Love Island 2022 line-up set to include first ever deaf contestant

The beloved dating show will return to our screens next Monday, 6th June, and viewers have been dying to find out who will be turning heads in Mallorca this summer.

While ITV bosses have remained tight-lipped about rumoured contestants so far, it seems pretty likely that the show will have its most diverse line-up of hopeful singletons yet.

And deaf model and dancer Natasha Ghouri has reportedly been signed up for the show, according to The Sun.

The 23-year-old made a splash last year when she wore her cochlear implant while modelling for online fashion giant ASOS.

A source told the publication: “Everyone is very excited. It's something really positive for youngsters to see. Natasha looks amazing in a bikini and has a bubbly personality.”

Annie Harris, Advocacy Officer at the Royal National Institute for the Deaf, said Love Island’s decision to show a deaf contestant on screen could make a “massive” impact.

“Our charity and supporters are really pleased that another major TV show is featuring a deaf contestant,” she said.

“Representation matters and... this can make a massive difference to the public’s understanding.

“And let’s hope the new season of Love Island is always shown with subtitles so that people who are deaf or have hearing loss get to enjoy the show like everyone else.”

It comes after it was announced that Love Island contestants will receive inclusion training exploring language and behaviour before entering the villa as part of ITV’s “extended duty of care protocols”.

All Islanders will receive video training and guidance on inclusive language around disability, sexuality, race and ethnicity, behaviours and microaggressions.

The discussions will also tackle topics including creating safe spaces and being a good ally.

Ade Rawcliffe, group director of diversity and inclusion at ITV, said: “The world we live in is changing every day, and we want all of our islanders to feel they are part of an inclusive environment in the villa.

“As part of our duty of care process, it is also important we play our part in educating our participants to understand and empathise with different perspectives and lived experiences.”

Love Island returns on Monday, 6th June at 9pm on Virgin Media Two and Virgin Media Player.