Love Island UK Season 12: Who is Sophie Lee? All about the motivational speaker and first contestant to leave the villa
Sophie Lee has become the first contestant to exit Love Island UK Season 12 after her partner, Harry Cooksley, chose to recouple with Shakira instead. The 29-year-old motivational speaker took her early departure in stride, expressing gratitude for the experience despite her short time in the villa.
Sophie Lee opens up about her exit from the Villa
After Harry recoupled with Shakira, Sophie found herself single and was subsequently sent home. Reflecting on her departure, she said, "I really enjoyed being in the villa, I am really grateful for this experience."
Holding no grudges, Sophie wished Harry well, adding, "I wish Harry all the best—he genuinely deserves a girl who can make him happy."
Sophie may have been dumped from the villa but she's a born fighter
Before entering the villa, Sophie faced a life-changing accident at 22 while working as a professional fire dancer. She revealed that an air conditioning unit blew flames back at her, leaving her with severe facial burns. Since then, she has become an advocate for self-love and body positivity.
In an interview with The Sun, she opened up about her scars: "I just have to accept myself for me. I think sometimes people stare because they don't know how to ask. It's not intentionally rude, I think they're just curious and don't know what to say. I never mind if people ask about my scars, then I can educate more people about what happened."
Sophie also shared how the accident transformed her self-confidence, "In school, I went through that phase of 'oh, I'm massive, I'm this and that,' because I think you naturally do when you're that age... But with this accident, it's crazy. Because the one time I feel like I should be most body conscious, I'm probably the happiest I've ever been."
Who is Sophie Lee?
Sophie Lee, 29, hails from Manchester and brought a wealth of passion and purpose to the villa. As a motivational speaker, author, and former fire performer, she's built a reputation for fearlessly embracing her own story and helping others do the same.
Known on Instagram as @sophirelee, where she's gathered over 109,000 followers, she proudly calls herself the 'CEO of empowerment.' Off-camera, Sophie works closely with The Katie Piper Foundation to support burn survivors, using her platform to champion confidence and self-acceptance in women everywhere.
Her Instagram feed is a vibrant blend of workout videos, candid snapshots of her healing journey, and skincare tips. She uses the platform to showcase both her physical strength and emotional resilience, sharing everything from intense training sessions to everyday self-care routines.
What does Sophie look for in a partner?
Sophie admitted she usually goes for "red flag" men outside the villa but hoped to find someone different on Love Island. She described her ideal type as "someone who is fun, spontaneous, who has a lot of jokes, and who is attentive."
While Sophie's Love Island journey may have been cut short, her pursuit of love will continue.
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