There’s just one week to go before Love Island 2019 gets underway on ITV2 – and following weeks of speculation this year’s cast has finally been confirmed.
And you might spot a few of the rumoured faces among the 12 who’ll be looking for love in the villa – with Tyson Fury’s brother Tommy, AJ Pritchard’s brother Curtis and Adam Collard’s mate Amber Gill among them.
They’ll be kicking off ITV2’s long hot summer when the series begins on Monday 3 June – but who will you be watching this year?
Here are your starting 12 for Love Island 2019…
Yewande Biala
Age: 23
From: Dublin
Occupation: Scientist
Yewande is swapping the science lab for the villa this summer, with the Irish-born contestant simply looking for a partner she can ‘hold a normal conversation with’.
On being the perfect Love Islander: ‘I’m a scientist, which is a unique job. I think people may be surprised. Every time I say that I’m a scientist, people are shocked. I think there are loads of intelligent people on reality television, last year we had Dr Alex and the year before we had Camilla Thurlow in the villa.’
Lucie Donlan
Age: 21
From: Newquay
Occupation: Surfer
Lucie describes herself as being different from the usual Love Islander in that she can do sporty as well as glamorous. She’d love to meet someone equally sporty, especially if they’re keen to go surfing with her.
On being the perfect Love Islander: ‘I stand out and I’m different to the usual girls that might go on the show. I’m more into sports as well as being glam. I can do both, which makes me stand out compared to other girls. I’m more of a guy’s girl than a girl’s girl. I’ve got a lot of friends that are into riding bikes. I get on with those girls who are bit more tomboy-ish. I get on fine with girls, I just don’t like hanging out with girly girls too much. I like hanging out with guys because they’re into the same type of sports…less drama really.’
Amber Gill
Age: 21
From: Newcastle
Occupation: Beauty therapist
Amber’s name entered the running when it was reported she had flown out to Majorca for the series this weekend – with reports describing her as a ‘fun-loving’ Newcastle party girl. She’s on the hunt for someone who is athletic as well as being ‘funny, that I can have fun with’.
On being the perfect Love Islander: ‘I’ve got a big personality and I get on with people really well. People think I’m funny. I don’t take
myself too seriously and I’m always up for a laugh. I’ll be good on challenges and dates.’
Amy Hart
Age: 26
From: Worthing
Occupation: Air hostess/cabin crew manager
Amy is an air hostess and former beauty queen who had been rumoured for the show, and who’s after someone to join her travelling the world – and someone ‘who is going to love me as much as I love them’.
On being the perfect Love Islander: ‘I’m a good mix of someone who can be fun and serious, I’ll be able to look after people and I’ll be
able to get really stuck in with all the fun things too. Also, I am the Bridget Jones of my friendship group so I need to find someone.’
Anna Vakili
Age: 28
From: London
Occupation: Pharmacist
Anna is on the lookout for someone loyal, kind and emotional in the villa, admitting she likes ‘soppy boys’. She’s also got previous with former Islanders, having met Kem Cetinay in Dubai – only to fall over right in front of him and his cousin. Awkward.
On being the perfect Love Islander: ‘I think I’m different to anyone who has been on the show before. I have the whole glam look, I’m fun
but at the same time I feel like I have more to me than that. I studied hard and I’ve got my masters. I’m a pharmacist and I have a Middle Eastern
background.’
Anton Danyluk
Age: 24
From: Airdrie, Scotland
Occupation: Gym owner
Gym owner Anton is hoping to bring a bit of success to Scotland by doing well in the show – while at the same time finding love with someone who is ‘hard working and good looking’.
On being the perfect Love Islander: ‘First of all, I am Scottish and I don’t think there has been a Scottish guy on the show before. I think I
am the first? Laura Anderson and Camilla Thurlow both got to the final. Hopefully, I’ll get further than them and win it!’
Tommy Fury
Age: 20
From: Manchester
Occupation: Boxer
Tommy – who is the brother of boxer Tyson Fury – was also among those rumoured for the villa this year before he was actually confirmed to be in the line-up – with his ex claiming that he ended things with her to go on the show.
On being the perfect Love Islander: ‘I feel like I’ve got a unique personality and Love Island is a good place to showcase it. I’m fun,
bubbly, good to get along with and just really easy-going.’
Joe Garratt
Age: 22
From: South-east London
Occupation: Catering company owner
Joe describes himself as a bit of a romantic and wants a girl who is ‘fun, outgoing and doesn’t take herself too seriously’.
On being the perfect Islander: ‘I’m very fun. I don’t really take life too seriously and I’m always having jokes. I think that’s what makes me the perfect Islander.’
Michael Griffiths
Age: 27
From: Liverpool
Occupation: Firefighter
Straight-talking Michael is hoping to meet someone he can get along with on an intellectual level – but who doesn’t take themselves too seriously and has ‘a bit of banter’.
On being the perfect Love Islander: ‘I’m a hero! I’m a firefighter, who doesn’t want their own firefighter? Their own local hero.’
Sherif Lanre
Age: 20
From: London
Occupation: Chef and semi-pro rugby player
Sherif is hoping to bring his upbeat personality to the villa – and is looking for a girl who can hold a conversation and has ‘a nice smile, nice teeth and nice bum’. Er, OK then.
On being the perfect Love Islander: I’m upbeat and cheeky and outrageous with my own friends so hopefully that continues in the villa. I’m always on a mission to make people laugh. That’ll be of value in there.’
Callum Macleod
Age: 28
From: South Wales
Occupation: Aircraft engineer
Welsh-born Callum is hoping to meet a girl who’ll like him for his personality – and that he is big on ‘morals and loyalty’ and hates cheating.
On being the perfect Love Islander: ‘I’m a genuine, normal guy and up for a good laugh. The whole experience is going to be great and if I meet someone, that’s what I’m here for…I’m 28 now so time is ticking, I don’t want to be left on the shelf.’
Curtis Pritchard
Age: 23
From: Shropshire
Occupation: Ballroom and Latin dancer
Curtis is of course known as the brother of Strictly Come Dancing regular AJ Pritchard – and has also been a professional on the Irish version, Dancing With The Stars. He was among those tipped to be taking part in Love Island this year, with rumours surfacing earlier this month that he had signed up.
On being the perfect Love Islander: ‘I’m just going to be myself. I’m going to be me. I don’t have to act like anything, I don’t have to teach anyone how to dance, I can just be myself.’