As the new series ofLove Islandbegins, we introduce the latest contenders as they share their hopes for making a perfect match
WORDS: LAUREN MORRIS, ALICE PENWILL, KIESHA DOSANJH
SAMANTHA KENNY
Liverpudlian Samantha may be a make-up artist, but plans on taking a break in the villa. “I’ll do a few tweaks here and there for the girls, but I’m on holiday as well!” the 26-year-old says. “I’ll be getting ready myself before I get anyone else ready. As selfish as it sounds, I want to look the best.”
After a long single stretch, Samantha says she’s had her fun. “In my younger twenties, I didn’t know what I wanted,” she says. “Now I’m older, I feel you have to kiss a couple of frogs or you don’t meet your prince.”
She’s looking for someone “family-orientated”, funny – and Cockney. “I love the Cockneys – someone like Sammy Root, who won last year. He was my type – really tall, gorgeous. I like people with big personalities.”
AYO ODUKOYA
London model and footballer Ayo already has his sights set on a Love Island star – but it’s no one from the cast. “I’m very much looking forward to seeing Maya Jama,” he smiles. “Who’s not, to be honest?” As for whether Ayo, 25, can take on her boyfriend Stormzy, he’s backing himself. “I’m a bit taller than him so I think I’d be alright! He’s got the accolades and he’s a rapper who’s done well for himself but I think that’s all for him.”
Ayo had never watched Love Island – but has a few famous friends who’ve taken it by storm. “I know people like Toby Aromolaran – I used to play football with him and Tyrique Hyde,” he says. “I’m not in the mix of the show or what’s been going on, but I took a look at a few seasons as I was going through the process.”
MUNVEER JABBAL
Surrey recruitment manager Munveer admits that he’s kept his Love Island news a secret from his pal Spencer Morgan, whose broadcaster dad Piers Morgan is famously critical of the show. “The only time I speak to him is about Arsenal and that’s it,” he says. “We don’t talk about anything romantic, we don’t talk about his dad. I think he’ll be surprised to see me on the show – as everyone will.”
The 30-year-old says he’s been picky with girlfriends in the past and doesn’t plan to change his ways. “Everyone should be picky! You can’t just settle for contentment. I’m going to bide my time and if I have a connection and I feel good about it, we’ll see where it
