A man who says he owes his life to new Love Island contestant Paige Thorne has described her as a "beautiful person" and hopes that everyone will be nice to her on the show.
The paramedic from Swansea was named as the first contestant on this year's show as ITV revealed the full line-up for series eight on Monday (|May 31). The 24-year-old has said she's joining the show as she hasn't been able to find love in her home city of Swansea.
One person who will be supporting her 100% is Andy Humphries, from Mayhill, who has described how Paige helped save his life after he collapsed in his local doctor's surgery. The 58-year-old had been feeling unwell and decided to go and see his GP, but had a stroke as he waited in reception. Paramedics were called to the scene, and one of those was Paige who will be on our screens with the show starts next month.
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"They had to resuscitate me, and Paige was one of the paramedics called to the scene," he explains. "When I came round, she was there and was so dedicated, she waited with me for seven hours in the ambulance and as I waited at hospital.
"I owe my life to her, and she was so good to me. She waited with me when I got to the hospital, she stayed while I had scans. It happened just before the first lockdown, and she told me that she had not long qualified, but she was amazing and totally wonderful.
"She is only tiny, but she has a big personality and she will be fantastic on the show, but I do feel very protective about her and don't want anyone being horrible to her.. I can't speak highly enough of her. It was only when her shift ended and she had made sure that everyone was fully briefed about my condition, that she left my side. I was really surprised when she was revealed as a contestant on the show, but she will be fantastic."
Paige has said she will bring lots of "positive and bubbly" energy when she heads into the villa on Monday, June 6. She added: "I am a good cook and I'm quite mumsy so I’ll look after anyone that needs looking after.
"In Swansea there is just no-one I can find, I've tried and there’s just nobody there anymore. I need to break out and broaden my horizons and Love Island just brings everyone together for me.
"I haven't got to go out and I haven’t got to swipe. So, hopefully they can just come to me now!"
