Love Island star Rachel Finni has has backed new host Maya Jama, insisting that she is the 'big sister figure' that the ITV2 dating show has been missing.
Former former luxury travel specialist Rachel, 29, became the first ever black bombshell to enter the villa back in 2021, but her experience on Love Island left her hurt and traumatised after she believes she became the 'most violated' Love Island contestant in history.
Rachel, who has since been incredibly vocal about the cons of signing up to a show like Love Island, has admitted that although she didn't feel like she had support during her time on the show, she is excited for the new contestants to be blessed with Maya, 28, who she believes will be a comforting figure for the new islanders.
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror about Maya's highly sought after presenting role, Rachel shared: "I was the number one advocate for Maya Jama hosting love island. You can see this anywhere and everywhere.
"She has so much personality. She’s young, she’s beautiful and relates to the cast in so many ways. How could she not be perfect.
"She will bring the big sister/best friend vibes that the show has lacked since Caroline Flack. I’m sure she’ll put a few islanders in their place when needed too and I cannot wait."
Following the tragic passing of Caroline Flack in February 2020, her close friend Laura Whitmore took over the role as Love Island host.
Despite Laura doing a fantastic job, many Love Island fans complained that the Irish TV star, 37, didn't quite fit the role.
Following the debut episode of the 2023 Winter series on Monday night, it's clear to gauge that the British public see a sparkle and 'hunger' in Maya, with some even insisting that she's 'too hot' to be the host of the new series.
While everyone has their eyes on Maya, former Love Island bombshell Rachel is hoping that the contestants this year have the 'thick skin' which is needed to make it through the experience.
Sharing her advice with the new hopefuls ahead of the new series, Rachel said: "Fake it to make it. Do whatever it is you have to do do stand out on the show and have your moments. Think…will this be a meme? Will this trend on Twitter?
"It's sad but true - Love Island is a marketing platform. I went on it blindly thinking there was true love potential - like that of Molly-Mae and Tommy or Olivia and Alex. All my trending moments from my walk, to Coq au vin, to falling off the slide is what made me memorable. Not my desire to find love.
"Embarrass yourself if needs be, but never sell your soul. Success is money right? Do what you got to do to be talked about so you know your bag is secured once you are out."
Rachel went on to share her opinion that Love Island is no longer actually about love, but rather finding fame.
"Love island is a factory for influencers. Which honestly, isn’t the problem. My only issue is can we STOP emphasising the promo vids and casting on relationships and comparability when the truth is, islanders will do anything and couple up with anyone to be in that villa. The name Love Island is iconic, but it has no correlation to the show."
Rachel's time on the villa was up after she was left without a partner following a re-coupling.
Since then, the former Love Island beauty has quit fame and bagged herself a job as a group and sales executive at a London hotel.
*Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV2.
