Love Island cast CONFIRMED! ITV2 announce firebreather, footballer and Maura Higgins lookalike as the first names to be joining the villa
Love Island has confirmed the first three Islanders to be joining the upcoming series as the brand new villa-mates are announced ahead of the twelfth series.
The ITV2 dating show returns on June 9 and there looks set to be the usual mix of love triangles, bedroom trysts and messy breakups as a firebreather, footballer and Maura Higgins lookalike make their way to the island.
Presenter Maya Jama will once again be at the helm after joining the popular dating series in January 2023.
This year, the show celebrates a decade on screens and promises to have 'more twists and turns than ever before' in honour of their 10-year anniversary.
The series, which has been streamed over two billion times on ITVX, has seen over 300 Islanders pass through the villa doors over the years, including the likes of Olivia Attwood, Dani Dyer, Chris Hughes, and Molly-Mae Hague.
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Sophie Lee
Sophie Lee, from Manchester, is one of the first to be confirmed for the show.
The 29-year old will fly to the picturesque Spanish island for Love Island's twelfth series following a brush with death when she was 22.
Sophie had been working as a firebreather for 18-months before she suffered horrific burns to her face and chest during a freak accident in the United States.
She was performing at a huge event in Chicago when the venue's air conditioning blew flames she was expelling from her mouth back into her face, leaving her with serious, life-threatening burns.
Sophie has since turned to modelling and influencing and has even written a book about her experience.
She also works with Katie Piper 's foundation, which supports people living with burns and scars.
Dejon Noel Williams
Another footballer making his way to the island is Dejon, who plays semi-professionally alongside his job as a personal trainer.
He boasts 11,000 followers on social media thanks in part to his regular shirtless gyn snaps.
His bio reads: 'I go beyond the gym—helping you build Strength, Confidence & Discipline for life.'
In 2021, he represented the Grenada national football team.
Megan Forte Clarke
Love Island has also signed up a pantomime star and Maura Higgins lookalike who brands herself a 'modern Bridget Jones' for the upcoming season.
MailOnline can reveal Megan Forte Clarke, 24, from Dublin, recently starred as one of the Ugly Sisters in Cinderella, but she's likely to get the pulses racing on the ITV2 show due to her sassy Irish charm, which sparks further similarities to Love Island legend Maura.
Megan has a distinguishing feature that won't go unnoticed, a Harry Potter-style lightning scar on her forehead, which she claims was a result of her 'slipping and falling down the stairs.'
The actress already has a sizeable TikTok following and the social media platform is where she makes her comparison with unlucky-in-love Bridget.
She said: 'I am the modern day Bridget Jones. Can I hold a man down? Don't be silly. Have I just been ghosted again? Absolutely. Am I still funny AF with great t*ts? Obvs.'
And ITV bosses are hoping that Megan can recreate some of Maura's Irish magic on the series this year, which returns to screens next Monday.
Megan has a distinguishing feature that won't go unnoticed, a Harry Potter-style lightning scar on her forehead, which she claims was a result of her 'slipping and falling down the stairs'
A TV source told MailOnline: 'Megan is a gorgeous girl, she's funny, and right now, couldn't be unluckier in love, making her the perfect Islander.
'Comparisons to Maura are inevitable and if anything, Megan will see it as a huge compliment.
Other names rumoured to be announced include...
Helena Ford
Included in the Summer 2025 series is an Influencer friend of show favourite Zara McDermott - travel influencer and cabin crew beauty Helena Ford, report The Sun.
As well as jetting around the world in her day job, Helena also has a TikTok account and 4,903 Instagram followers, she posting 'come with me' videos from idyllic locations including Dubai, Lake Como and Monaco.
Tommy Bradley
Tommy Bradley will be entering the villa ready to shake things up with the ladies, according to a new report.
And he looks to have undergone a body overhaul for the show where the contestants spend far more time parading around in their swimwear than fully clothed.
A source told The Sun: 'Tommy seems to tick all the Love Island boxes as the cheeky chappy of this summer's series.
'He looks to enjoy a night out with the lads and out on the boxing scene with his brother.
'But he's also packed on serious muscle over the last year ready for telly's famous villa and is no longer just a personality hire. Execs are finalising who will be in the OG line-up and who will be a bombshell.'
Tommy has documented his gym routine on his Instagram page and has been working out with his boxer brother Jamie.
Love Island bosses have also reportedly lined up a glamorous model to star in the ITV show, but viewers will have to wait and see if she'll be an OG cast mate or a bombshell.
Shakira Khan
Shakira Khan, 22, from Manchester was the second female revealed for the upcoming season.
The stunner's Instagram page is filled with picturesque travel snaps from Haiti, Dubai and New York - and she's not afraid of modelling a bikini.
A source told The Sun: 'Shakira is jaw-droppingly gorgeous and will land a place in Love Island's history books as a real beauty.'
Lucy Quinn
Lucy Quinn, 20, was the first female revealed for the upcoming season with sources confirming she will enter the Mallorca villa as a bombshell once the eight-week series is underway.
The Scouse makeup artist, who regularly shares photos of her beautified clients on Instagram, is set to join the new Love Island cast this summer.
A TV source told MailOnline: 'Lucy is single and ready to mingle. She can't wait to enter the Love Island villa and is counting down the days until it becomes a reality.
'She's fiery and doesn't take any nonsense when it comes to dating but is equally looking for the man of her dreams, hopefully all will come true for her this summer.'
Aaron Buckett
Fitness fan Aaron is also confirmed for the upcoming series and as a 6ft5 personal trainer, he has a lot to offer potential daters.
A TV insider told The Sun: 'Love Island execs are still finalising whether he'll be in the opening line-up or as a tempting bombshell.'
The gym enthusiast already boasts thousands of followers on both his TikTok and Instagram pages, where he regularly shares clips of his gruelling workouts.
A villa source told The Sun: 'It's a fact of life that girls go crazy for a tall lad and Aaron is a man mountain.
'He's got great chat too.
Harry Cooksley
Footballer Harry, 29, plays for Farnham Town as a midfielder and has even been branded The Surrey Zidane by fans thanks to his on pitch talent.
Off the pitch the sportsman apparently has 'got the full package - a great, athletic bod and great chat.'
'Love Island's ladies love a footballer and The Surrey Zidane will be sure to impress as he plays away,' a show insider has told The Sun.
Blu Chegini
Businessman Blu lives and works in London as a construction project manager after graduating from Oxford Brookes in 2023.
He also loves to jet over to Marbella for regular holidays, according to his social media accounts.
Alima Gagio
Scottish stunner Almima has an BA Hons degree in International Business after graduating from Glasgow Caledonian University.
She also loves to travel, sharing holiday snaps with her 2,250 followers.
Ben Holbrough
Model Ben is sure to be a hit with his fellow islanders and viewers.
Boasting a ripped 6ft 2in physique the hunk says 'My main line of work is modelling, which I've been doing for about five or six years now.'
'But when I'm not doing that, my hobbies are either going to the gym or playing football.'
Megan Moore
Influencer Megan is another love hopeful who boasts a strong social media following.
Posting regular snaps of her travels the blonde's next destination is Mallorca.
Rose Selway
Rose, 24, from Devon is set to join the cast of singletons looking for love this summer as she swaps business for pleasure at the Mallorca villa.
The entrepreneur, who runs 12 branches of her tweakments clinic Jessica Rose, has an extensive list of celebrity clients, including former stars of the ITV2 show.
Rose shared before and after images of ex-Islanders Lucinda Strafford and Jessy Potts via her Instagram page and has documented her own journey with Botox and filler online.
Writing on Instagram, Rose explained that she previously had a rhinoplasty, 'Botox brow lift', and lip filler, often performing the enhancements on her own face.
Speaking about her business, she said: 'Aesthetics isn't just my job, it's my whole world. I absolutely love it and adore every single one of you I meet day in and day out. The confidence I bring you all makes me burst with joy.'
A TV source told MailOnline: 'Rose has gone through the audition process with ITV2 and is being considered either for the opening lineup or as a bombshell.
'Rose is friends with many former stars of the show so has a good idea what it's like being in the villa and now she finally has the chance to experience it herself.
Kyle Ashman
Kyle meanwhile doesn't have a strong social media presence with just one Insta pic on his profile, although he is showing off his impressive six pack.
ITV will be revealing the full cast of singletons this week ahead of the show's launch with more twists than ever promised for series 12.
In the new trailer, Maya Jama demands a fresh set of ideas from a boardroom of Love Island executives but rejects their uninspiring suggestions which include moving the show to the Isle of Wight and turning it into a musical.
Love Island: All Stars ended in February with Scouser Gabby Allen winning the title and £50,000 prize pot alongside Casey O'Gorman, who she has since split from.
The couple called time on their romance two weeks ago while runners-up Grace Jackson and Luca Bish remain in a relationship.
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Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Love Island stars that have been arrested over drug busts, drunken brawls and dangerous dogs - as Kyle Ashman pulls out of new series following machete attack claims
Over the course of 10 years, hundreds of reality show hopefuls have tried to make a name for themselves in the Love Island villa. Yet while many stars have used their appearance on the show to obtain millions of social media followers and six-figure brand deals - some have found themselves hitting headlines for wrongdoing. This week, it emerged that one of the stars set to enter the villa next week has pulled out of the show after being cleared by police in machete attack in February when masked thugs stormed a wake and hacked at a dad with a blade. Kyle Ashman was one of two arrested by police but he was released with no further action and he has now confirmed he had no involvement in the incident, but has chosen to leave the ITV show regardless. Yet he is far from the only star to have had a brush with the law in recent years. Several Islanders have been hauled into court to face allegations of drug dealing, dangerous driving and even owning an out-of-control dog. Now, MailOnline takes a look into the many lawsuits of Love Island stars. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Ellie Brown - dangerous driving Season four star Ellie Brown was slapped with a six-month driving ban and fined £1,660 in 2021 after she was clocked speeding at 101mph. The TV personality, 27, was caught breaking the 70mph speed limit as she drove a Mercedes-Benx GLC on Cudworth, Warwickshire section of the M42 on June 5, 2019. As she addressed the bench in Coventry Magistrates Court, Ellie pleaded that a ban from the road would cause 'exceptional hardship', as her work as an influencer requires her to transport herself all over country. However, her plea was ultimately rejected, and she received six points on her license, bring her total to 12 and resulting in an automatic six-month ban. Ellie had already plead guilty at an earlier hearing, and the case was adjourned to allow her time to present her case for a potential loss of income, as she works self-employed through an agency. It was revealed Ellie earns £2,000 a week after tax, and that a driving ban would not result in others losing their jobs, led to the decision to give her the points. Addressing the bench, she said, according to Metro: 'I have been self-employed for the past two-and-a-half years. I was on a TV show and when I came out I moved to Manchester to do modelling and different kinds of media. 'I do a lot of travelling to shoots and it could be anywhere from London, Scotland, Leeds or all over the UK. My fashion brand's factory is in Leicester and I have to go there carrying a lot of stock.' Ellie, who moved from Newcastle to Cheshire after her appearance on Love Island, added: 'I've learned my lesson and I haven't had any other offences. I've held my hands up and I'm really sorry.' Chairman of the bench Neil Gallagher, enquired if her ban would impact jobs at the factory in Leicester, to which she replied: 'The employer, I couldn't work with him because I can't travel to Leicester.' But after deliberation, the chairman told her: 'Exceptional circumstances is a very high hurdle and I'm afraid in the circumstances we find it does not apply in your case.' He added: 'You're on a good income at the moment. You have done well but I'm afraid we can't avoid the ban and you will have to make other arrangements to travel around the country.' At the time she was clocked speeding, Ellie said that she had been severely delayed during a five-and-a-half-hour drive south from Manchester. As well as receiving six points, Ellie was fined £1,660, ordered to pay court costs of £110 and a victim surcharge of £167. Ellie entered the Love Island villa as a bombshell in 2018 and struck up a relationship with millionaire seltzer brand owner, Charlie Brake, but they split shortly afterwards. During her time on the show she famously became embroiled in a vicious row with Georgia Steel, with Ellie being condemned for using vile language during the spat. The former business development manager now makes a living as an influencer. Kaz Crossley - drugs bust Kaz Crossley, who appeared on season four of the show - hit headlines in February 2023, when she was questioned and held in prison in the United Arab Emirates on suspicion of drug offences. In 2020, the reality star was filmed without her knowledge, appearing to snort lines of white powder in Dubai by her 'controlling and manipulative' ex-boyfriend. Three years later, Kaz was detained at Abu Dhabi airport while transferring to a flight to Thailand where she says she was going to carry out voluntary work. An insider claimed 'that her name obviously raised a red flag' when her passport was checked in the UAE's capital, and she was put in jail for a week alongside a new mother and her six-month-old baby. After four days of being held in Dubai's Central Prison and being questioned about the video, the reality star was released without charge. Breaking her silence on the ordeal in August 2023, Kaz broke down in tears as she told GK Barry on her Saving Grace podcast about how her unnamed ex had been the one to release the video of her snorting lines of white powder. She claimed it was the 'scariest experience of her life' as she was 'strip searched' and held with prisoners in a jail cell. Kaz, 30, said it 'destroyed her mental health and career', revealing she hit rock bottom, as she lost all her brand deals, 'became depressed' and didn't leave the house. Dubai has recently liberalised its drugs laws with first-time offenders given a minimum of three months in prison and a fine of between £4,559 and £22,799. Previously, offenders would have faced a minimum of four years in prison for any drug use. After serving jail time, suspects are then deported to their home state - in Kaz's case to the UK - and banned from returning to the UAE. Sentences for drug-trafficking can include the death penalty. Kaz first appeared on Love Island in 2018 as a Casa Amor bombshell, where she famously turned Josh Donzel's head away from his then-partner Georgia Steel. She returned to the villa in 2025 for the All Stars version of the series, but was dumped half way through with partner Montel McKenzie. The former make-up artist now divides her time between the UK and Thailand after founding Combat Collective, a community that focuses on empowering women through combat sports. In May 2024, a group of nine influencers, which included Love Island's Rebecca Gormley, Biggs Chris, Eva Zapico and Jamie Clayton, were charged by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in relation to an unauthorised foreign exchange trading scheme promoted on social media. The FCA alleged that Emmanuel Nwanze and Holly Thompson used an Instagram account, @holly-fx trends, to provide advice on buying and selling contracts for difference (CFDs) when they were not authorised to do so. It said CFDs were high-risk investments, with 80 percent of customers who invest in them losing money. The watchdog alleged that Emmanuel paid the Love Island stars along with TOWIE's Lauren Goodge and Yazmin Oukhellou, and Geordie Shore's Scott Timlin to promote the account to their combined 4.5 million Instagram followers. They each face one count of issuing unauthorised communications of financial promotions. Eva appeared in court in September but is is yet to enter a plea to one count of issuing unauthorised communications of financial promotions on or about April 2, 2020. Judge Sally-Ann Hales told the star: 'We may need you back here on October 24, bail remains unconditional same as before.' Biggs, Rebecca, Jamie, Scott, Lauren, Yazmin, Emmanuel and Holly all denied issuing unauthorised communications of financial promotions at a previous hearing. The judge said the influencers, who were all released on unconditional bail, will stand trial in 2027. The Love Island stars all appeared on the first winter season of Love Island in 2020. During their time on the show, model Rebecca and former car body repair specialist Biggs began dating and maintained a long-distance relationship for 18 months after the show ended and the country went into lockdown. Earlier this year, the pair appeared on Netflix series, Cheat: Unfinished Business, where they tried and failed to rekindle their relationship. Rebecca, 27, now works as an influencer while Biggs, 33, owns BMC Properties that focuses on buying, selling and refurbishing houses. During her time on the show, former recruitment consultant Eva, 26, struck up a romance with Nas Majeed. She now works as an influencer. Jamie's time in the villa was short-lived, being dumped from the show jus seven days after entering as a bombshell. The Scottish recruitment consultant, 32, has since opened his own consultancy in Dubai. Jack Fincham - drug driving and dog attack In January, Love Island winner Jack Fincham was sentenced to six weeks imprisonment after being convicted for owning a dangerously out-of-control dog. The reality TV star was originally sentenced after his black Cane Corso, Elvis, injured runner Robert Sudell in Swanley, Kent, in September 2022. Jack, who had pleaded guilty to the charge, faced two separate incidents involving his dog. The first attack left the runner left with an injury, while a second incident in June 2024 saw a woman's calf grabbed - though no injury was reported. The court had handed Fincham a custodial sentence, citing his failure to comply with conditions set after the first attack, including keeping Elvis on a lead and wearing a muzzle. However, Jack's legal team successfully argued that immediate imprisonment was too harsh and in March, the appeal's success meant Jack would now avoid jail but must still comply with strict conditions regarding Elvis. Instead his 18-month suspended sentence for a drug-driving offence in March 2024 was extended by three months. As part of his original sentence passed at the magistrates' court, Fincham was ordered to pay £3,680, including a £2,000 contribution to kennelling costs, a fine of £961 and £200 compensation to the runner. In 2024, Jack was also spared jail after speeding his £50,000 car during a cocaine binge. He was behind the wheel of his BMW 520D driving down the hard shoulder of the A2 in Kent when he was stopped by police. Jack later admitted drug driving and driving without due care and attention. He also pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and using false number plates. He was given a 12-week sentence suspended for 18 months. It was then extended for three months. Jack later claimed his life had spiralled out of control, having blown £1million on gambling as he battled drink and drug addictions. The reality star won the fourth series of Love Island with Dani Dyer in 2018, with the pair being awarded £50,000 shared winnings. He revealed in February that he has gone back to work selling office supplies and stationary and is taking on a Master's degree in financial trading. Chloe Crowhurst - drink driving In 2017, Chloe Crowhurst was charged with drink-driving after getting caught behind the wheel the day after a boozy Halloween bash. The reality star failed a breathalyser test when police stopped her while leaving a Holiday Inn in Crawley, West Sussex, after a night out. Chloe had been partying at the Shocktober showbiz party at Tulleys Farm in Crawley the night before, then carried on the night at Moko club - which stays open till 3am. The next day, a worried onlooker called the police after seeing her leave the hotel, according to The Sun. Police then stopped a car matching hers and gave her a breath test, which she failed. Chloe's manager later apologised for the reality starlet's 'error in judgement' in a statement. It read: 'Chloe is fully aware that her public profile comes hand in hand with responsibility. 'At this stage does not want to comment beyond offering her sincerest apologies to her family, friends and supporters for any embarrassment she may have caused.' Anna Vakili - drunken brawl Anna Vakili was arrested in 2021 after a boozy fight with her sister Mandi. The reality star claimed she had called the police over fears she was being kidknapped but ended up getting arrested herself over the brawl. The sisters were arrested and on suspicion of common assault. They were later released without charge. Anna admitted that she regularly ends up rowing with her younger sister after having 'too much to drink' during nights out. She told The Sun: 'We got arrested for fighting each other – it wasn't even a physical fight. Mandi scratched my neck and it was bleeding a tiny bit. It was the tiniest little scratch, and the worst part of this is, that I called the police!' Anna and Mandi were then handcuffed and put into a police van, where she claims she could see the officers Googling her name in the front seat. Once they realised the situation was serious, they told officers it was nothing to be concerned about and that they were sisters. However they were taken to the station and spent 14 hours in police cells before being quizzed by officers and later released. Anna appeared on series five of Love Island in 2019 when she famously got into a blazing row with Jordan Hames after he asked her to be his girlfriend, only to chat up India Reynolds The year before, Anna claimed she was set upon by a group of who 'threatened them with illegal weapons' during the Bank Holiday weekend. She released a statement, insisting she was forced to act in 'self-defence' after a 'drug-using' teenager 'swung' at her cousin Asal - a claim her family firmly denied. In a video shared on social media, the TV personality was seen dragging a young woman by her hair across the concrete, before Mandi kicked her in the head following a heated exchange. A representative for Anna told MailOnline: 'Anna and Mandi Vakili and others in their group were involved in an unprovoked violent and verbal attack on Monday in Hyde Park which included Mandi and their cousin being hit and punched and the group of attackers attempting to steal their belongings. 'The very serious matter is now being dealt with the police as they were threatened with illegal weapons during the attack.' The family of the teenager then spoke out on social media, insisting the fight kicked off when Asal told the fans to 'shut up' after they recognised the reality star from the ITV2 dating series. Anna appeared on series five of Love Island in 2019 when she famously got into a blazing row with Jordan Hames after he asked her to be his girlfriend, only to chat up India Reynolds two days later. While she initially launched a career as an influencer after the show, she decided to return to her job as a pharmacist during the Covid pandemic. Zara Holland - flouting lockdown In January 2021, Zara Holland was ordered to pay a £4,500 fine or go to jail for nine months for breaching Barbados' tough Covid rules. The former Miss England and her boyfriend Elliott Love were arrested at the airport when they had attempted to flee the country after Elliott tested positive for Covid. The couple had been given red wristbands and told to remain in their room at the £300-a-night Sugar Bay until they were taken to a quarantine centre on the north of the island. Instead, they booked a British Airways flight back to the UK, which would have been packed with fellow British holiday makers, cut off their wristbands and took a taxi to the airport. Zara then appeared in court in Barbados while her boyfriend isolated in the island's quarantine centre and pleaded guilty to leaving the Sugar Bay hotel on December 29 while she was under quarantine. The shaken reality star had blamed her actions on a 'foolish error' when she appeared in court and breathed a sigh of relief when she escaped with a fine of £4,417. Zara's fine was paid immediately by her lawyer and she promptly returned to the UK. Elliott appeared in court two days after Zara where he was branded 'reckless' but also escaped with just a fine. He was ordered to pay just £3,000, which was £1,400 less than his famous girlfriend - despite him being prepared to get on a packed holiday jet while infected with the virus. His fine was smaller because his lawyer successfully argued that he was a 'simple guy' who earns £450-a-week running a small demolition firm and isn't a celebrity. Beauty queen Zara appeared on series two of Love Island in 2016, where she was famously stripped of her Miss Great Britain title having sex on camera with Alex Bowen. Zara - who married Elliott in Greece in 2023 - now runs a clothing company called Mimi Boutique. Kyle Ashman - machete attack Kyle had been due to appear on Love Island when it launches next Monday but ITV confirmed this week the 23-year-old from Stafford has chosen not to enter the villa and decided to leave the show for personal reasons. The news came amid The Sun's reports that Kyle was involved in an machete attack in February when masked thugs stormed a wake and hacked at a dad with a blade. Kyle was one of two arrested by police but he was released with no further action and he has now confirmed he had no involvement in the incident, but has chosen to leave the ITV show regardless. Kyle told MailOnline: 'I fully cooperated with this police investigation and made it very clear that I had no involvement in this incident. 'I am not a violent person and any suggestion otherwise is a mischaracterisation.' Meanwhile ITV added: 'For personal reasons, Kyle will not be entering the Love Island Villa as planned.' The Love Island line up was announced on Tuesday so Kyle's departure will have plunged the show into chaos ahead of Monday's launch episode. The Sun revealed they alerted bosses on Kyle being questioned in the attack but ITV said they were unaware of the incident and he was not flagged during the contestant checks. The incident on February 28 at The White Eagle Club in Stafford saw the victim, 38, nearly lose his arm after he was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment The incident on February 28 saw the victim, 38, nearly lose his arm after he was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment and kept it for around two weeks. Another mourner was reportedly glassed, one hit with a metal pole, and two people were run over by a car during the 15 minute attack at the The White Eagle Club in Stafford. Sources said the victim was attacked by three balaclava-clad thugs over an alleged £3,000 debt. He was injured by a blade that left him with a deep gash and has suffered tendon damage and is now unable to drive. Police confirmed yesterday that after the matter had been investigated Kyle and another individual were released with no further action only last month. A show source told the publication: 'ITV were entirely unaware of Kyle's past and, as he was not charged, it was not flagged as part of Love Island's stringent DBS checks. 'It's only right he can now return home to the UK to share his side of the story and therefore bosses took the decision that it was best for him not to enter the villa.' Staffordshire Police said on Monday: 'A 22-year-old man, from Stafford, was arrested on suspicion of wounding and affray. Another man, also 22 and from Stafford, was arrested on suspicion of affray. 'Both were questioned in custody and bailed with conditions while our enquiries continue.' Kyle, who works as a water operative, doesn't have a strong social media presence with just one Insta pic on his profile. Prior to his announced departure, Kyle said he was looking for 'someone that's fun, confident and just themselves'.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Controversial Channel 4 show that left viewers 'shocked and uncomfortable' is set to 'return for second series'
It's the series that gripped the nation after Channel 4 sent 12 virgins, aged between 22 and 30, to an island off Croatia in a bid to have sexual relationships. With expert coaching from therapists and intimacy experts, the concluding episode last week saw Dave successfully lose his virginity in dramatic scenes that left fans floored. And now The Sun has revealed that the series will be returning for a second season. According to the publication Channel 4 have already begun casting for a new set of virgins ready to work towards sexual intimacy with the help of sexperts Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschman. The show has since become the channel's most streamed new format since 2023 and is most popular with the target 16-34 age group. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The show saw 12 virgins, aged between 22 and 30, being sent to an island off Croatia in a bid to have sexual relationships with the help of sexperts A source told the publication: 'Virgin Island had a big buzz about it as something which really pushed the boundaries. 'In a market filled with somewhat predictable dating shows, it broke the mould and still had that Channel 4 experimental heart to it. 'So everyone was thrilled when the ratings seemed to back the broadcaster's punt. It felt like a no-brainer to consider a second series.' Mailonline have contacted Channel 4 representatives for comment. During the final episode of the six part series, accountant Dave, 24, could be heard moaning and groaning as he finally lost his virginity with surrogate partner Kat Slade. However, fans of the controversial programme branded the scenes 'uncomfortable' as they struggled to watch the moment Dave finally lost his virginity. After their session together, Kat explained: 'I feel good about being the person with him at that important moment.' In the end, Dave was the only contestant on Virgin Island who had sex, and many noted that it was still bewildering to see such an intimate moment play out on screen. Those watching at home were delighted for Dave, but were surprised to see such an intimate moment play out on screen. Sharing their thoughts, viewers said: 'Probably the most uncomfortable viewing. Only lasted 20mins and had to turn it off, felt like I was watching a love cult in action. 'Virgin Island is a hideous concept for a TV show. Why would you agree to go on it, to get exploited, even if you're getting paid!?' 'Losing your virginity should be a special thing, something you remember all your life, this is just degrading these virgins and something they'll want to forget and regret in years to come...' 'Virgin Island isn't actually that bad but I still can't get my head around an actual sex surrogate that then ultimately has sex with the client. It baffles me.' 'Well guys, that's the end of #VirginIsland, it's been... weird'; 'That Virgin Island is one disgustingly difficult watch man Jesus Christ'; 'Is anyone else watching Virgin Island on Channel 4? I find it so bizarre everyone is so vulnerable and it's just a bit strange..' The therapists on the show have since defended their work to MailOnline after it drew widespread controversy online and explained that the show gives viewers a realistic idea of what intimacy is. During the show, all of the 12 virgins achieve a level of intimacy with either a surrogate or a coach during the course, but only one of the virgins actually goes all the way with a surrogate partner. Sexologist Celeste Hirschman describes the relationship between the client and surrogate as 'authentic' and shared how the dynamic can reflect what would happen in a 'real relationships', including the possibility of 'performance problems' from either the surrogate or client. Celeste continued: 'It is really an authentic relationship. So one thing that can happen in a relationship is that someone has performance problems, and so they would just communicate about it and say, oh, you know, something's not working here. Let's take a break. Let's try again.' The sexologist added: 'That authenticity is what actually prepares people to have real relationships out in the world. 'So it's not just like trying to force something and a lot of times surrogates do work with people who have pretty significant dysfunctions, and so they need to work with those kinds of things, both in their clients and if it comes up in themselves as well.' There's a 'triadic relationship' between the client, surrogate and a separate therapist to help tackle issues, including if the client develops feelings.
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Danny Dyer in tears for poignant moment at Dani Dyer and Jarrod Bowen wedding
Love Island star Dani Dyer and footballer Jarrod Bowen tied the knot with their nearest and dearest in attendance at their lavish wedding Danny Dyer was in tears as he walked his daughter, Dani Dyer, down the aisle as she tied the knot with footballer Jarrod Bowen. Love Island star Dani and Jarrod got married in the sunshine at a gorgeous setting in Buckinghamshire, surrounded by their nearest and dearest. She looked out of this world in a simple off-the-shoulder white gown with her hair tied into a classy updo. In a video shared by the brand that created her wedding dress, Suzanne Neville, Rivals actor and proud father, Danny, was seen turning around to see his daughter in the gown for the very first time. The Football Factor star was overwhelmed as he went to hug and kiss her. Danny was beaming with joy as he walked his daughter down the aisle, with Jarrod tearing up as he saw his new wife. Danny gave his son-in-law a quick hug as Jarrod leaned on his shoulder in tears. The camera then panned to the wedding guests while the happy couple said their I do's. EastEnders icon Danny, along with the bridesmaids, wiped away his tears as the couple exchanged their vows. The video included their celebrations, with Dani and Danny sharing an enthusiastic dance in a glass building. After a picture-perfect ceremony, it seems dad Danny set the tone for the rest of the night. An X-rated footie chant about the couple broke out with the former EastEnder leading it. Footage from the newlyweds reception emerged on social media showing family and friends serenading the couple with West Ham fans' favourite chant: "Bowen's on fire... and he's s******* Dani Dyer." Guests swirled white serviettes above their heads as it was belted out inside a glass marquee as the couple giggled along. To really get into the party spirit, Dani decided to change out of her floor-length gown into something more dancefloor ready. In the lead up to the wedding, Danny said: 'I have met every single boyfriend that has walked through my door - and then she brings home the West Ham captain. "I have gone from the lying scum, and I hate them, to a man who I would not mind tonguing myself! A strong man. If he lent in I would put my lips on this geezer. 'He is just, as a father and joking aside, he took her on with a 14 month old son and that says a lot about a man I will tell you. He is amazing. I can't wait to give her away. What a touch. But if he was to make a move on me before… "I think I'm in love with him, slightly. He's an incredible person. I just want someone to love my daughters the way I do. I want them to worship them and look after them. Let me tell you that. I love him.'
