Love Island Celebrates Diversity with Hearing-Aid Contestant

Love Island has been praised by fans for including a 'hard of hearing' contestant - following in the footsteps of former show star . 

The latest line up of ITV2 dating show stars was revealed this week as the series gears up to welcome a new bunch of singletons to the villa. 

Ahead of its return on Monday June 1, fans were given a first look at the fresh batch of hopeful singles, including a detective, hunky school teacher and the ex of an Arsenal footballer.

On Tuesday, images of the Islanders were shared on the show's official Instagram page allowing viewers to get a glimpse of the good-looking bunch.

And it didn't take long for followers to spot that one of the contestants was proudly sporting his hearing aids in the shirtless promotional snap. 

Fans flooded the comments section with praise after spotting Samuel Workman, 25, an electrician from Dudley, was wearing hearing aids - admitting they were thrilled to see more diversity in the series. 

One penned: 'YAY second deaf representative,' as a second chimed in alongside a slew of heart emojis: 'Ahhh another deaf person, how awesome.' 

A third penned: 'Finally some diversity, as a fourth agreed underneath the snap of Samuel and two other Islanders: 'I'm loving the slight diversity!' 

Samuel follows in the footsteps of former show star Tasha, 27, who appeared on the ITV2 dating show in 2022 - revealing to her fellow Islanders and fans she was deaf before entering the villa. 

The reality star and disability activist opened up about her 'superpower' during her time on the show, frequently discussing how she uses lip-reading as well as a cochlear implant. 

Samuel was clear about what he was looking for ahead of his time in the villa, saying: 'My type on paper would be someone classy, mature, blonde, fun, and someone who doesn’t take themselves too seriously. I like people who can let their hair down and enjoy themselves.

'I don’t want someone who’s rude. There’s no reason you can’t get along with people. I also can’t stand fake or two-faced people. 

'People who say one thing to you and another behind your back. I respect honesty and people being real about how they feel. 

'I definitely want to find love. I’ve had a good year being single and dating, but I’m at a stage now where I want to settle down and find the love of my life.' 

Samuel will join the likes of Lorenzo Alessi, a 28-year-old business owner from Hertfordshire - who lives a very lavish lifestyle, with luxury getaways, sports cars and parties sprawled across his Instagram.

He will join 21-year-old Robyn from Liverpool, who is a Quantity Surveyor and DJ.

Fashion business owner Jasmine Muller, 27, who is from Dubai but lives in London, also joins the lineup, though already has famous links.

The beauty dated Arsenal footballer Hector Bellerin in 2021. However, he has not spoken about their relationship publicly.

She is hoping 'an insecure man' isn't in the villa, adding: 'Honestly, how would he deal with me? That’s the real question. I don’t think insecure men could handle me. I pick up on insecurity straight away, and it just wouldn’t end well. By the end of it, he’d probably hate me.'

Fashion business owner Jasmine Muller, 27, who is from Dubai but lives in London, also joins the lineup, though already has famous links.

The beauty dated Arsenal footballer Hector Bellerin in 2021. However, he has not spoken about their relationship publicly.

She is hoping 'an insecure man' isn't in the villa, adding: 'Honestly, how would he deal with me? That’s the real question. I don’t think insecure men could handle me. I pick up on insecurity straight away, and it just wouldn’t end well. By the end of it, he’d probably hate me.'

Also heading in is Mica, 21, who is a student from Barbados, who currently lives in London.

Asked what his type is Lorenzo said: 'Traditionally blonde, but not always. I quite like a posh girl. 

'One feature I look at is a girl's arms, I don't know why. It's really strange! Imagine like a Jessica Alba or an Angelina Jolie kind of arm and neck, I find that very elegant. Very niche, I know!'

While Robyn revealed her strategy for the show, saying: 'I like to observe first. I wouldn't say I'm a slow burner, but I like to take in someone's personality, how they carry themselves, and how they interact with other people. 

'I won't just rush into something; I have to genuinely like someone. And I'm an absolute star, they've got to tick all the boxes before they even have a chance with me.'

Mica meanwhile was clear about what she didn't want in a man, saying: 'I do not want a really egotistical, cringey man. That's not my vibe at all. I can't have someone who's more into themselves then they are me. They need to be obsessed with me.'

Property broker Aidan completes the lineup, with the 23-year-old Kent native hoping 'dominant or controlling' women don't walk through the door.

He said: 'Someone who gets involved in everything and inserts themselves into situations that don’t really concern them. I’d rather be around people who stay in their lane and don’t try to stir things unnecessarily.'

Yesterday we revealed bosses had also signed stunning Criminology graduate Lola Deal, 28, from Kent.

And while the brunette beauty is certain to turn heads among this year's contestants, it is not just her looks that have caught producers' attention.

Lola holds a first-class honours degree in Criminology and Forensic Science from the University of Portsmouth and also has experience in business management.

Her LinkedIn bio reads: 'With a recent Criminology and Forensic Science degree from the University of Portsmouth, I am currently looking for a role within the criminal justice sector.'

And it seems Lola also has a playful side as one Instagram snap shows her dressed up in a sexy devil costume. Elsewhere she has shared a slew of stunning bikini pictures.

Unlike many recent contestants who enter the villa with hundreds of thousands of social media followers already behind them, Lola appears to be something of a fresh face.

In recent years many contestants who sign up for the ITV show already have a following on social media. However, Lola only has 900 followers on Instagram.