a set and there’s like three walls. In there it’s just say be yourself if you want to be in there for Villa in Mallorca so I’ll probably be there a little bit not. You can’t see the cameras. I always wondered the long run.” fangirling at the Villa. It’s almost like a person to when you see shows like Love Island, how do they me. So I need to remember that I’m there doing a forget about the cameras, but you can understand Do you find it hard not to get involved in the job, not just a fangirl. I haven’t met any of the how they can forget about them because they’re dumpings? Islanders yet but I’ve heard from the people kind of behind the wall or the glass… I walked in behind the scenes that they are an incredible cast - there, I was like, oh this is a really fun house to be “I find it really hard. I found it really hard after Casa it’s really exciting.” staying in. Pretty fangirl to be able to see behind Amor. Last year when I knew Callum was coming the scenes. Not many people get to do that.” back with Molly and I had to walk in there, and I Did you miss it when it was off air? saw Shaughna… I knew he’s walking in with What are you looking forward to most? another girl. All I wanted to say was run… but “I’ve never worked a summer Love Island, so I’d obviously I can’t do that. Even my eyes… I couldn’t normally be watching it on the telly. I really missed “I think the first day. I meet all the Islanders the look her in the eye. But I found that really hard, as watching it. I couldn’t watch the news anymore. I way everyone else meets all the Islanders. So she ended up picking nobody and I was thinking, needed something that was a bit more fun – I think when they come into the Villa and they do the ‘Pick somebody!’. But I’m not allowed to say that, everyone’s the same. Having the break from it has line-up, that’s the first time I’m meeting all of obviously.” made people appreciate it more.” them as well. So I’m looking forward to that. It’s so funny because you change your opinion so much. This is your first time in the Mallorca Villa, but When you watched previous series did you have You meet someone and you go, ‘Oh, they’re my what is your favourite bit of the Villa? WhatsApp groups about it? favourite’. And then I’ll have a different favourite by the next week. The first day, that’s the big day. “That room where they get ready... the mess they “I have WhatsApp groups, loads of WhatsApp Love And I love trying to guess who I think they’ll make. I thought I was bad with my friends. I Island groups. I remember series 3, I was in a play choose. I never get it right.” remember going in there and there’s make-up on and we were touring. We had a cast WhatsApp the floor, they’re messier than I am. But that’s a group and it just became about Love Island. Not What do you think is the secret to the show’s fun room to get ready in. And I like it around the anything to do with the play. Nothing in there success? pool – wouldn’t we all like that?!” about our job, just about Love Island. “Everybody loves love. The feelings and what they “When you hear the music you think, ‘What do I go through is so relatable. Everything from need before it starts?’ I make sure I’ve got all the unrequited love to getting ‘pied off’... We see it all snacks ready and I’m ready to go. in Love Island. I think that’s what really is the draw.” “If you’re even 10 minutes behind, you’ll miss something and someone will say it in the What makes the perfect Islander? WhatsApp group. There are rules for the WhatsApp groups. I have a few friends who might “The perfect Islander, for me, is someone funny. miss an episode and I’d say something and they’d Someone who stirs it up a little bit. You want get really angry with me and I’m like, ‘It’s your fault characters, big personalities in there. Someone for missing it, don’t be blaming me.’” who goes for it.” sharon gaffka 25 from oxford civil servant - operations lead for department of transport What made you want to take part in the new Somebody who can make me laugh and I can You’re a Young Women's Trust Ambassador? series of Love Island? be myself around. I’m really clumsy and goofy. On social media, I look really put together but When I went to Japan for Miss International, I It's been a bit of a running joke between my my friends who know me know I’ll fall down became an ambassador against domestic friendship group for a while that I should the stairs. violence of women in Japan. I did a few apply, probably because I’m the most campaigns on period poverty and worked with outrageous one out of the group. But also What do you think you’ll miss most while a few organisations and charities. I signed up because of COVID and the lockdown, I’m the you’re in the Villa? to be one of their sponsors and they only single one in my friendship group. They’re approached me to become an ambassador. either married or planning on getting married. Sending memes to my friends. I don’t want to be the only one in the group What would be your dream date? chat that is single anymore! What are you most looking forward to? Anything with food and drink. Maybe Tell us about your job. What do you do for Having a bit of normality. I live on my own so something like Junkyard Golf. Something work at the moment? actually getting to see people on a daily basis. where I don’t have to take myself too seriously. There are so many rules with dating and all of I’m not really a fan of the whole sit down I’ve been a civil servant since I was 18. I’ve that is taken away. I don’t have to do any weird dinners and talking about stuff. worked in lots of different departments. I’ve guessing games. I don’t have to think about been doing Brexit policy for the last year, I did when I’ll next speak to him because he’s a stint during the Coronavirus pandemic in the sharing a bed with me. Where would you like to see yourself in five Department of Health so I was helping deliver years? testing kits and managing the operations. It’s Are you competitive? been an intense year! I would like to have a long term partner. I’d like I’ve played sports quite a lot in my life and I to live somewhere nice. I live in my hometown How would your friends and family describe have a younger brother so we’re competitive at the moment but I’d quite like to move back you? all the time. Anything and everything I can to the city. I see myself back at my job but make a game out of. I don’t think it would ever maybe higher up. My friends usually come to me for advice and turn nasty but I would back myself. chat up lines. Probably quite outgoing, a bit savage and outrageous! Do you know any former islanders?

What do you look for in a romantic partner? I used to do pageants. Molly-Mae and I had the same pageant director. I was Miss I have this thing where if something doesn’t International UK. work out with one person, I’ll try and go for the other extreme to see if that works out. I tend to date someone who is taller than me even though my last long-term partner he was actually someone who was shorter than me. I’m quite an intellectual person so I want someone who can kind of match that. shannon singh 22 from fife model What made you want to take part in the new What will you miss most while you’re in the Do you have a party trick? series of Love Island? Villa? I bring the party. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you’re My friends, speaking to my mum. I live in lucky enough to participate in the show, why London, but I speak to my mum and dad on Where do you see yourself in five years? would you not? And hopefully meet an FaceTime every day. My dog! Speaking to my exciting hunk. best friend every day. Not having my phone. I I want kids in five years, I’d love to be a mum by work on my phone, I’m always on my phone, the time I’m 27. Have a good career and, Tell us a bit more about your job? which is annoying, but it’ll be weird, like everyone says it, but just happy. Not happy as something is missing. But I’m actually looking in ‘look at what I’ve got’, but a solid family life. I used to be a glamour model when I was forward to not having it. Give my mum grandchildren, she’s dying for it. 18/19. I loved those days, I’ve got nothing to be ashamed of, they were my glory days. Now I’m What are you looking forward to? more on Instagram/ YouTube. I’ve done a bit of commercial modelling. I can DJ as well. Having the summer of a lifetime. I just think it’s going to be jokes. It’s going to be hilarious. I’m What are you looking for in a romanrtic not expecting too much, I’m going to take it partner? with a pinch of salt. I’m very easy going.

I don’t feed off looks, I feed off energy, I need Are you competitive? someone with personality. Just someone I can have fun with. I’m a party girl, I love going out, I’m very competitive. Not in a forceful way. But I’m very social. For me it’s quite hard to find I’m always going to be secretly competitive. people who are genuine and looking for what Everyone’s got a little bit in them. In you’re looking for. I’m not just going to go with challenges and stuff I’ll be very competitive. anyone because they’re convenient. I need to make sure they’re for me. Looks – obviously, What’s your claim to fame? they’ve got to be handsome, but if he’s a handsome hunk but it’s like talking to a brick I’ve got quite a lot of people who’ve been in wall and I’d rather watch paint dry, it’s not my DMs… some I can’t even say. A few going to be great. footballers.

How do you tend to meet dates? Who is your celebrity crush?

Out and about. I don’t tend to meet up with I fancy the pants off of Matthew people through Instagram and things like that. McConaughey and Ryan Gosling. I like more natural settings. I’ve got a whole chunk of my teens and growing up that I’ve What would be your ideal date? been ‘locked in’ relationships. So when I broke up with my ex, I wanted to have a year for me. Anything near the beach. I’m such a water I’ve ‘seen’ guys, but I wanted a year to myself baby, so I love being near the ocean. I love the to make sure I know what I want going moon, I’ve got the moon tattooed on me. The forward. moon, a little blanket on the beach, listening to the waves. aaron francis 24 from london luxury events host What made you want to take part in the new What are you looking for in a romantic Do you have a party trick or special talent? series of Love Island? partner? I paint. One I am doing at the moment is kind I’ve been single for about six or seven months I need someone that is passionate about what of abstract because I never do abstract stuff and the dating world at the moment is a little they are doing - from scientist to anything - so I was trying to push myself out there. But bit off. Everyone’s wearing masks. You can’t you can tell when someone is speaking about usually I just paint very realistic portraits. really see anyone which makes dating a lot something and they are actually smiling while harder. I do prefer relationships than dating. they are talking. I love that. I don’t like when I am into skincare, not many guys are. My skin people are doing a job just to make money and used to be terrible. I cleared it up at uni and my How would your friends and family describe then they kind of just live for the weekend. confidence blew from there. Now when girls you? Especially because I work on the weekends. look at me, I’m not thinking, ‘Ah she’s looking And usually someone that works out. I work at my dead skin’, I'm thinking, ‘Ah maybe she Confident, quietly confident. Recently my out every day. fancies me.’ It changes the vibe completely! So mum said, ‘You are one of the most confident I kind of promote that on socials and stuff just people I know’. Are you close with your family? because I know boys don’t know about it and they are wondering about it. But they are too You’ve met lots of celebs through your job, I’m tight with my family to be fair. My whole shy to ask about it. including working at Royal weddings… family has an opinion. Proper opinion. I only bring “the girlfriend” to my house. They’ve only Yeah, Eugenie’s and Beatrice’s over the met three girls. You kind of have to be very summer. I hosted and chatted. It was nice and confident, hold your own within my family. intimate. Everyone’s chill. In my job you meet a They need to get on with my 9-year-old lot of famous people… unless you’re Beyonce, nephew as well. If he doesn't like you, you're I’m not really interested. out.

Obviously this life is nice but it’s not really What are you most excited about in the something you can settle down with. Unless Villa? you're doing very, very well. For me the ultimate goal is family. I want to have like three I’m excited about going in there, seeing the or four kids. guys and the girls and kind of just the first couple of days, working out all the vibes. If you Who is the biggest celebrity you have met look at all the previous shows, the dynamics through your job? are all completely different. There’s different types of people. So yeah I kind of want to get Stormzy. At the Brits he was jokes! I was in there and see. hosting the winners’ room in 2020. Who would be your celeb crush?

Yara Shahidi! hugo hammond 24 from hampshire p.e teacher What made you want to take part in the new How would you normally meet potential Are you competitive? series of Love Island? dates? I’m really competitive. Obviously, I’m from a I’ve been single for a while now. With the Traditionally, it’s been out and about - sporting background. That comes hand in current climate, it’s been really hard to get clubbing and bars. I quite like that natural hand. I’m sure it’s going to translate into back into dating. I saw it as an opportunity to progression when you meet someone and dating as well. If there is an opportunity to have an amazing fun summer and put myself have a chit chat. I would rather have that face- become the alpha male around everyone else. back out there. to-face interaction and go from there. I’m looking forward to getting stuck into it and giving it my best. What do you do for work at the moment? Do you have any funny / memorable dating Tell us about your job. stories? What would be your dream date?

I teach secondary school PE. Absolutely love I can give you the blueprint of my usual date. Sunshine. Maybe something followed by a my job. I love all my sports. It’s great to be able I’m a big fan of actually doing something picnic. Something scenic, maybe a morning to pass on that enthusiasm to be physically rather than just a sit down dinner. Me being a walk on the beach. Have a laugh and go out for active to the younger generation and sporty guy, something like mini-golf. I love a lunch. An all day affair. Watch the sunset. hopefully they feel the same about me cocktail, so a cocktail afterwards. My favourite Something romantic, I think we’ve all been teaching them. cocktail is Sex on the Beach, that’s a go-to! missing that recently.

How would your friends and family describe What do you think you’ll miss most while Did you learn anything new in lockdown? you? you’re in the Villa? I started running in lockdown. Strava was like Tall, dark and handsome. That was a cliché Football! I’m missing a summer of sport. There the new Tinder! Being a teacher in lockdown, I answer! The real answer is funny, around my is a load of cricket happening, and cricket is my found myself being a bit of a budget Joe Wicks friends and family I’m always the one to get main sport. The boys obviously and the lads’ in front of a camera. Different home workouts things going and to have a laugh. Charming, group chat. I’m going to miss them and I hope and things like that. self-proclaimed charmer. I’ve got the gift of they’re going to miss me. And my family as the gab which has put me in good stead when well. I went travelling ages ago when I first Where would you like to see yourself in five I’ve been single in the past. And I’m a finished college so depending on how well the years from now? gentleman, my mother raised me well. I’m very journey goes, this could be the longest I've respectful. been away since then. Hopefully with another half, who I love very much. That would be great. Maybe to start What do you look for in a romantic partner? Tell us about your cricket career? thinking about settling down and starting a family. I’m in no rush to do that though. I want someone I can be myself around. I want I’ve actually played cricket for England PD Hopefully in love, with the same group of them to not take themselves or me too (Physical Disability). I’ve been to Bangladesh, friends and maybe have a few more. Be happy seriously. I like having a laugh and a joke. Dubai, I’ve been everywhere to play cricket. I with everything that life throws at me. Definitely someone who can be my best friend was born with clubfoot. I had lots of first and then hopefully that can turn into a operations when I was a kid. You can only romance. I’m into my sport and fitness so really tell when I walk barefoot. I’ve got a really someone who shares similar hobbies and short achilles heel. I walk slightly on my tip passions. Looks wise, tall and athletic. Hair - I toes. love that balayage look, girls are very impressed when I say that! liberty poole 21 from birmingham waitress & marketing student What made you want to take part in the new What are you looking for in a romantic Who would be your celeb crush? series of Love Island? partner? Alex Bowen looks wise but obviously he is with I've never had that nice, happy relationship so I So I like tall, alpha male, confident, a cheeky the beautiful Olivia. But celebrities in general, think it will be nice and something for me to chappy sort of guy. But obviously that’s always Jamie Dornan or Theo James. experience. Obviously I want the best summer usually combined with player types, which is ever because we have been in lockdown for a where I go wrong. So I am trying to change my What would be your dream date? year so it would be nice to go away and enjoy ways and go for more of a nicer guy that is the sun and make friends as well. I’m excited, going to treat me right. It’s not where you are, it’s who you are with. So I’m a bit of a social butterfly so I love to meet it’s the energy or vibe that can obviously make new people. I’m a girls’ girl as well so I can’t How do you normally meet potential dates? or break a date. wait for the girly friendships. It’s going to be fun! I’m a really bad texter. This day and age, it’s all Do you have a party trick or special talent? getting to know people like that but I actually Have you seen awkward dates while am the world’s worst texter, I hate texting I do a bit of ice skating here and there but I’m working at Nando’s? people. I’d much rather go on a date and meet not like a pro at it. It’s just something I enjoy the person and I think Love Island is the doing in my spare time. Sometimes I go ice Yeah, I’ve seen some people walk out on the perfect place to do that. It is all about meeting skating for a date because none of my mates other person and then it’s just really awkward someone face-to-face. will come with me. It just gives me an excuse because the staff are like, ‘Do we clear the to go. plates, do we not clear the plates? Do we ask Have you ever had an awful date? them if they’re okay? Do we not ask if they’re Where would you like to see yourself in five okay?’ I don’t know about any bad dates. It’s just years? more me, doing stuff like clumsy things on I’ve had people try and rinse me for a date at dates like I went to kiss a guy and I fell off the Successful and travelling the world hopefully Nando’s, get the discount and stuff. But I’ve stool and stuff like that! because for me, my passion is travelling. I’ve never had a date in one. I’ve had a few things been quite lucky because my mum and dad happen at work. I’ve had a napkin shaped as a Have you ever had any amazing dates? live abroad so travelling is something I have rose given to me which was cute, that was always done since I was a kid so every time I when I first started working there and then Yeah! There was one where we went for a few travel or see a site or a bit of architecture, it I’ve been proposed to. It was a bit unexpected! drinks and then we went to this old school bar completely opens my mindset and I love it. I He was on his own, he’d come into the and I got picked up on the dance floor like in feel like it develops me as a person. I would restaurant every week and he got down on Dirty Dancing. I was swung about on the dance literally spend my whole life travelling if I one knee and was like, ‘Will you marry me?’. floor like that. I felt like I was in a movie or could. But in his hand, it was a charity support badge something and then I went to the bathroom not a diamond ring or nothing. So I was and these girls were like, ‘Oh my God, are you thinking, that’s one way of saying I’m a charity on that date with that guy?!’ case when it comes to love! Are you competitive? How would your friends and family describe you? Yeah, my whole family is competitive! You should see us in a game of Monopoly at Oh, definitely cringe. I say a lot of cringe stuff. I Christmas. All of us are competitive. like to fill silent gaps. jake cornish 24 from weston-super-mare water engineer What made you want to take part in the new What will you miss most when you’re in the series of Love Island? Villa?

I was in a relationship for seven years and then My mum and my nieces. They’re lush. I’ll miss when lockdown hit, I was single. The the lads but I’m sure they’ll enjoy watching me opportunity is there, you might as well take it making a t*t out of myself. by the horns and go for it. What are you most looking forward to? What is your job at the moment? Tell us about it. Having a good time! It’s the experience more than anything. It would be nice to meet some I’m basically a handyman, a jack of all trades good lads there but I think I’m ready, I go to a just not electrics! I don’t go near electrics. lot of events and festivals and obviously not having a missus to do it with, it would be nice How would your family and friends describe to have someone to do it with. you? Are you competitive? My family would say I’m the one who is always up for a laugh, always having fun. I don’t take Yes, I'm very competitive. I love winning. anything seriously. The prankster! My nickname is Tigger from Winnie the Pooh Who is your celebrity crush? because I’m always bouncing all over the place. I’ve always got so much energy. My ideal woman is Billie Faiers. She is my dream woman. I think for a laugh once with What do you look for in a romantic partner? the boys, I messaged her. I can’t remember what I messaged her. She’s a lady, she’s just Looks wise, always gone for blondes. But for lush. me, the main thing is having respect and having good fun, and someone who will be What is your dream date? loyal to you. I’ve had messages from girls that have got boyfriends and husbands. This is why My dream date would be on a yacht with a nice I don’t trust anyone. Someone who is loyal crate of beer, or a nice bottle of rum. really. But when I’m single, I like having a good Something chilled. time! Where would you like to see yourself in five How do you meet potential partners at the years? moment? I’d like to have a couple more properties under I’d rather go out and meet a girl and go from my name, and I’d love to have my own there and pursue things naturally. restaurant. That’s an ambition of mine. kaz kamwi 26 from essex fashion blogger What made you want to take part in the new What will you miss most while you’re in the Where do you see yourself in five years? series of Love Island? Villa? Probably have lived in London a few years for I like meeting new people, I’m ready to be in a Listening to music. I love my family, obviously the experience. Moved back out, got a house relationship. Why not be in a place where I’ll miss them, but I really, really like music. with a partner. Having a conversation about people are looking for the same things as me? children... What are you most looking forward to? Tell us about being a fashion blogger The experience. I am quite a daring person. I I create content on social media for brands and like to meet new people. And meeting my followers. TikTok is great – so new and someone I could have a romantic connection fresh. with, that would be so nice.

How would your friends and family describe Are you competitive? you? I’m really, really, really competitive. A game of I’m fun, dramatic, spontaneous. Friendly as Connect Four, I don’t lose, ever. I’m not a sore well. Light-hearted. Life is a party – I’m not the loser though. I’m good at chess as well. mum in the group, my friends are not looking at me to look after them! Have you ever slid into a celebrity’s DMs?

What are you looking for in a partner? If I’ve slid into any it would be me saying to Kylie Jenner something like ‘I love you’. None Looks wise, really well groomed. Someone have ever slid into mine. who is driven, enjoys what they’re doing, has a passion. Someone who is not overly charming, Who is your celeb crush? but has enough confidence. Michael B. Jordan - beautiful! How do you meet dates? What’s your ideal date? I prefer to meet people in person. Instagram DMs… nothing’s ever come out of that. Sounds so basic, but dinner. If I could have dinner over a sunset or sunrise – I really like What’s the worst date you’ve had? them – a lovely view! That’s a dream date.

A guy asked me out for dinner and he was Did you learn a new skill in lockdown? ‘mystery dining’ the restaurant. I will never get over the fact that he made me pay, while he How I have a real passion for shopping. I learnt got to eat for free and he made me sit there how to edit videos. I didn’t get into the banana while he did his review. bread thing. I learned that I enjoy walking... did a lot of that. I learnt TikTok dances. brad mcclelland 26 from northumberland labourer What made you want to take part in the new What are you most excited about? series of Love Island? The socialising side of it - meeting new people. I want to date face-to-face, I like meeting And that’s not just meeting the lasses, people. I’m easy going, laid back. Who meeting everyone. wouldn’t want to be in a nice villa in a hot country for a while? Who is your celebrity crush?

What would your colleagues say about you? Sommer Ray from Instagram. Zara McDermott, she’s a good-looking lass. Or I try and make as much money as I can by Megan Fox. doing as little as possible. They’d probably say – not lazy, as I’m energetic – I just try to get What would be your ideal date? away with doing literally nothing. A boat springs to mind – the Love Island dates How would your friends and family describe on a boat always look the best. In the middle you? of nowhere just chilling.

I’m the person that’ll take the p*** out of them Do you have a party trick? but I’m the first one that they’ll go to if they’ve got any problems. I try to have a laugh and try I don’t have a party trick – I’m absolutely not to take anything too seriously. They’d useless. I bought a guitar in lockdown. Bought probably say I’m too honest. it, looked at it, learnt like a chord…

What do you look for in a romantic partner?

Someone who doesn’t take themselves too seriously. I could not be with someone that’s constantly on your case. I’d say I like dark hair, dark skin, dark eyes. But then my ex-girlfriend who I was with for over 8 years was fair skinned, blue eyes, blonde hair.

What’s been your best or worst date?

I’ve never been on a blind date. I’ll just be myself and go with it. When I was in a relationship we only went for about 3 or 4 meals out as I cooked myself. I’ve been told I’m quite a good cook. chloe burrows 25 from bicester financial services marketing executive What made you want to take part in the new What are you most looking forward to in series of Love Island? the Villa?

I’ve been in awful ‘situationships’ and stuff so I It would be so nice to meet someone. All my just thought, why not?! friends are buying houses and having babies. I’m literally going from friendship group to How would your friends and family describe friendship group every weekend with different you? plans because they are like, ‘Okay well I’ve got to see my boyfriend’. We have been locked Funny. I’m always the funny one in a situation. I down for a year as well, just to play in a villa always try and make everyone laugh. with people my age for however long will just Outgoing, I’m quite bubbly and always doing be fun! something. Who is your celebrity crush? What are you looking for in a romantic partner? Michael B. Jordan. I love him. I’m in love with him. Michael Griffiths, he was stunning. I want someone who is funny. Really funny and caring and will do nice little things for you. And What would be your dream date? then obviously someone who you can depend on to not ditch you. Because I am quite a big I like doing active things. But for a date, I think character and quite loud, they would have to it’s more about having cocktails, getting a bit be as loud, if not more. I could never be with of a sexy vibe. Maybe a bit of a snog, nice someone who is quiet. Someone that gives dinner. But not too much food so you feel sick you a bit back. but just cocktails, a nice bar.

What’s the best or worst date you’ve had? Do you have a party trick?

I went on one with this boy, it was when I first No, when I’m out and stuff, I’ll always moved to London, to this really swanky bar. He embarrass myself. I’ll do karaoke but I would be was wearing a suit and he got me Champagne, tone deaf. I’ll do a dance but it will be it was really nice. embarrassing. Anything like that no. I used to play football for Oxford City. I played from At the bar, it wasn’t very loud and he was like, eight to fourteen. But can’t do keepy uppies, ‘Oh, one minute’. And I was like, ‘What?’ and he not anymore. was like, ‘I’m gonna fart’. Everyone was looking at us. It was so embarrassing. I was just looking Where do you see yourself in five years? at everyone and they were looking at me and he was just grinning and I was like, ‘I have to I’d like to say, I’ll have a really nice boyfriend. leave!’ Maybe bought a house, that would be quite cool, wouldn’t it? A property and with a dog. I really want a dog of my own. toby aromolaran 22 from essex semi-pro footballer What made you want to take part in the new What do you think you’ll miss most while Where would you like to see yourself in five series of Love Island? you’re in the Villa? years from now?

I’ve never been in a relationship. I thought, ‘If Football! I’m going to miss pre-season. I’ll be Well established and understanding where I Love Island can’t find me a relationship then missing football for the first time. am going. Hopefully in a relationship and no one can’. playing football still, maybe at a higher level. What are you most looking forward to? What do you do for work at the moment? Tell us about your job. Seeing unreal girls! I’ve got friends, I can make more friends but my number one is meeting I’ve played football since I was about six, but someone. I’m looking for someone to do it’s really come into a new light for the past nothing with. I want to be at home and do year since I joined a team called Hashtag nothing with someone. United. They’re very social media focused. Everything is on YouTube, Instagram and Are you competitive? Twitter. Playing with them has really made me fall in love with the game again. Personally, I’m a winner. I play football, which is a competitive sport. It’s not just a game. It’s for How would your friends and family describe the position and the team. I’ve been you? competing my whole life. I’m a winner, I don’t like losing. I’m not a sore loser but I like to win. Optimistic. I always see the bright side in the worst situations. I’m a fun guy when I go on a Who is your celebrity crush? night out. Responsible guy as well. Madison Beer. Beautiful girl. What do you look for in a romantic partner? What would be your dream date? Looks wise, I’m a sucker for a cute face. Nice feet. That’s a dealbreaker for me. I don’t have a If I could do anything, I’m thinking of a yacht foot fetish but I appreciate nice feet! I think and the Monaco Grand Prix. That looks so you can judge someone by their feet. Girls who good! walk around at the club with no shoes on, that’s one of my hates. Have you learnt anything new in lockdown?

How would you normally meet potential I’ve learned in lockdown that we shouldn't partners? take anything for granted and to live your life one day at a time. There is no point tip toeing Face-to-face is ideal. Clubs and all that. On around everything. You don’t know if you’re Instagram, you only see so much. I don’t like going to be in lockdown for a year and lose out messaging. I’m a bad messenger. I hate on a whole year! We’ve just got to take FaceTime and phone calls! everything in our stride. faye winter 26 from devon lettings manager What made you want to take part in the new Someone that will put me in my place. What are you most looking forward to? series of Love Island? Someone that makes me laugh. But also someone that takes my banter. I’m like a 5- Finding someone! I would love it if I found In the last year we haven’t been able to year-old in a playground, if I like you, I will someone. I would sell my kidney to find experience anything. I’m open to anything. The make a mockery of you and laugh and joke. someone! opportunity came up so why wouldn’t I? I’d That is my really terrible flirting skills. I need love to meet somebody, what better way to someone who can take that. Would you say you’re competitive? meet somebody than in the sun - amazing. How do you meet potential partners at the I’m so competitive. No-one plays ball games What do you do for work at the moment? moment? with me. I’m winning. Tell us about your job. I normally meet people out, or I’ll meet people Who is your celebrity crush? I’m a lettings manager and I’ve got an amazing on Instagram. A lot of people wouldn’t get my team. I go out and do valuations, win business personality on a dating website. They’ll think Anthony Joshua or Zac Efron. I really fancy for the company and I’ll do the odd viewing I’m just being harsh when actually I’m just Tom Hardy as well. He’s so fit! I also fancy and find tenants. My main role is the sales side trying to flirt. I’m probably going to see Gerard Butler. That was my school crush back of things. I absolutely love it! I’ve actually only someone in swim shorts and say, ‘Is that all in the day. I fancy older guys too but I’ve also taken a sabbatical from work because in my your packing?’ I am that type of person! I don’t been to ‘Cougarville’. I actually really like ideal world, I’d love to go back to work. I try to like people to know what I’m thinking. younger guys as well. Might go for you... might make it as Selling Sunset as possible. I’m go for your dad! definitely there in the mini dresses, boobs out, Have you ever had any amazing dates? bum out, turning up and you can see the wives Have you learnt anything new in lockdown? say to their husband, “You’re staying outside”. St Ives is my favourite place and one guy took It’s so fun. me there for lunch. I went there loads as a Through lockdown I learnt that it’s ok to be on child with my mum and dad. It's my comfort. my own. It was actually a really nice time to How would your friends and family describe No one cares what you look like or what you’re not be out trying to find somebody. It gave me you? doing. Loads of beautiful restaurants and it’s a complete break. I also learnt to like to read. got its own climate. It’s my favourite place and Loud. I think they’d say I’m authentic. I’m an he knew that and took me there. So, that was Where would you like to see yourself in five individual person. A bit of a foghorn - really sweet. I’ve had some really thoughtful years from now? opinionated. My friends have been my friends things done by guys. Like when I’m hungover for years and years so I must be alright and they’ve only been speaking to me for a I would like my own estate agency or my own because they’ve stuck around for a long time. I day and they’ve brought me a Starbucks. charity shop. I want someone who I can go on say it how it is. Even with my closest friends if They're on the doorstep like, ‘Oh, am I not holidays and stuff with for the next couple of they do something wrong I tell them. coming in? And I’m like, ‘No, goodbye!’ years, and have a really fun time. And then start thinking about kids and serious things in What do you look for in a romantic partner? What will you miss most while you’re in the three or four years' time. Villa? Looks wise they have to be like 6ft. But then my last relationship that I was in for five years My mum and dad. I speak to them every single he was like 5ft 7”... day. I speak to my dad four times a day. He’s my best friend. love island: the morning after podcast returns for new series bigger than ever

Love Island: The Morning After is back for 2021 and this year Love Island fans won’t just be able to listen to Kem and Arielle each morning, they can watch them too exclusively on ITV Hub.

Hosted once again by Kem Cetinay and Arielle Free the podcast will feature the hosts alongside famous faces and ex- islanders discussing the latest villa goss from the night before, plus exclusive content just for Hub viewers.

This exclusive content will be tapping into the competitive relationship between our hosts in a series of Kem Vs Arielle games and challenges!

As well as all the gossip and updates from the programme the podcast will include a range of regular features, plus every Thursday, we’re going to be celebrating Love Island and all of its love stories with Throwback Thursday - ex- islanders who are still coupled up as guests and reminiscing on their time in the Villa.

Presenter Kem Cetinay said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be coupling up with Arielle again for a brand new Love Island: The Morning After for the new series and can’t wait to bring fans all the news and gossip from the Villa after a long time away!”

Presenter Arielle Free said: “We’re back! And this year you don’t just get to listen to us, you’ll get to see us as well! I’m really excited to be back for the biggest ever Love Island podcast.”

Love Island: The Morning After is available on the Global Player and anywhere you get your podcasts and dropping each morning on the ITV Hub! kem & arielle How does it feel to be back hosting a new series What are your favourite things about hosting What do you think is the secret to the show’s of Love Island: The Morning After? the podcast? success?

Arielle: It feels like the longest time ever since we Arielle: If people haven’t listened to the podcast, it Arielle: Love. I know people are skeptical about it last did it. It’s like we’re returning to our family. It’s is a comedy podcast but by no fault of our own. It but if you’ve ever listened to the podcast I’m the been so long. I just want to see everyone fall in turns into absurd hilarity which is amazing as we one who is here for the babies and marriages from love again. never plan it to be like that. It’s nice to be able to Love Island. And we've found that it’s worked. make people giggle on the way into work. We’ve got a couple of people who’ve got engaged, Kem: We are so excited to be back, especially with got married and had babies. I genuinely believe everything that’s happened over the last year, Kem: We’ve done four series of the podcast now that with this show, when people find love, that’s everyone’s going to love having Love Island back so Arielle and I have become very comfortable what makes it work. That’s what it’s about. on TV. A bit of normality watching it again. with each other. We spend every single night Kem: I like the drama and the arguing! I hate it together for eight weeks and it becomes the norm when everyone’s in relationships. She [Arielle] My mum’s excited for it to be back too. When the to spend all our time together. My favourite thing loves it, she starts crying and gets all emotional. I show’s on I wake up every morning to hear my about the podcast is that we get to speak to the love it when it’s chaos. I love it. voice in the house because she’s listening to the Islanders as they come out of the Villa. They get podcast, it’s a bit of a weird thing to wake up to comfortable with us and excited to come and talk Arielle: He loves Casa Amor. He loves the every day. She even makes my grandma listen to it to us, the Islanders come in and they feel at ease bombshells. and I don’t think she understands a word of what and open up to us. People love it. we’re talking about because she doesn’t speak Kem: I want to buy a holiday home and call it Casa English. It’s almost like the ultimate WhatsApp group? Amor, one day.

What’s new for the podcast this year? Arielle: That’s what we are! We’re the WhatsApp What do you think makes a perfect Islander? conversation you’re having with your mates. We Arielle: This year there are going to be lots of new genuinely love the show. It’s also nice to see all the Kem: I’ll tell you what makes a good Islander - additions to the podcast. We’re filming it, which is old Islanders as well. Some of our favourites like vulnerability. Without getting too deep, I think a big thing! It’s not just going to be a podcast but Olivia Attwood always pop in, Montana [Brown] people who go in there and are completely it’s going to be a vodcast. You’re going to be able and Kem gets to have a little reunion with Chris themselves and let it go, always do amazing. to go on ITV Hub and watch us recording the [Hughes]. It’s also really interactive for the People overthink things, which is normal, I get it, podcast. You’ll get that every day as well as the listeners, we have a Crush Club so we speak to but they find themselves in a pickle. podcast every day. It’s massive - you’ll get to see them about who they fancy and not just the how much fun we have in the studio. We have Islanders but if they want to shout out to Arielle: I think you find out a lot about yourself. loads of new features this year. Kem, that means someone they’ve had the hots for, for a while. It And also the way to be a good Islander is being you can’t come in in your trainer socks and sliders feels like everyone is in it with us. genuine and not taking yourself too seriously. anymore! Kem: The truth is, when we first started it three What piece of advice would you give the Kem: I normally come in my pyjamas every day years ago, I didn’t know what a podcast was. I said Islanders as they embark on the ultimate because I like to be comfortable. But the vodcast ‘I don’t know what it is.’ But now, it’s mad how summer of love? is good because people can’t visualise how we do many people listen and message us. it, I might still come in my pyjamas. It’s nice how Kem: I went for a pedicure. My mum made me get we set it up, so many funny things happen that Arielle: If we did Mastermind and our subject was a pedicure before I went in! I don’t have them now you can’t normally see and you can only hear it, so Love Island, I reckon we’d smash it. We know every as much but I am due one… we are buzzing that people will get to watch it for nook and cranny about every Islander. the first time. love island official partners

Series 7 of Love Island has a host of commercial partners coupling up with the show for the summer. Just Eat returns as the headline show sponsor and sponsor of the Love Island podcast.

Tinder was named the show’s first ever dating partner with potential Islanders able to apply for the show via the dating app and will also be creating a digital 'Love Island' type experience for its members in app.

Isawitfirst.com is returning as the show's fashion and sunglasses partner and providing clothes for the Islanders while JD Sports is the new fitness and activewear brand partner providing activewear, trainers and equipment for the Villa gym and also sponsoring the podcast.

Also featured within the Villa will be beauty, skincare, suncare and male grooming products from Boots, the series’s 'Feel Good' partner, which customers will be able to shop via the Love Island app and through a dedicated hub on boots.com. Plus kinder to hair electricals from CLOUD NINE, the show’s hair partner will also be in the Villa.

Spotify returns as the audio platform partner hosting the official Love Island playlist and sponsoring the in-show party.

Extra Gum is the confectionery partner championing everyone to Find Your Other Half with 6 brand-new episodic TV ads, in-store product activations as well as competitions and sponsorship of the UK’s first Lookout online series, while WKD is the alcohol partner with exclusive on-pack Love Island branding and a brand new TV ad. love island shop and games for 2021

The Official Love Island shop is back and this year the Official Love Island Water Bottle has had a makeover with a slimmer design and a white matte finish in time for Summer 2021!

The brand new insulated design will be featured in the upcoming series 7 of ITV2’s Love Island and is available to personalise and purchase from loveislandshop.co.uk and the programme app. The double walled stainless steel body means the bottle is suitable for both hot and cold drinks. Just twist on the flip straw lid for cold drinks or the hook carabiner lid for something hotter.

Since going on sale in 2017 hundreds of thousands of official Love Island Water Bottles have been sold but this year they’ve got a brand new look.

Also new in the shop this year is the personalised Love Island tote bag (coming soon) and returning to the shop are the washbags, robes, large and cabin-sized suitcases, baby bottles and phone cases which are of course all personalisable in the famous Love Island font. As well as a range of colourful branded re-usable cups that you’ll also see the Islanders using.

As well as the Love Island show companion app, there are three new must have Love Island apps for fans to download from their app stores - Fusebox's Love Island Story Game returns with more content than ever before - downloaded over 16 million times, players have the opportunity to couple up with over 30 islanders with the three seasons of content available in the game app, as well as a brand new mobile drama app ‘I’ve Got a Text!’ from unrd which features a new and interactive fictional story called Love Island: The Drama, plus a new Love Island Fit app featuring video workouts with ex-Islanders and a celeb personal trainer. if you use any material from this press pack, please include a full credit for the show: love island starts 9pm monday 28th june on itv2 and itv hub. new episodes are available the following morning on BritBox. for any other enquires, please contact: publicity emma daly– [email protected] jake way- [email protected]

picture publicity james hilder – [email protected] iwona karbowska - [email protected]