Laura Anderson, 29, Cabin Crew Stirling, Scotland
What makes you stand out from everyone else?
I live in Dubai and I’m also Scottish. I’m also probably a bit older than the other girls. In some ways it’s an advantage being older as I’m wiser and know what I want more so I can judge people quicker. I’m a nice but exciting girl and hopefully I’m not the same as anyone else. I don’t look like I have tattoos either, but I do.
What would you say you’re looking for in a nutshell (i.e. your type on paper)?
I like a rugged, real man. And someone that knows what they want. Age isn’t a big deal at all. Some 22 year old guys are very mature and know what they want. My ex was 38 and had no idea what he wanted, so you can’t discriminate against age.
What are your best attributes, both physically and mentally?
I think my hair extensions are glamorous. I’m quite stylish, I’m dying to take my whole wardrobe into the villa. I’m funny I think, I always laugh at my own jokes. I’m sociable and I’m bubbly so this seems like the best thing for me to be doing.
What would you say people would find least likeable about you?
My voice might annoy people. Or perhaps I might tell too many jokes. I’m sure when you live with people you will always rub them up the wrong way on occasion.
Tell us about your relationship history – have you had many exes and what do you think they would say about you?
I’ve had loads of boyfriends – nine. Two of my ex boyfriends were in the public eye. I’m a relationship person I guess. I don’t think they would say anything bad about me. One used to say I was very argumentative but I think I’ve learnt from that. I’m a good girlfriend – I’m quite motherly. I can be intense; I fall in love quickly and I want to share my life with that person. I’ve now been single for a couple of months. I came out of a short relationship that was very intense – we lived together briefly and it broke my heart a bit. He’s now trying to talk to me again but I’m not going there.
What are your thoughts on cheating? Have you ever been cheated on?
I think it’s the lowest of the low. It’s very selfish. I don’t like selfish, arrogant people and it’s a very selfish and arrogant thing to do, and put yourself before someone you supposedly love. I have been cheated on, and I have cheated once, to get back at the person that cheated on me. It’s not right but we broke up shortly afterwards anyway. I have forgiven cheating – you do crazy things when you’re in love.
If a Love Islander could wine and dine you would what you say is the best way to your heart?
I like a massage but that’s maybe a bit sexual. A fun date is always good, something adventurous like paddle boarding. But I’m also into my food so a dinner would be nice. Ideally something physical followed by more of a chilled experience having food and getting to know one another.
What do you find to be your biggest turn off?
Again arrogance and selfishness. It’s so nice to see an amazing guy who doesn’t realise how amazing he is, instead of someone who is a complete idiot and thinks they are bigger and better than anyone else.
What has been your most disastrous date?
I left one once without saying anything. A guy took me out, and he had the most annoying voice I’d ever heard. The chat was so strange but dull and I just thought ‘I can’t be polite anymore.’ I went to the bathroom, then left. He rang me but I blocked him. I know that’s really mean, but I just thought ‘I cannot sit here any longer, this guy is bizarre.’ He also kept staring at my chest. It wasn’t gentlemanly at all.
How important will friendship be to you in the villa, or do you think you would easily turn against others in your bid to find the right person?
If I’m honest I would rather not go up against another girl. I’m a real girls’ girl and I think friendship is everything. I would really like to have strong friendships in there. Hopefully we don’t end up liking the same guy. It happens though on the outside world, you just have to talk about it, and I would never go for a guy that likes my friend. I will be as nice as I can but it’s Love Island so you have to put yourself first to a certain extent. It’s all about whether the guy is worth it.
What is your biggest worry about going into the villa?
Just that people won’t really like me. I have no idea how the other islanders will perceive me.
Prior to Love Island, what was your biggest claim to fame?
There are loads of celebrities that have flown on our airline who I have served. I once served Channing Tatum.
Dani Dyer, 21, Barmaid East London
What makes you stand out from everyone else?
I like to be positive. When someone feels down, I’d like to be the one that they can talk to. I like having heart to hearts and building relationships, and hopefully I’ll get on well with the rest of the girls.
What would you say you’re looking for in a nutshell (i.e. your type on paper)?
I’m looking for someone really genuine. In past relationships I have had so many mind games going on and I want someone who bigs me up as much as I big them up. I like paying compliments and I would like the same in return.
What are your best attributes, both physically and mentally?
I’d say my long hair, and my eyes. Personality wise I’m not a person who looks out for drama, I just want to have fun. I’d rather bring out the best in someone than the worst.
What would you say people would find least likeable about you?
Maybe I’m a bit too much sometimes. I can be quite childish. Especially when it comes to dating, it’s something I’m new to. I’m not going to get too full on with a boy too quickly, I’ll want to get to know him. They might find that a bit annoying.
Tell us about your relationship history – have you had many exes and what do you think they would say about you?
I haven’t had many exes. I’ve had two serious relationships. My last boyfriend would say I was loyal, as we were loving to each other.
I want my boyfriend to be my best friend as well. I’ve been single for two years – I’ve never used a dating app, it’s usually been people I’ve met through friends.
What are your thoughts on cheating? Have you ever been cheated on?
The thought of cheating – it’s so deceitful. I’ve had it in a relationship. I just think ‘if you don’t want to be with the person, just leave them.’ I don’t like cheating, and I’ve never cheated. I think personally as much as I could forgive, I couldn’t forget. That person would have lost my faith in them.
If a Love Islander could wine and dine you what would you say is the best way to your heart?
I’d love to go out for dinner on a beach, and have a nice, normal conversation that flows. Sometimes though on a first date, activity dates are more fun. It’s a good chance to get to know each other and have banter. Something like crazy golf. That’s when the flirting starts happening, when you have a laugh. I’m open to doing something different like that.
What do you find to be your biggest turn off?
When a boy is far too full on. I hate when a boy asks you direct ‘do you fancy me?’ You don’t say that. I don’t like cringeworthy quotes or chat up lines. Don’t chat me up!
What has been your most disastrous date?
My most disastrous date was when a boy told the waitress who my dad was! We were sitting there and then he tapped the waitress on the shoulder and said ‘do you know who her dad is?’ This guy was really fit, a gorgeous rugby player. He told the waitress again when we walked out. That’s when he saw the other side to me. And I unfollowed him on Instagram.
How important will friendship be to you in the villa, or do you think you would easily turn against others in your bid to find the right person?
I am a girly girl. Having a friendship with a girl in the villa is just as important as finding romance. You’re going to need that. It’s very important, particularly as you’ll be missing your friends on the outside. If the situation arises when a new boy comes in, I won’t be playing games. If a boy plays two of us off against each other, I will say ‘you know what mate, leave it.’ To me I would rather be friends with the girls. I’m done with games, you do that enough on the outside.
What is your biggest worry about going into the villa?
The whole dating thing. Dating has never been great for me. It’s such a personal thing but you’re doing it on national television. Falling for someone, not liking someone, letting someone’s feelings down. I’m the sort of person that would rather be hurt than have to tell a boy I don’t like them.
Prior to Love Island, what was your biggest claim to fame?
Keira Knightly once babysat me! Her partner at the time was in a film with my dad (Danny Dyer). I had no idea who she was. We went swimming together. It was only when I watched Bend It Like Beckham that I realised who she was. And obviously I was on Survival Of The Fittest earlier this year.
Hayley Hughes, 21, Model, Liverpool
What makes you stand out from everyone else?
I’m just me! Definitely my personality. People often say I’m outgoing and I’m funny, which is always nice to hear. You usually don’t notice the nice things about yourself. I don’t really know why I’m funny, but I’ll take it!
What would you say you’re looking for in a nutshell (i.e. your type on paper)?
I want someone with a nice personality who knows how to treat a girl. I want the package, not just someone with good looks. If he can make me laugh, that’s a big thing. I didn’t really have anything in common with my ex boyfriend. I’ve learnt a lesson from my last relationship not to just go for looks. Obviously though when you’re in love you think the person is amazing.
What are your best attributes, both physically and mentally?
My dimples are very unique and that’s a sign of beauty. I’m quite a loving person, and I always think about other people and their feelings. I’m not a selfish person, I’d say I’m very caring. I’m confident within myself.
What would you say people would find least likeable about you?
I have no filter, I say what I’m thinking at the time. Some people like it, some people don’t, but I am not going to not be me. When I say things, I’m not horrible about it, I say what comes to my mind, but I usually deliver it in a nice way.
Tell us about your relationship history – have you had many exes and what do you think they would say about you?
I’ve only been in one relationship, and only slept with one guy. I was with him for five years. We got together at such a young age, when I was 16. You just grow up, and grow apart. It’s still quite raw. I knew the relationship was over before it was over. But I kept going back. And then I thought ‘why am I going back?’ I wasn’t getting what I wanted out of it, I didn’t feel happy, and I sort of lost myself. It wasn’t a particularly bad break up; It was sad because of all the memories we had. I don’t think he’ll like seeing me on the show.
If a Love Islander could wine and dine you what would you say is the best way to your heart?
I like someone that is not afraid to show emotions. I don’t like a guy that puts a front on for his friends. I like being wined and dined in that traditional sense. I like a nice restaurant, a glass of wine. I also like spontaneous dates, things like walking up mountains.
What do you find to be your biggest turn off?
I don’t like a guy who is nice looking and knows it. A guy who is too full of themselves. I like a guy who looks after himself and maintains himself, but not too over the top.
What has been your most disastrous date?
I haven’t really dated. I was quite young when I got with my boyfriend and when you’re that age you just go to the pictures and things. I need to go and live a bit. I haven’t really used dating apps. I’ve had a few DMs but I’m quite fussy who I choose. Some people like to text people even when they’re not that into them, but I can’t do that.
How important will friendship be to you in the villa, or do you think you would easily turn against others in your bid to find the right person?
I’m a real girls’ girl. It’s very important, especially when you’re in such an intense environment, to have friendships. It’s comforting. Girl code is important. If another girl came to me and liked a guy I was seeing, it would depend how early on it was in the relationship.
What is your biggest worry about going into the villa?
Imagine if no one stepped forward for me. I would die. I would be booking the next taxi. That’s all I think about. Other than that I’m really excited about the experience.
Prior to Love Island, what was your biggest claim to fame?
I’ve modelled for some fashion brands, and I did an advert for ITVBe. I’ve modelled full time now for two years. I did a pageant, which I won, and then got scouted by an agency in Manchester. I go to drama school as well.
Kendall Rae-Knight, 26, Retail Manager, Blackpool
What makes you stand out from everyone else?
I would say I’m in a different stage of my life to anyone else. This time last year I was in a five year relationship, I was engaged, had a house, and I was all settled down ready to have children. He proposed in the June and then three months later said he didn’t love me anymore. He left. Now, seven months down the line, I feel like I’m ready to move on and start dating.
What would you say you’re looking for in a nutshell (i.e. your type on paper)?
I’m looking for something long term. I have seen previous series when people have got together and stayed together and I do genuinely want to find someone. I don’t know what I’m looking for in terms of type, as this is something that’s very new to me having come out of a five year relationship. I don’t know what I like, I used to have a type of being tall, dark and handsome, but now I wonder if I should steer away from that!
What are your best attributes, both physically and mentally?
I’m a very open book, and wear my heart on my sleeve. I speak how I’m feeling, and I’m generally quite happy. Physically, I’d say my teeth – people often comment on my smile.
What would you say people would find least likeable about you?
My voice! I’ve got a really high, squeaky voice. When I get really excited it gets even worse.
Tell us about your relationship history – have you had many exes and what do you think they would say about you?
I was with my ex for five years, and before that, when I was a teenager, I was in a relationship for over a year. My ex would definitely say I’m really laid back, because I’m very chilled out. Even now, with everything that’s happened, there’s no bad blood between us. It was never a fiery relationship or break up. I do think he’ll hate seeing me on this show. He would never think I would do something like this. I see it very much as ‘one door closes, another opens.’ Why shouldn’t I do this and take the opportunity?
What are your thoughts on cheating? Have you ever been cheated on?
I can’t say I’ve been cheated on. I did actually once cheat on a boyfriend in college. I thought he had cheated on me. We weren’t that serious though. People say ‘once a cheat always a cheat’ but I don’t believe in that. When I met my long term boyfriend, I wouldn’t even look at somebody else, he was my only focus.
If a Love Islander could wine and dine you would what you say is the best way to your heart?
A glass of rose! It only takes one! I’m a real light weight. Lots of food as well, I’m a really foodie. I love garlic bread, followed by steak or chicken, then cookie dough ice cream.
What do you find to be your biggest turn off?
Someone that is high maintenance, because I’m very low maintenance. I don’t do my nails, or have hair or lash extensions. Everything on me is real. I am who I am.
What has been your most disastrous date?
It’s bittersweet; it was my first date with my ex and he took me to the cinema. We watched James Bond. The guy in front of us was sat scratching his head so I had dandruff falling on my lap for the whole film.
How important will friendship be to you in the villa, or do you think you would easily turn against others in your bid to find the right person?
I’ve never had a huge group of girl friends, maybe about five close friends. I’ve not been in that situation where I’ve had friends bitching about each other. It would be nice to have something similar in the villa, and hopefully I get pick up dating tips from the other girls. I will need some help as I haven’t done this for five years.
What is your biggest worry about going into the villa?
No one liking me or finding me attractive. Ultimately rejection. I think my confidence will be lower having not been in the game for five years. It’s the not knowing what I will be thrown into.
Prior to Love Island, what was your biggest claim to fame?
I won Miss North West. I represented the whole of the North West in the Miss England final, which was in 2015. I stopped most of the pageants and modelling when I met my ex. I’d probably do more modelling in the future.
Samira Mighty, 22, West End Performer London
What makes you stand out from everyone else?
I think it’s my personality, my energy and my positivity. I’m a leader and I like to make sure that everyone is having a good time.
What would you say you’re looking for in a nutshell (i.e. your type on paper)?
I’m looking for an experience that I’ve never had before, loads of fun, the opportunity to meet a really nice guy, or even a best friend, and the chance to find myself. I haven’t had the chance to have a proper Summer break before because I’ve been doing long contracts in West End shows like Mamma Mia and Dreamgirls. I have the whole days free, when everyone is at work, then work in the evenings, so I haven’t really had the chance to meet anyone.
What are your best attributes, both physically and mentally?
I get complimented on being a shoulder to cry on. I’ll bend over backwards for people. If a friend called me at 3am and said ‘I need your help’ then of course I would help them out. I get told I have really long legs. I’m a bit of an illusion. I look tall because of my legs but I’m actually quite short.
What would you say people would find least likeable about you?
Probably that I am a little bit stubborn – if you’re wrong, you are wrong in my opinion. I can be hot headed.
Tell us about your relationship history – have you had many exes and what do you think they would say about you?
I’ve had two exes, two serious boyfriends. They’d probably say I am very confident, very loving, and I like doing lots of things together. I don’t mind lazy days but I like being active and keeping the relationship fresh.
What are your thoughts on cheating? Have you ever been cheated on?
My ex boyfriend cheated on me but I’ve never cheated. If I’m not feeling it with someone I will say it’s time for it to end.
If a Love Islander could wine and dine you what would you say is the best way to your heart?
Something active but intimate – something you can do together. I think outdoors is better, I’m not a standard three course dinner person. That’s more of a relationship thing. On a date I just want to have fun and do something different.
What do you find to be your biggest turn off?
The biggest turn off would be if they weren’t funny. Even if they’re beautiful but have no personality and are just dry, I physically can’t have a conversation. I hate awkward silences. I’ve had that in the past where someone is stunning but has no personality and you just think ‘Oh my god.’ Another big turn off is spitting – it makes me feel physically sick.
What has been your most disastrous date?
I’ve actually had pretty good dates. I’m quite an open minded person so even if someone suggests somewhere that’s not my ideal venue I’ll go along with it. As long as I’m with the guy and chatting to him that’s the most important thing.
How important will friendship be to you in the villa, or do you think you would easily turn against others in your bid to find the right person?
I’m a boy’s girl. All of my best friends are boys. I have three girl best friends. Apart from that, I do love hanging out with girls, but they can be catty. I’ve had it with a friend who I thought was my best friend, but then you realise they are not at all. I think there might be a bit of rivalry over guys. It wouldn’t phase me going head to head with someone for a guy.
What is your biggest worry about going into the villa?
Being in a small confined space with the same group of people for so long. It’s very intense. It will be amazing and so much fun though. It’s a little bit scary not knowing what personalities will be in there though.
Prior to Love Island, what was your biggest claim to fame?
Definitely the shows I was in – Mamma Mia and Dreamgirls. Everyone in the West End knows everybody. So it will be a big shock when they see me on this show.
Niall Aslam, 23, Student and Construction Worker, Coventry
What makes you stand out from everyone else?
The thing that makes me stand out is not my big muscles but my chat. I’m unique and different. My chat is up there!
What are you looking for in the villa?
I am looking for love mainly. Obviously I’m looking for a fit girl but I’m assuming pretty much all of the girls in there are going to be fit and above my level anyway. I’m going in there with an open mind to find love.
What are your best attributes?
Physically, I don’t think I have one stand out feature but I think I’m all around quite pleasant. Also the fact that I’m quirky and funny.
Any bad habits or things people might find less likeable about you?
I chew really loudly. I’m like a barn yard animal. It’s really bad.
Tell us about your relationship history…
I was with my ex-girlfriend for just over three years from the age of 17 to 20. She would probably say that I’m immature and a bit of an attention seeker – and she wouldn’t be wrong. I do feel sorry for my ex because this is her favourite programme. Then I was seeing someone for about six months then she mugged me off. She went abroad and we said when she got back we’d get in a relationship. Then I got a WhatsApp from her saying it wasn’t really working, then she went Facebook official with a guy out there. Mad.
What are your thoughts on cheating?
I’ve never been cheated on. I have cheated on someone before. Not loads but there was this one time when I was out with an ex-girlfriend and I got off with another girl in the club. I was young. I wasn’t really feeling the relationship anyway and I was drunk.
If a Love Islander could woo you, what is the best way to your heart?
The best way to my heart is being open and upfront. And just being happy and bubbly. My ideal date would be going to see animals at a safari park. That’s perfect – giraffes, elephants and a fit girl.
What do you find the biggest turn off in a girl?
Someone who takes themselves seriously and can’t have a laugh. Girls these days think you’re trying to chat them up even when you’re not. You might just ask the time and they’ll say ‘Sorry I’m not interested.’
What has been the most disastrous date you’ve ever been on?
I took a girl out on a rowing boat. I thought it looked quite simple and romantic. I took her there and apparently it takes a lot of co-ordination and I have none so I was just rowing her around in a circle. She had to end up taking me around.
How important will friendship be to you in the villa?
I am going in there and I want to find love. I don’t care who a lad is if he is big, better looking, I’m still going in there and I’ll still rock up and try and chat up his missus. I wouldn’t say I’m a wind up, I just don’t really think about consequences. Some people might see massive guys happy with their girl and not want to rock the boat but I will try it. What’s the worst that can happen?!
Have you got any worries ahead of going into the villa?
My biggest worry is being the first one voted out. I’ve also got a worry that I’m going to get pied constantly.
Have you got any claims to fame?
No, I’m really low key.
