The contestants for this summer’s Love Island were announced on Monday, and what a line-up it’s shaping up to be!
Meet 23-year-old Tyrique Hyde , who not only counts a former Love Islander as one of his closest mates, but is also the son of a famous footballer player.
Before heading into the villa next week, the semi-professional footballer from Essex has revealed what sort of antics viewers can expect from him.
‘I’ll bring vibes, confidence, good energy and honesty [to the villa],’ said Tyrique.
‘I don’t sit on the fence, if I have an opinion I will speak up. I’m also not afraid to go after what I want.’
As for what he wants his fellow Islanders to know about him, Tyrique told ITV: ‘That I’m deaf in my right ear. I’ve got a tattoo next to my left one that symbolises strength and power in my good one.’
Does Tyrique have a claim to fame? ‘Toby Aromolaran is one of my best friends, we grew up together and were in the same class at school.’
Not only that, but Tyrique’s dad is former Premier League star Micah Hyde.
Last year, Love Island introduced its first-ever deaf contestant Tasha Ghouri.
The model and dancer made history on series eight of the ITV2 show when she joined a bumper line-up of sexy singletons in 2022, which also included footballer Michael Owen’s eldest daughter Gemma Owen.
Love Island was praised by Royal National Institute for Deaf People for its inclusion of Tasha.
‘Our charity and supporters are really pleased that another major TV show is featuring a deaf contestant,’ a spokesperson for the charity told Metro.co.uk at the time.
‘Representation matters and, as Rose proved on Strictly Come Dancing, 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.’
Confirmation that Tyrique would be entering the villa came shortly after beautician Ruchee Gurung became the first contestant to be announced for this year’s Love Island.
Taking part in a Q&A before entering the villa, Ruchee was asked: ‘Why Love Island and why now?’
She replied: ‘I’m single and looking for love, and it’s the perfect opportunity for me to find someone.
‘I’m a relationship kind of girl, but so far it’s not worked out for me. So I’m looking forward to hopefully finding the right person in the Villa.’
As for what gives Ruchee the ick? ‘Guys with no ambition.’ Noted!
The 10th series of the annual hit dating show commences on Monday June 5 at 9pm, and yes, Maya Jama is returning to steal the show once more with her infectious charm and killer outfits.
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