The summer is about to get hot as the new series of Love Island will soon hit our TV screens. The top ITV2 dating show is just weeks away and, understandably, viewers are eagerly awaiting news of this year's line-up.
In previous years, the programme has skyrocketed normal members of the public to international fame including Wales' very own GP Dr Alex George, whilst elevating the fame and fortune of social media stars and influencers including Molly-Mae Hague and boxing ring girl Maura Higgins.
Social media is awash with fans' predictions for who is entering the villa this year, so the team at the Mirror have put together this list of rising stars who are rumoured to be taking part. You can read about the new villa which will star in this year's series here.
Read more: ITV to give Love Island contestants training over race, sexuality and microaggressions
The list comes as ITV has announced it will give all of this year's contestants video training and guidance on inclusive language around disability, sexuality, race and ethnicity, behaviours and microaggressions. The inclusion training exploring language and behaviour will take place before they enter the villa as part of ITV’s “extended duty of care protocols” - you can read more about the islanders' training here.
Undoubtedly, all eyes will be on ITV2 in the coming weeks whilst we await the confirmed names of this year's islanders but until then, there's loads of exciting rumours to unpick. From a gorgeous 6'2 basketball player to a stunning Turkish actress and the daughter of well-known Irish singer Ronan Keating, the up-and-coming stars rumoured to be joining this year's series could very well make up the best line-up yet.
Who do you think should go on Love Island 2022? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments
Missy Keating
For the last few years, rumours have circled that stunning model Missy Keating, daughter of chart-topper Ronan Keating, would be joining the Love Island villa. Whilst Ronan has never confirmed the rumours, on a recent appearance on Good Morning Britain he didn't shut down the comments either.
"I haven't heard anything [about Missy actually going on Love Island] but you never know, these kids are busy," he said. "All my kids they’re all busy doing different things, I haven’t heard anything myself at the moment.”
Gemma Owen
Daughter of famous footballer Michael Owen, 19-year-old Gemma Owen is also rumoured to be signing up for Love Island 2022. Gemma, a model and international dressage rider, represented Great Britain in the European Championships in 2019 and launched her own company, OG Beachwear, during the first coronavirus lockdown.
Brad McDermott
Former Love Island star Zara McDermott's brother Brad is thought to be interested in going into the Love Island villa. A source told The Sun: “Brad is a young, good looking guy, and he has seen how appearing on Love Island has completely transformed Zara’s life." While on the show, Zara dated Adam Collard but has since moved on and found love with Made In Chelsea's Sam Thompson.
Jordan Spencer
Professional basketball player Jordan Spencer is understood to be "in talks" with Love Island producers who are keen to have him on the show this summer. The 27-year-old 6'2 point guard from London has reportedly already met up with producers and is understood to be actively looking for a relationship.
Joshua Legrove
Model and professional boxer Joshua reportedly wants to follow in the footsteps of fellow boxer Tommy Fury - who found love with Molly-Mae Hague in the villa in 2019 and is still very much in love with her in 2022. According to a source, Joshua impressed Love Island producers with his jet-setting lifestyle and his boxing and is looking for love.
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
Turkish actress and influencer Ekin-Su splits her time between London and Istanbul and already boasts more than 330,000 followers on Instagram. She's perhaps most well-known in Turkey for co-starring in Turkish drama series Kuzey Yıldızı İlk Aşk (North Star). A source said the influencer wold be perfect for Love Island and would "bring fireworks" to the programme.
Sophie Draper
Love Island bosses are understood to have interviewed beautician Sophie Draper from Nottingham ahead of the upcoming series. The stunning 22-year-old was in a relationship with Aston Villa's Matty Cash for four years but after their split last year, has been single and looking for love.
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