Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Chronicle Live
Chronicle Live
Entertainment
Amy Denman & Aaron Morris

First Love Island contestant of 2023 revealed as 22-year-old Boohoo model

Although it feels like it was only yesterday that the last season came to a close, Love Island returns in a matter of weeks - with Maya Jama fronting 2023's screening.

And with the series launch reportedly to come January 16, fans can't help but wonder about the sexy singletons who have been hand-selected to join the ITV staple's South African venture, all on the lookout for fun in the sun and more.

The Mirror reports that Tanya Manhenga is the first stunning single who is reportedly set to jet off and take part in the series later this month.

Read more: 2022's most controversial TV moments ranked by Ofcom complaints

Biomedical science student Tanya is 22 and is already a rising star on Instagram as she boasts more than 11,500 followers on the social media platform. She refers to herself as a 'digital creator' on her profile and has worked with a string of fashion brands including Boohoo as well as show brands Ego and Simmi Shoes.

Tanya's Instagram profile is littered with a series of stunning selfies showing her on lavish trips and glammed up ready to go out on the town.

However, her most recent snap may have hinted at her rumoured upcoming Love Island stint as she posted two photos of herself in a drop shoulder jumper and jeans and cryptically wrote in the caption: "Calm before the storm."

Meanwhile, a source has told The Sun: "Tanya really is the whole package, she’s a smart as she is stunning and she looks set to be one this series most popular Islanders. She’s an Islander in waiting, already moving in the same circles as former cast members and with brand deals already under her belt.

"But her followers already know she’s got a personality to match."

Meanwhile, the insider added how the new cast of Islanders are a 'sassy bunch', full of 'banter and good chat'. However, a spokesperson for ITV told the Mirror: "This is speculation – our full cast will be announced in due course".

It comes after a trailer for the new series aired at the beginning of the year.

In the teaser for the new series filmed in South Africa, presenter Maya can be seen riding a pink velvet bejewelled bucking bronco as she tells viewers: "It’s time to grab love by the horns, I am ready, are you?"

The latest series comes with a brand new £1.2million villa as well as huge rule changes for the reality dating series. Last season saw the programme break records with its viewing figures as the series become the most-watched series ever on ITV Hub, amassing over 269 million streams.

Read next:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.