Nottingham's Ikenna Ekwonna has revealed how he was scouted for Love Island during a rare trip to London. The 23-year-old pharmaceutical salesman said he simply found himself signing up for the ITV2 show when he was out with friends in the capital, reports The Mirror.
The show, which kicks off on Monday (June 6) at 9pm, will see Nottingham's very own contestant on his journey to find love in the villa. Ikenna says he rarely finds himself in London so was surprised when something so exciting happened so quickly into his visit.
He said: "It's quite a funny story actually! It was the first time I was in London this year - and that was the first time in London for a while. I was up there for a friend's birthday and we were in Shoreditch Boxpark and I was approached there actually."
He was pretty keen straight away to go into the villa, and didn't think too much about it - until he had to make his final decision. "I think I was pretty relaxed about it. I wasn't thinking too much about it, until it got a little bit more serious and I had to make a decision," he explained when asked if he felt daunted by the idea of going on the show.
Ikenna describes himself as "single by choice" - but admits it's tough to find girls he fancies. "I'm single by choice I would say. It’s also pretty hard to find good looking people out there who are my type and my age so Love Island will put me in a situation where there will be people like that and hopefully that will force me to settle down," he explained.
He also describes himself as "very competitive" and wouldn't mind stepping on toes if he needs to. "I’m very competitive, I’m quite sporty as well which is probably where it comes from. I don’t really hold grudges so if someone steps on my toes, I’m effectively allowed to do the same," he shared.
However, he's pretty sure he'll know if a girl is The One straight away, adding: "I would say I’m a slow burner but I would know instantly if that person was compatible with me, like instantly, off the first conversation."
*Love Island starts at 9pm Monday 6th June on ITV2 and ITV Hub. Episodes are available the following morning on BritBox.
