ITV are announcing the latest batch of contestants ready to find romance on the winter edition of Love Island.
The dating reality show is set to return to screens on 16 January for its second ever Winter series with Maya Jama now at its helm.
The 28-year-old was announced in October as the show’s new presenter after Laura Whitmore confirmed her departure after three series.
Ahead of the new installment, ITV have on Monday morning been releasing the names of the new hopefuls looking for love in South Africa.
Tanya Manhenga, 22
Tanya, who hails from Liverpool, is entering the villa with the hopes that being around “lots of different people will help me work out who it is I may want”.
The 22-year-old is studying biomedical science and is also an influencer. Ahead of her appearance on the ITV2 series, Tanya has revealed she has Vitiligo, a skin pigmentation condition.
She said that “you may not even notice it” and admitted that she doesn’t care about covering up the pigmentation, adding that “it’s a vibe”.
Kai Fagan, 24
The 24-year-old is a Science and PE teacher who says he is “single by choice”.
The Manchester native said he has “quite high expectations” and does not commit to anyone unless he is “absolutely buzzing” over them.
Kai said that his friends would describe him as “chilled, caring, very impulsive and a good guy”, adding that he always puts family and friends first.
As well as his career in education, he also plays semi-professional rugby for Burnage RFC, having previously played rugby 7s for Jamaica.
He has three different degrees and went to three different universities.
Lana Jenkins, 25
The 25-year-old from Luton is a make-up artist and has worked with many celebrities so far in her career.
However, she said her claim to fame is when she lived in Spain as a six-year-old, she appeared in an episode of Benidorm as an extra.
Reflecting on her relationship history, Lana admitted when she falls in love, she falls quickly.
She shared: “I tend to know quite soon if I could fall in love with that person and then, as long as everything is going well, I’ll probably tell them I love them in about a week.”
Ron Hall, 25
The Essex native has said that he will bring “fun and charisma” to the villa, adding that he is “the most genuine person you’ll meet”.
The 25-year-old financial advisor has also said he is a “nice person – which you don’t find these days”.
Ron is blind in one eye, after suffering a football injury when he was eight years old.
Recalling the incident, he shared: “I went in for a header and got kicked in the face. I’ve got two different coloured eyes, one blue and one green.
“It’s added to my character, there are so many people that are worse off than me.
“And if anything, losing something like that makes you realise that. It’s not hindered me in any shape or form. It’s a good conversation starter I must admit.”
Anna-May Robey, 20
Swansea based Anna-May has said she has firmly set her sights on finding a boyfriend in the Villa, particularly “someone who makes me laugh”.
The payroll administrator added, “I’ve been single for quite a while, my mother is bugging me, she’s like, ‘You need to find a boyfriend.’ I’m just excited to try something new and I think going on Love Island is a good way to meet someone.”
As self-described “chatterbox”, the 20-year-old explained that she’s “always running around singing and screaming. My parents are always like, ‘Shut up!’
“I work from home all day so I don’t really speak to people in person for two or three days a week, so when my father comes home, he’ll want to sit down and chill out, and I’m there chewing his ear off!”.
Will Young, 23
Farmer Will has said that growing up on a farm has made it difficult “juggling relationships and work” and has insisted that he’s at a time in his life “where I’m mature enough to find a wife”.
The 23-year-old from Buckinghamshire also revealed he practices meditation every night for 20-25 minutes, explaining, “It’s a nice way to self reflect, taking a minute on my day/ week. It’s really nice and sets me up for a nice sleep.”
He also said that he would like Sir David Attenborough to play him in a movie of his life.
Tanyel Revan, 26
North London-based hairdresser Tanyel has said she’s bringing “energy” and “confidence” to the South African villa.
The 26-year-old said she plays “hard to get” but described herself as “loyal, charismatic, good looking and happy.”
However, she warned that she’s not into “pretty boys”, insisting that they give her the “ick because they always have a crap personality” – but if you look like Channing Tatum and can dance then you have her heart.
Shaq Muhammad, 24
Shaq is an airport security officer from London and has said he hopes he finds his “future wife” in the villa after not having the “best luck with previous relationships”.
The 24-year-old said he’s “the type of person that wears my heart on my sleeve” an if he finds someone, he “clicks with” then he falls “very hard, very fast”.
He added: “Sometimes that can be a bad thing. I’m a very emotional person. It can be a blessing and a curse.”
When he’s not wearing his heart on his sleeve, he’s watching his favourite film, Dear John, based on the Nicolas Sparks book of the same name.
Olivia Hawkins, 27
Ring girl and actress Olivia has her sights firmly set on settling down as she revealed she’s never been in a relationship before.
The 27-year-old is hoping to “find the love of her life” with her “fun” and “bubbly” personality. However, she admitted she’s a “little bit of drama” so her fellow Islanders have been warned.
The Brighton native is no stranger to being in front of the camera having played a waitress in James Bond with Daniel Craig and has been a body double for both Michelle Keegan and Emma Watson.
Olivia added that she starred in film opposite Jason Statham and revealed they “had a nice 10-minute convo about life”.
Haris Namani, 21
TV salesman Haris revealed like a several of his fellow Islanders he’s “never found love” and is hoping the ITV2 show can help him.
“It’s the best opportunity for me to find the girl and find the right one. I’ve obviously not found the right one myself,” he shared.
Having never taken a girl home, the Doncaster native admitted he’s “not going to say I’ve fallen in love until I’ve taken them to meet my mum and dad or sisters and brother.”
Branding himself “very respectful”, viewers shouldn’t expect any drama from Haris, who claims: “Anyone who meets me, I don’t think they have anything bad to say about me.
“I don’t give them that bad impression to say, ‘Oh, I don’t want to speak to him again.’”
