Love Island 2022: ITV reveals first batch of contestants

Love Island returns to screens on June 6th with a new group of singletons to keep us entertained this year.

The beloved ITV show is returning to our screens for another series. Laura Whitmore returns as host whilst her husband Iain Stirling provides the much-loved witty commentary. With just one week to go we can finally take a look at the islanders who will be looking for love (or fame).

Dami Hope, 26 – Microbiologist

Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, Hope describes himself as “very passionate”. “This year I was kind of being more open to new things and I think actually that’s why I put myself out there to get some new experiences. Love Island is a different experience, I will be talking to different girls, it might not go well with some, might go well with others, so it’s a fun experience,” he said ahead of his stint in the villa.

Tasha Ghouri, 23 – Model and Dancer

Ghouri promises to bring some “wildness” to the villa but describes dating as a “shambles” for her. She has a cochlear implant and says she’s regularly called “inspirational” because she is open about her hearing. Asked how her family and friends would describe her, she said: “They would definitely describe me as wild. I can get very wild on a night out, I’m definitely a party animal. I love my prosecco and to have a dance – I’m always on the dance floor.”

Liam LLewellyn, 22 – Masters Student

Jetting off from Newport, South Wales this year’s youngest contestant is studying Strength & Conditioning at university and is ready to find love now he has turned 22.

“I think 22 is a really nice age to meet someone, you’ve got your years ahead of you so you have time to experience stuff and grow together. I think Love Island is a great opportunity to meet someone, you’re in with a load of different types, so you can get to grips with what you really like about people,” he said. He’s hoping to win the girls over by telling them they’re “mint” or the’ve got “nice feet” (nice one, Liam). 

Paige Thorne, 24 – Paramedic

Hailing from Swansea, Thorne was the first contestant revealed for the show. Speaking about why she’s joining the villa, she said: “In Swansea there is just no-one I can find, I’ve tried and there’s just nobody there anymore. I need to break out and broaden my horizons and Love Island just brings everyone together for me. I haven’t got to go out and I haven’t got to swipe. So, hopefully they can just come to me now!”

She describes herself as “positive and bubbly”. She also says she is “quite mumsy” and is a good cook. She’s convinced Gordon Ramsay would give her a nine or 10 out of 10.

Davide Sanclimenti, 27 – Business Owner

Born in Rome but living in Manchester, Sanclimenti is ready to bring his “Italian Charm” to the villa this summer. He’s looking for something serious and a girl to spend his life with and describes himself as a “deep person” “It’s going to be fun, I’m looking forward to it. I want to find my soulmate, find my person so I can actually build something in the future, grow with them, be a family,” he said.

Indiyah Polack, 23 – Hotel Waitress

The Londoner is heading into the villa in hope of meeting new people after being single for a while. Her previous partners have been pretty varied and she says she’s never “been out with two guys who are quite the same” 

Speaking ahead of the ITV2 show, she said: “I feel like I’m at a stage in my life now where I’m ready to meet new people and start dating properly. I have been single for some time and I feel like for my generation of people, it’s quite hard to date without being influenced by social media and stuff like that. Love Island particularly is like a closed space and I think it is a great place to get to know someone one-on-one and build a real connection.”

Gemma Owen, 19 – International Dressage Rider

Sport is clearly in Owen’s blood as she is the daughter of former professional footballer, Michael Owen. She’s been competing for Great Britain in dressage riding since she was 11 and this year’s youngest contestant.

Asked what she’ll bring to the villa, she said: “I would say I’m fun, flirty and fiery. I think I’m good at giving advice, I’m a good person to talk to, I’m very honest. If I want the same guy I’d do it but in a respectful way.”

Ikenna Ekwonna, 23 – Pharmaceutical sales

Ekwonna is from Nottingham and has only been in one relationship in the past but says he’s now at the age “to find someone to settle with”.

He recalled how he surprised one of his exes with a four-night stay in Barcelona — but he admits that it was quite a lavish gift at the age of 19, and he thinks he spent far too much on it.

“I took my ex on holiday for her birthday. We went to Barcelona for four nights and I was pretty young then, maybe like 19-20. It was for her birthday so she didn’t know about it. It was quite a lot of money to spend for that age,” he shared.

 

Andrew Le Paige, 27 – International Real Estate Agent

The Guernsey native describes himself as a “good boyfriend” and says now was the right time to go on the show, as he’s rarely single. “When I’m with someone I’m very loyal, I’m a good boyfriend as when I’m with someone I’m all for them,” and asked why now to go on the ITV2 show, he added: “Because I’m actually single for once, so I thought why not? This is the best time to give it a go.”

Amber Beckford, 24 – Nanny

Another Londoner, Beckford hopes the guys don’t try and show off too much in front of her as she has dubbed it a huge “ick” for her.

She added: “I don’t like guys that show off. I don’t like flashy, showy-offy guys – just have a personality and make me laugh. There was this one guy and he was trying to purposefully show off his car keys and we were literally in the middle of a restaurant!”

Luca Bish, 23 – Fishmonger

Brighton boy Luca was inspired to join Love Island after seeing “how many couples [the series has] genuinely made”. One year out of a four-year relationship, Luca is ready to meet new singletons in the villa, but admits that “when you go looking for it, it’s not as easy”. The 23-year-old did say, however, that he isn’t one to “throw out dates”, only taking someone out if he is really interested in them.

Love Island kicks off at 9pm on June 6th on ITV2 and ITV Hub.