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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Katie Fitzpatrick

New Love Island line-up for 2023 including the footballer son of former Premier League star

Love Island has announced the new batch of Islanders set to enter the famous villa this summer. This year, it is up to the public to decide which Islanders couple up in the opening episode.

Voting opens on Thursday morning at 8am and you can vote for free via the Love Island App. Fans have got until 9pm on Friday to have their say.

This summer, Love Island is back in Mallorca and set to return for its 10th sizzling series on Monday June 5 at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX as a host of new singletons seek to find love. The Islanders must do their best to flirt, date, couple up in a bid to avoid being ‘dumped’ from the Island.

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There will be shock recouplings, unexpected breakups and dramatic dumpings as the couples attempt to win the hearts of each other - and the public - one couple will ultimately triumph and be crowned Love Island winners for summer 2023. Maya Jama is returning as host after presenting the winter edition of the series in South Africa earlier this year.

Meet the new Islanders hoping to win hearts this year, including a footballer whose dad is a former Premier League player. Tyrique Hyde plays for Lewes FC in central midfield and his father Micah Hyde played for Watford from 1997 to 2004.

Name: Ruchee Gurung

Age: 24

From: Sutton

Occupation: Beautician

Ruchee Gurung (ITV)

Why Love Island and why now?

I’m single and looking for love, and it’s the perfect opportunity for me to find someone. I’m a relationship kind of girl, but so far it’s not worked out for me. So I’m looking forward to hopefully finding the right person in the Villa.

What’s your ‘elevator pitch’ for why someone should want to date you?

I’m really caring, when I’m with someone I’m all about them. I’m also really loyal and love doing nice things for the people that are special to me. My love language is gift giving, so I’m a real giver when it comes to relationships.

What gives you the ‘ick’?

Guys with no ambition. I also get the ick if I see a guy wearing white jeans and red trainers. Another one is super skinny jeans when they look like leggings. Fashion is such an important thing for me. If I go on a date and the guy isn’t wearing something I like, I’m going home.

Tyrique Hyde

Age: 24

From: Essex

Occupation: Semi-Professional Footballer

Tyrique Hyde (ITV)

What do you think you’ll bring to the villa?

I’ll bring vibes, confidence, good energy and honesty. I don’t sit on the fence, if I have an opinion I will speak up. I’m also not afraid to go after what I want.

If there was one thing you’d want your new fellow Islanders to know about you, what would it be?

That I’m deaf in my right ear. I’ve got a tattoo next to my left one that symbolises strength and power in my good one.

Do you have a claim to fame?

(Former Islander of 2021 ) Toby Aromolaran is one of my best friends, we grew up together and were in the same class at school.

Molly Marsh

Age: 21

From: Doncaster

Occupation: Musical Theatre Performer and Social Media Creator

Molly Marsh (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Why Love Island and why now?

I think it’s ideal timing and the perfect way to find someone. I don’t go out and party and I don’t use dating apps, I’m actually quite old-fashioned, so there’s no better way to meet someone than by going into a Villa in the sun with the potential ‘one’ in there.

Do you have any claims to fame?

With my job being in social media, I’ve had some amazing opportunities to go on press trips and I’ve actually been out to the Love Island Villas in Mallorca and South Africa. Having the experience to walk around both was amazing but to now actually live in the Villa is going to be incredible.

Tell us something not many people know about you?

I live on a farm with my mum, dad, sister, grandma, grandad, aunty, uncle, cousin, cousin’s husband, their baby and chicken.

George Fensom

Age: 24

From: Bedford

Occupation: Business Development Executive

George Fensom (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

How would friends/family describe you?

I’m the first person to bring the vibe up, I’m always dancing, I’m always the one who wants to go out. My go-to dance move is what I call the Dad Dance, I’m gonna bring dad jokes and dad dancing to the Villa.

If you had to pick three of the most important things you look for in a partner what would they be?

Drive: I want them to be passionate about something, whether it’s a job or enjoying trips to the zoo on Saturdays. I prefer a girl who is naturally good looking, and someone who has even more banter than me- although I don’t believe that’s physically possible. I think those three qualities make for a perfect mix in a partner.

If you had to pick three celebrities to be in the Villa with you as fellow Islanders who would they be and why?

I’m going to go with a little sweetheart called Megan Fox, if you’ve seen Transformers. The second would be Anne Hegerty from The Chase, I wouldn’t crack on with her but I’d have a laugh with her. I’d also like Nigella Lawson to cook something sexy.

Catherine Agbaje

Age: 22

From: Dublin

Occupation: Commercial Real Estate Agent

Catherine Agbaje (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

What’s your ‘elevator pitch’ for why someone should want to date you?

I’m fun, I’m flirty, I’m just never boring. I can chat your ears off!

How would friends/family describe you?

Someone who is fun and a loving character. They know I have so much love to give. I’m always smiling, I’m always happy, I’m always laughing. You’ll always see me with a smile on my face.

Tell us something not many people know about you?

My teeth are real, people always think they are veneers! I had braces when I was younger. I have two degrees, I have my undergrad and my masters in Psychology and Sociology and Real Estate.

Mehdi Edno

Age: 26

From: Bordeaux/London

Occupation: Communications Manager

Mehdi Edno (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Are you ready to find ‘the one’?

Yes. I’ve been busy for the last few years with work, and doing my Masters degree but now I’m done with the busy schedule, and ready to find love.

What’s your ‘elevator pitch’ for why someone should want to date you?

I’d simply start by speaking French, that usually gets girls interested.

If you had to pick three of the most important things you look for in a partner what would they be?

Looks are important but they aren’t everything, a good sense of humour and someone who is outgoing and up for an adventure is what I’m looking for.

Ella Thomas

Age: 23

From: Glasgow

Occupation: Model

Ella Thomas (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

What’s your ‘elevator pitch’ for why someone should want to date you?

I'm the whole package, I know what I want in life and I’ve got a big heart.

If there was one thing you’d want your new fellow Islanders to know about you, what would it be?

I’d let the boys know that I’m wifey material so don’t play with me!

Do you have a claim to fame?

I’ve been in a Headie One and Burna Burna Boy music video and I was once an extra in World War Z. I was 12 years old when I filmed it and got to meet Brad Pitt which was cool.

Mitchel Taylor

Age: 26

From: Sheffield

Occupation: Gas Engineer

Mitchel Taylor (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

What’s your ‘elevator pitch’ for why someone should want to date you?

I thrive on being a gentleman. I’ll shower you with flowers, I’ll take you on dates, I’ll fill your bedside drawer with your favourite sweets and chocolate. I’ve been single, I’ve had my fun and now I want to settle down.

Why would you say you’re single?

I’m just really picky. I’ve got to find the girl that I want to marry and have kids with. I’m nearly 27, I don’t want to play the field anymore, I want to find the one.

What gives you the ‘ick’?

Food in your teeth and counting coins in your hand- when a girl stands at the bar counting out the coins to pay for a drink, it’s not for me!

Jess Harding

Age: 22

From: London

Occupation: Aesthetics Practitioner

Jess Harding (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

What’s your ‘elevator pitch’ for why someone should want to date you?

Firstly I think I’ve got quite a big personality and I’ve got a heart of gold. I can stand up for myself if I need to. I’m honest, and I love, love. I’m also a really good girlfriend.

Why would you say you’re single?

Because every boy is giving me the ick at the moment. I feel like it’s fate because I’m saving myself for Mr Right in the Villa!

What gives you the ‘ick’?

When a guy stunts for money, that’s an ick. Showing off all their designer clothes because most of the time they’re probably fake anyway! Another one is when a boy runs for the train and the train goes without him. Lunch Boxes also - just go to Tesco and get a meal deal!

André Furtado

Age: 21

From: Dudley

Occupation: Business owner

André Furtado (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

What do you think you’ll bring to the Villa?

I’m charming, I’m going to bring good looks and some language lessons. I’m going to teach the other Islanders Portuguese, Spanish and a little bit of Creole. I think I’ve got every slice of the pie.

Do you fall in love quickly?

I would say I fall too quickly to be honest. When I look at beautiful ladies, before I’ve said hello to them I’ve already fallen in love. I’m already planning the wedding.

If money was no object, what would be your ideal first date?

I would love to go strawberry picking, I’d want to have a field spelt out in her name, then I’d have to ask her to be my girlfriend. So I’d like to plant a field full of strawberries.

Love Island starts Monday 5th June at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.

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