Love Island has been praised by fans for including a ‘hard of hearing’ contestant – following in the footsteps of former show star Tasha Ghouri.
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.
Love Island has been praised by fans for including ‘hard of hearing’ contestant Samuel – following in the footsteps of former show star Tasha Ghouri
Fans flooded the comments section with praise after spotting Samuel, 25, an electrician from Dudley, was wearing a hearing aid – saying 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.’
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 is deaf
Pictured left to right: Detective Lola, who the Mail previously revealed, joins Electrician Samuel, 25, and Angelista, a nurse from Staffordshire in the cast
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.
ITV has confirmed the islanders set to grace our screens for Love Island 2026 (L-R: Robyn, Lorenzo, Mica seen)
The influencer, who hails from Dublin and has 360k followers on TikTok, already has a link to the ITV show as she is best friends with ex-islander Lucinda Strafford.
One source tells me: ‘Love Island producers are really excited about Lola, not only is she beautiful but she’s intelligent and fun.
‘She’s the full package and is looking to find her dream man.’
Elsewhere rumoured to be going in is hunky electrician Sam Workman.
Sam is said to be hitting the gym to ensure that he’s in tip-top shape for the ladies.
He appears to enjoy a relatively lavish lifestyle and has shared pictures of himself posing by the beach in exotic locations as well as on a jet ski on social media.
Hoping to turn heads is Primary School Teacher Sean, 25, from Galway.
The Irishman is not prepared to ruffle feathers, declaring: ‘If I see someone I like, I’m going for it and nothing’s gonna stop me.’
Joining Sean will be Ellie, 24, a Real Estate Videographer from West Lothian.
Describing her ideal man as ‘tall, dark and handsome’, Ellie explained: ‘If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. It’s a classic for a reason. Nice teeth, nice tattoos, partial to a blonde as well. Pretty face. Look like you’re going to break my heart but like, please don’t.’
25-year-old model Samraj from Birmingham is also heading into the villa.
The easy-going hopeful says: ‘Without sounding arrogant, in the outside world I don’t really chase that much, I’m used to girls coming to me.
‘I know in the Villa it’s a different dynamic. In the beginning I’m not going to be pushing myself out there, I’m just gonna watch and see who I like and then go from there.’
Electrician Samuel, 25, is the next singleton to be cast for this year’s series.
The Dudley native said he wants to find love in the villa after a year of being single and dating.
He said: I’d say I can be too nice sometimes. In the past, I’ve gone on a few dates with someone, realised I wasn’t feeling it anymore, but avoided saying anything because I didn’t want to hurt them.
‘Then things end up getting deeper, they get attached, and it becomes messy. I’ve definitely learned that being honest earlier is the better thing to do – I’m not going into extra time.’
Pictured left to right: Primary school teacher Sean, real estate videographer Ellie and model Samraj join the 2026 lineup
Left to right: Ope, 27, Jasmine, 27, and 23-year-old Aidan completes the lineup so far
Nurse Angelista joins him in the lineup – and the 24-year-old said she wants a man who is ‘that is attentive, someone that is a listener and a doer’.
She added: ‘Someone will take your man if you’re playing it safe at the back and you’ll watch it happen and that’s not nice. You have to read the room with the guy as well, to see if he’s feeling the same.’
ITV have also revealed West End performer Ope, who has a plan to get the women in the villa.
The 27-year-old Lincolnshire said: ‘I’m never playing anything safe, that’s boring. My thing is to go for the goal and make someone laugh straight away. I think that’s the key to love and the key to getting girls. My ultimate thing in life is to make people feel comfortable around me, so as soon as that happens, I’m sweet. And I’ve got the best smile in Britain.’
Charleen Murphy is also rumoured to be appearing at some point.
Charleen was previously in a four-year relationship with Irish professional footballer Dano Mandroiu, but the pair split in January.
The popular dating show, which has been a summer staple since it launched in 2015, will return on June 1, and will be presented by host Maya Jama.
Announcing the show’s return date earlier this month, ITV said: ‘With unexpected arrivals, shifting loyalties, and sparks flying, the new series promises even more unforgettable moments, unmissable messiness, and plenty of romance.’
ITV2 recently released a fun-filled World Cup-themed promo as a brand new batch of Islanders head to Mallorca.
This year Love Island coincides with the World Cup, with the football competition taking place June 11 to July 19.
In the teaser trailer, Maya looked incredible as she kickstarted her Love Island looks with a pale pink dress.
Maya said: ‘We’ve got a squad of worldies and a bench full of bombshells giving more fire pit drama… Love Island it’s all kicking off.’
Love Island 2026 returns to our screens on June 1 on ITV2.
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