Love Island star Mimii Ngulube has opened up on how beneficial she thinks her previous mental health training will be on the show and defended the ITV2 series from criticism over its lack of diversity.
The mental health nurse, 24, was confirmed on Monday as one of the 12 singletons who will enter the villa next week in the search for love.
The show has become famous for being strenuous on contestants’ mental well-being, with contestants having to cope with rejection and heartbreak in the villa as well as adjusting to the onslaught of sudden fame when they return to their normal lives.
With Mimii’s background, she said she thinks she will be a good shoulder to cry on for her fellow Islanders, and predicted she will be the ‘designated therapist’.
Speaking to MailOnline, she said: ‘I feel like I’m the designated therapist of the group because obviously I know how to talk to people.
Love Island star Mimii Ngulube has opened up on how beneficial she thinks her previous mental health training will be on the show
The mental health nurse, 24, was confirmed on Monday as one of the 12 singletons who will enter the villa next week in the search for love (pictured)
The show has become famous for being strenuous on contestants’ mental well-being, with contestants having to cope with rejection and heartbreak in the villa as well as adjusting to the onslaught of sudden fame when they return to their normal lives (Claudia Fogarty pictured on show)
‘And I always get my friends to open up about situations, even if it’s something minor like a man’s done something wrong, we’ll sit down and evaluate the situation and go from there.
‘It’s just more difficult when it comes to myself, taking my own advice but definitely giving advice I’m good at. I’ll be taking appointment bookings!’
Several former Islanders including Samira Mighty, Laura Anderson, Zachariah Noble, Siânnise Fudge, Alex Miller, Zara McDermott and Adam Collard, have spoken about the effect of the show on their mental health, such as struggles with self-esteem issues and depression.
Following the tragic suicides of former Islanders Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis, and host Caroline Flack, ITV introduced further measures to ensure stars are fully supported before, during and after the filming period.
Producers also work with GPs and psychological consultants to ensure hopeful contestants’ mental health are strong enough to take part.
And their duty of care states all Islanders are able to access therapy sessions, social media training and even financial management, and a minimum of 14 months of ‘proactive’ contact.
Mimii admitted that despite her mental health nursing experience, she doesn’t know how well she will cope with the show, as it is a completely new situation.
However, the Portsmouth-born beauty stressed the importance of the aftercare offered by ITV, and insisted that she would be using it because she has seen how valuable it is.
With Mimii’s background, she said she thinks she will be a good shoulder to cry on for her fellow Islanders, and predicted she will be the ‘designated therapist’
Several former Islanders including Samira Mighty, Laura Anderson, Zachariah Noble, Siânnise Fudge, Alex Miller, Zara McDermott and Adam Collard, have spoken about the effect of the show on their mental health, such as struggles with self-esteem issues and depression (Liberty Poole pictured on show)
Following the tragic suicides of former Islanders Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis, and host Caroline Flack, ITV introduced further measures to ensure stars are fully supported before, during and after the filming period (Caroline pictured in 2019)
Producers also work with GPs and psychological consultants to ensure hopeful contestants’ mental health are strong enough to take part (Hugo Hammond pictured on show)
She said: ‘I don’t think I’m more prepared than others because obviously I’ve never been in this situation before, so I don’t know how I’m going to navigate it.
‘But I’ll definitely use the aftercare stuff, because it does help – I’ve seen it help in my training and talking always helps in some way or another.
‘I probably just have more of an inkling on exactly how it can help, because obviously not everyone is going to want to take the therapy or think they need it, but for me I will definitely take advantage of that.’
One of the newer welfare measures introduced is Islanders’ loved ones are no longer allowed to post on their behalf on their social media accounts while they are in the villa, in a bid to reduce trolling.
In past series, Islanders’ teams used their accounts to encourage viewers to vote for them and build up their following – but this has led to them receiving abuse from trolls and getting into spats with other contestants’ family and friends.
In 2022, former contestant Coco Lodge said she wasn’t prewarned about trolls before getting her phone back and said she was shocked and hurt by the barrage of abuse she received.
While the online abuse directed at contestant Georgia Steel on this year’s All Stars series saw fellow stars Demi Jones and Olivia Hawkins speak out to say they feared the online trolling was becoming worse than ever.
Georgia’s family were also forced to issue a statement while she was in the villa and her best friends Elma and Francesca begged trolls to ‘take it easy’ on the star, while revealing they also received death threats because of their association with her.
Mimii admitted that despite her mental health nursing experience, she doesn’t know how well she will cope with the show, as it is a completely new situation
However, the Portsmouth-born beauty stressed the importance of the aftercare offered by ITV, and insisted that she would be using it because she has seen how valuable it is
One of the newer welfare measures introduced is Islanders’ loved ones are no longer allowed to post on their behalf on their social media accounts while they are in the villa, in a bid to reduce trolling (Chloe Burrows pictured on show)
The online abuse directed at contestant Georgia Steel on this year’s All Stars series forced her family and friends to speak out as well as fellow stars admitting they feared the online trolling was becoming worse than ever (Georgia pictured on All Stars)
Once Georgia returned home from South Africa, she had to take a break from social media to deal with the fallout.
As a result, Mimii revealed that her mother had been understandably concerned about her daughter going onto the show.
She admitted: ‘My mum at first was the one most worried for sure. But after a while she was getting more excited.
‘Obviously she’s a still a bit anxious, as every parent would be of how the public will receive me.
‘But I think she’s confident in the fact that I’m always going to be who I am and I’m never going to change my personality for anything so I think from that aspect now she’s excited.
‘She’s probably looking at all the comments now seeing what everyone is saying. My family is so supportive, so I’m very grateful.’
Love Island’s spokesperson said last year: ‘Cast are told they should consider all the potential implications of taking part in the show and work through this decision-making process in consultation with their family and those closest to them, to ensure they feel it is right for them.’
Meanwhile, Mimii also spoke about Love Island’s diversity problem, which has been criticised from its inception.
Meanwhile, Mimii also spoke about Love Island’s diversity problem, which has been criticised from its inception
Out of the 12 contestants, there are only three who are not white, seen as a backwards step after the 2023 series, where seven out came from non-white backgrounds and Kai and Sanam became the show’s first winning couple of colour (pictured)
Former Love Islander Tasha Ghouri also joined in to slam the line-up as lacking inclusivity, and said it felt like is was ‘going backwards’
Commenting on the criticism, Mimii said that she thought the problem had ‘improved’ recently, though acknowledged she is still in the dark about how diverse this year will be
After this series’ line-up was revealed this week, fans took to social media to reveal their disappointment over the lack of diversity.
Out of 12 contestants revealed so far, there are only three non-white people that will be starring on the show, seen as a backwards step after the 2023 series, where seven out of the 12 contestants came from non-white backgrounds
While, now-engaged Kai and Sanam became the show’s first winning couple of colour – but it seems representation has not been so considered for the 2024 series.
Former Love Islander Tasha Ghouri also joined in to slam the line-up as lacking inclusivity, sharing a selfie on her Snapchat with the sarcastic caption: ‘Love seeing the inclusivity within the love island cast… feels like is going backwards.’
Commenting on the criticism, Mimii said that she thought the problem had ‘improved’ recently, though acknowledged she is still in the dark about how diverse this year will be.
She added that she didn’t feel pressure to be representative either, saying that she can only be who she is.
She said: ‘I feel like diversity is less of an issue now, just because in recent years they’ve very much improved.
‘Obviously I don’t know who else is going in or anything like that, so I don’t know if it’s just going to be me or not. But I’m sure it will be fine.
‘I don’t feel any pressure or anything of that sort, because I’m the way that I am – like culturally it will show anyway.’
LOVE ISLAND 2024: MEET THE CONTESTANTS
NAME: Mimii Ngulube
AGE: 24
FROM: Portsmouth
OCCUPATION: Mental Health Nurse
WHY LOVE ISLAND? The pool in Portsmouth is not giving. I’ve tried dating, speaking to people on social media and it just hasn’t been successful. Applying was a spontaneous thing, I didn’t expect to get here!
WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? My girls are my rocks and I’m theirs so I’ll be a good friend as well as going in there to find a man. I like dressing up so I’ll bring style, and I’d like to think I’m quite funny so I’ll make people laugh. Bringing honesty as well – I’m good at picking up on people’s personality traits and side-eyeing those who might be a liar.
NAME: Sam Taylor
AGE: 23
FROM: Chesterfield
OCCUPATION: Hair Stylist
WHY LOVE ISLAND? At this point in my life I just want the opportunity to find a real connection with someone. I’ve been looking for that connection for quite some time but I’ve never really found it, I’m hoping I find that spark in the Villa.
WHAT DO YOU WANT THE ISLANDERS TO KNOW? I’d say not to judge a book by its cover because how I look compared to what I do for work might not necessarily add up. You wouldn’t look at me as a tall guy covered in tattoos and think that I make girls’ hair look pretty for a living.
NAME: Patsy Field
AGE: 29
FROM: Orpington
OCCUPATION: Office Administrator
WHAT DO YOU WANT THE ISLANDERS TO KNOW? I’ve got something very special about me which is my disability, it’s a condition I was born with called Ebs Palsy. It doesn’t define who I am , but it makes me a little different, although I’ve learnt to get on with it and it’s never held me back.
HOW WOULD FRIENDS/FAMILY DESCRIBE YOU? My friends would say that I’m the loudest person in the group, I’m the one who’s always up for doing a dare, the life and soul of the party. My family would say that I’m bossy and that it’s always my way or the highway, they’d say I rule the roost.
NAME: Sean Stone
AGE: 24
FROM: Hertford
OCCUPATION: Sweet Salesman
WHY LOVE ISLAND? I’ve always been one for relationships and when you have found someone you want to be with it’s the best feeling. Now is the perfect time, the one thing that is missing is my soulmate.
HOW WOULD FRIENDS/FAMILY DESCRIBE YOU? Very loving, caring and thoughtful. I’m the kind of guy that if you broke down on the motorway and needed your tyre changed, I’d be there at any time of night.
NAME: Harriett Blackmore
AGE: 24
FROM: Brighton
OCCUPATION: Dancer & Personal Shopper
WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? I’ll bring the entertainment for everyone in the Villa, whether that’s making the girls laugh or making the boys turn their heads, I’m sure that I’ll bring the drama.
CLAIM T0 FAME? Being a bit of an IT girl in Brighton, I’ve done personal shopping for the rapper Arrdee and one of my best friends is Saffron Barker the YouTuber.
NAME: Ayo Odukoya
AGE: 25
FROM: Canning Town
OCCUPATION: Model
WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? I think I’d bring excitement and joy. I think people would have someone to come to and talk to and feel comfortable being around or to have a laugh with. I think I’m somebody everyone would take to.
WHY SHOULD SOMEBODY DATE YOU? I feel like the way I carry myself is very respectful and I think people take to that and once you show who you are to somebody you get it back tenfold. The way I am gives off a good enough energy for people to feel comfortable around me.
NAME: Samantha Kenny
AGE: 26
FROM: Liverpool
OCCUPATION: Makeup Artist
WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? I think I will definitely bring some fire, I’m very opinionated and wear my heart on my sleeve. I’m really bubbly too so I’ll definitely have a laugh as well as bringing some scouse glamour.
WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? I don’t get out enough, I work weekends and tend to not go out in Liverpool anymore. If I want a night out I go down to London as I love the boys down south. Tall, dark and cockney is my type.
NAME: Munveer Jabbal
AGE: 30
FROM: Surbiton, Surrey
OCCUPATION: Recruitment Manager
WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? I haven’t found the right girl, I’m quite picky and have high standards. Dating in London is horrible. You don’t know who’s single… but now you’re putting me in a place where everyone’s single so there’s no issues around that.
CLAIM T0 FAME? I’m mates with Spencer Morgan (Piers Morgan’s son). We met when I moved to Fulham in 2018.
NAME: Nicole Samuel
AGE: 24
FROM: Aberdare, Wales
OCCUPATION: Accounts Manager
WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? I’ve been enjoying single life and the attention of different boys, it’s fun. I’ve enjoyed being able to go on holiday with the girls and not having to worry about someone back home. All the girls are there texting in their room and I’m out till 4 in the morning living my best life.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU? I became a world champion dancer in 2011, not many people know that. I was a professional street dancer.
NAME: Ronnie Vint
AGE: 27
FROM: South East London
OCCUPATION: Semi Professional Footballer
WHAT’S YOUR TYPE ON PAPER? I want someone that’s family orientated, caring and career minded. Lookwise, I like blondes with nice boobs but am partial to a brunette too.
CLAIM T0 FAME? Bradley Dack is my best friend and he and Olivia are a big part of my life. I call Olivia my big little sister, she always looks out for me.
NAME: Jess White
AGE: 25
FROM: Stockport
OCCUPATION: Retail Manager
WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? I don’t underestimate the fact that I’m hard work. I know what I want and I’m not easily pleased. When you’re a loud, outgoing woman, sometimes it can intimidate men – men don’t always want that.
WHAT’S YOUR TYPE ON PAPER? I love a set of white Turkey teeth but a good set of Turkey teeth. I would say personality traits, you have to be family orientated. You have to be tall, you can’t be shorter than me, I can’t be having to question whether I can wear heels around you and what height of heels I can wear. If you’re vertically challenged, it’s not for me.
NAME: Ciaran Davies
AGE: 21
FROM: Pencoed, South Wales
OCCUPATION: Surveyor
WHAT’S YOUR TYPE ON PAPER? Obviously looks but humour is a big thing for me, I’m a bit of a wind up so I want a girl who can give it back. Loyalty is another one for me, I think that’s the most important thing to look for in a relationship.
CLAIM T0 FAME? When I was in Malia on a boys holiday I pretended to be Liam Reardon from series 7 to get into a club because they wouldn’t let us in. It worked and we ended up getting a private booth and free drinks all night.
