footballer

Former England footballer Alex Scott has reportedly been lined up by ITV bosses to star in this year’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and is said to be in ‘advanced talks’

A former England football star turned TV presenter is reportedly in “advanced talks” with ITV bosses to appear on this year’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.

Alex Scott, a former Lioness, who has been in a relationship with singer Jess Glynne since 2023, looks set to fly out to Australia after impressing ITV bosses.

According to reports, Alex is keen to show the British public a different side to her personality as they only see her in a professional manner.

A source recently revealed to The Sun: “Alex loves pushing herself out of her comfort zone and where better to do it than the jungle? The public know her as a sportswoman and a serious broadcaster so she thinks she can show people a side to her that they’ve never seen before. “

They added: “Alex is game for anything and is a tough cookie so she’s ready for anything that gets thrown at her — literally.”

Alex recently caused a stir after it emerged that she was considering leaving BBC’s Football Focus, which she joined in 2021, after she was blamed for a drop in viewing figures after replacing Dan Walker.

Another source said: “Alex felt deeply hurt by the unfair criticism, she felt like she had been thrown under the bus. The viewing figures were not as reported and she feels no-one backed her up and issued the correct viewing figures.”

However, ITV refuse to conform reports. A show spokesman told the Mirror: “Any names suggested for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here are just speculation.”

Other names thrown into the mix include actresses Shona McGarty and Lisa Riley, Kelly Brook, Vogue Williams, rapper Aitch, YouTube star Morgan Burtwistle, better known as Angry Ginge, and radio host Nick Ferrari.

Alex’s personal life has been a talking point after it emerged that she was in a relationship with singer Jess Glynne.

But the football pundit revealed that she found it difficult to show emotion after living in an abusive household.

She has described her father as being “stupidly cruel”, and revealed to The Times that he was physically and mentally abusive. This claim has been strongly denied by her father.

She told the publication in March this year: “We weren’t allowed to express emotion. Dad didn’t allow us to hug each other or say ‘I love you’. It had a huge impact on us all.

“To this day, if I want to show people love, I’ll do it by taking them out to dinner and paying. I remember one of the first times Jess hugged me. I was like… [rigid]. She was like, ‘Are you not going to put your arms around me?’ But I didn’t know how to do that.”

On hearing the allegations made about him, her father responded at the time and said: “I have no idea why she’s saying all this stuff. I was raised in a strict but loving Jamaican family and Alex should know what they are like. I taught her discipline, I did a lot to help her.”

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The 25-year-old, who has 48 caps for the Netherlands, has found love in Manchester – settling down with her partner Ruth, who she met on a dating app.

Now an openly gay woman, Casparij says the community is “close to her heart”.

“It was hard at times growing up until I got into women’s football. It was normal and openly spoken about [at Heerenveen],” she said.

“I learned a lot about myself. I didn’t have that when I was young, I had so many doubts and questions.

“I was lying awake at night thinking ‘is this weird or am I weird?’ Being able to be that role model now with my partner, for so many young girls, is so important.”

The right-back has a platform to promote inclusivity in women’s football and has taken full advantage.

She wears rainbow laces on her football boots, rainbow armbands, regularly posts messages of LGBTQ+ support on social media and in April, dedicated her goal against Everton to the transgender community.

“Why I find it really important to spread the word and stand with people is because in modern society if it’s often not against you, you won’t say anything,” said Casparij.

“It’s important that we stand up for people that need it so they feel supported. For example, the trans community. They are good people and I care about them.

“I want to show that I stand with them. I’m hoping to inspire people to do the same. I think we need more togetherness generally and a sense of community.”

She has supported numerous campaigns – most recently becoming a patron for the LGBTQ Foundation, helping to fund helplines against domestic abuse and transphobia.

“I think queer women are having a tough time at the moment and I want to help them have safe spaces,” said Casparij.

“In domestic violence, for example, queer women are often overlooked. I want to make sure they have a place to heal and someone to talk to.

“I want to be a woman that helps women.”

She is also passionate about setting an example to young, gay women – the type of representation she wished she had as a child.

“It’s nice to be able to make other people take away doubt. It’s about helping them to understand why they are feeling how they are feeling,” she added.

“I always love being surrounded by queer people. Feeling included and supported is important. All I want to do is spread love.”

A FOOTBALLER has been arrested on suspicion of killing an opponent more than a year after the brutal brawl.

Luis Torres was killed following an alleged attack by Moisés Pulido on 9 September 2024.

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The incident happened during a seven-a-side amateur football match between Torres’ Viper 3.0 and Pulido’s Deportivo Esmeralda on a synthetic pitch in Guadalajara, north west of Mexico City, Mexico.

Torres, 16, is said to have been charging through the midfield in the second half when he laid the ball off before having a go at a rival for a mistimed tackle.

Pulido, 25, is then reported to have rushed over and punched the teen in the face multiple times during the Cannán League game.

After Torres fell to the ground, Pulido allegedly carried on striking him in the back of the head, which caused fatal trauma.

Emergency services were called to the scene but Torres had died by the time they arrived after he was seen convulsing.

Pulido is then said to have fled the scene.

He was arrested on Friday, October 10 after a court order was issued for him to be tracked down.

A court judge charged him with intentional homicide, and he remains in police custody as the investigation continues.

In a statement the Public Prosecutor’s Office said: “On the night of 9 September 2024, Moisés ‘N’ was taking part in a soccer game with the victim on opposing teams.

“At one point, the suspect allegedly hit the victim in the face and then continued to hit him on the back of his head.”

When Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League in 2022 he reportedly became the best-paid player in football history with an annual salary of £177m.

His contract was due to end in June 2025 but he signed a new two-year deal – reportedly worth more than $400m (£298m) – which will keep him at the club beyond his 42nd birthday.

Argentina and Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, who played against Ronaldo for many years during their time in Spain, has earned more than $600m (£447m) in pre-tax salary during his career, according to Bloomberg.

That includes $20m (£15m) in guaranteed annual pay since 2023, which is about 10% of Ronaldo’s income during the same period.

When he retires, 38-year-old Messi is set to get a stake in Inter Miami.

The alleged offences took place when the Ghanaian defender played for London club Arsenal in the Premier League.

Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey, appearing in a London court, has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and sexual assault involving three women.

The 32-year-old Ghana international appeared in the dock at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday and spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth and enter his not guilty pleas.

Partey is accused of five counts of rape relating to two women, as well as a charge of sexual assault against a third woman, between April 2021 and June 2022. The alleged offences took place when he played for Premier League football club Arsenal. He left the club this summer and signed for Spain’s Villarreal.

The footballer was released on bail in advance of his trial, which was listed for November 2, 2026, and is due to take between six and eight weeks.

He was signed by Arsenal from Atletico Madrid for 50 million euros ($59m) in 2020 and became a key member of the English side’s first team, before his contract expired at the end of June.

Partey played for Villarreal in their Champions League game against Arsenal’s bitter rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, on Tuesday night. He came on as a second-half substitute and was booed loudly by the Spurs fans every time he touched the ball.

ANYONE looking for a cheap holiday with some great beach time needs to consider heading to Mamaia.

It’s one of the most popular seaside resorts in Romania and is also one of the cheapest – and has a hotel owned by a former footballer.

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Mamaia is a lively beach resort known for its nightclubs and sandy beaches that sits on a thin strip of land between the Black Sea and Lake Siutghiol.

Thanks to its location it has incredible views across the water with highs of 25C in September.

Romania itself is known for being one of the cheapest countries for a city break – you can get a local beer for just 11 lei – £1.88.

The resort is considered the ‘Blackpool‘ of Romania thanks to its affordability and party atmosphere.

In Mamaia, one hotel is even owned by a celebrated Romanian footballer who has been known to sit at the bar and chat with guests.

Gheorghe Hagi, who played for the Romania national team for 17 years, bought the IAKI Conference & Spa Hotel in 1999 and has given the hotel a big makeover since then.

Now, it has 122 spacious rooms and apartments with rates starting at €60 (£52.04).

Thanks to its location on the Mamaia strip, the hotel has either seafront or lake views.

The hotel has a first-class spa with a hot tub, yoga room, room for spin classes and a wet and dry sauna.

There are outdoor and indoor pools too and even access to a private beach.

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The IAKI beach has 220 sun loungers and umbrellas and a volleyball court.

The IAKI has three dining areas too, the Coriolis is open all-year round, has traditional Romanian food including plenty of seafood, and meat like beef tenderloin and lamb chops.

The Ballroom restaurant is where buffet meals are served for guests during the summer period.

IAKI Casino is usually reserved for special occasions, like birthdays, weddings and baptisms.

As for where to get a drink, guests can check out the Piano Bar, Sunrise Bar as well as the bar on the beach.

As the hotel is owned by a former footballer, there is of course a football pitch where both staff and guests can play.

On Tripadvisor, the hotel is rated number one in Mamaia.

One guest wrote: “It has been our 4th visit here and, as usual, the view towards the sea was magnificent, the room was prepared in advance with a baby cot for our daughter, food was excellent.

“I had the chance to see the owner in person again: Gheorghe Hagi, the best Romanian footballer of all time!”

Another added: “Our best memory represents the fact that we met “the king”- Gheorghe Hagi at the front desk and at the hotel’s bar. We took a photo with him and he gave us an autograph.”

It’s easy to get there too, with Wizz Air, you can fly direct from London Luton to Constanta Kogalniceanu from £23.

From there, Mamaia is a 30 minute drive away.

Romania is so affordable that one woman even flew to there for a spa holiday with her mum because it was cheaper than the UK – even with return flights.

And here’s another pretty European city most Brits won’t have heard of gets new cheap flights from the UK.

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PERRIE Edwards has revealed how her ex Zayn Malik contacted her after his split with Gigi Hadid – and how her footballer fiance Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain reacted to this.

The Little Mix star’s very public engagement to first love Zayn, now 32, fell apart before millions of fans.

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Just one year after Zayn found fame in One Direction on The X Factor, Perrie burst onto the scene on the same show in 2011.

Both teenagers at the time, they met when 1D returned to perform on the ITV singing contest that her band Little Mix went onto win.

Just months later, the young stars were a fully fledged couple, sharing sweet selfies from places like Disneyland.

But it was never plain sailing as Zayn was alleged to have cheated with an Australian waitress in a London club, and was later hit with more claims of infidelity.

In 2013, he demonstrated his commitment by getting a portrait of Perrie tattooed on his arm and even bought her mum a house in Dorset.

But in 2015, they split — and she was left devastated, with reports at the time that he had ended their almost four-year romance by text.

The ordeal inspired one of Little Mix’s biggest hits, the chart-topping Shout Out To My Ex.

‘TOXIC’ RELATIONSHIP

Now 32, the mother-of-one, who is happily engaged to her fiancé, footballer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. has discussed her “toxic” relationship with Zayn.

Speaking on this week’s Paul C. Brunson’s We Need To Talk podcast, she said: “I think definitely, at the time, I thought everything we experienced in our relationship was normal. Because it was my first relationship, first love.

“I was like, ‘Oh, this is how it’s supposed to feel. It’s supposed to feel a little bit toxic. In some ways, this is probably normal, right?’.

“And then, when I became single, I was almost thinking, ‘I never, ever want to go through that again’. I didn’t even want to meet anybody. I was like, that’s me done. I don’t think I could bear that pain.

“But now, I’m thinking, ‘Oh, that probably wasn’t good’. And I’ve noticed it a lot.”

Perrie also talked about how her past pain affected the early days of her relationship with Alex, who she started dating in 2017 – two years after her Zayn split.

“Like in the start of the relationship, I would handle things differently with Alex, and he’d come at it with such a level head that it would throw me,” she said.

On what kind of man Alex is, Perrie continued: “He’s very mature. He’s very laid back. He’s very level-headed.

“He’s not the type to get mad or get angry or get funny about things. It might sound boring to some, but it’s so unproblematic.”

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ZAYN GETS IN TOUCH

Following his split from Gigi, Perrie said Zayn got back in touch with her – something that left her “uncomfortable”, especially when she had to tell Alex.

She shared: “My ex reached out and I didn’t know how to handle the situation. I’d only been with Alex like a year and a half, two years. And I felt a bit uncomfortable about it.

“And I remember sweating and panicking, thinking, ‘I’ve got to tell him that obviously I’ve spoken to him.’ And I would be terrified… And he was like, ‘Okay, well, I really appreciate you telling me, thank you for letting me know. That’s fine. Like, hopefully he doesn’t contact you again.’

“And I was thinking, ‘Okay, cool. That’s it.’”

HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Perrie is now embracing life as a wife-to-be, and a mother-of-one.

The singer and her fiance Alex welcomed their son Axel, four, in 2021, and the pair are enjoying being parents.

The footballer asked Perrie to marry him in 2022, when he got down on one knee on holiday.

The happy couple have been together since November 2016, although they didn’t make their relationship public until February 2017.

Footballer and model Catarina Pita is reportedly set to enter Love Island as a late bombshell – as tensions continue to explode in the villa following Movie Night

Professional footballer and part-time model Catarina Pita could soon be swapping boots for bikinis as she’s reportedly lined up to join Love Island as a late bombshell – just as the villa falls into even more emotional chaos.

The Portuguese defender, who currently plays for Atlético London, has built an impressive career in women’s football, previously playing for clubs including West Ham United, QPR, Millwall Lionesses, and Porto FC. But now, show insiders say she’s on Love Island producers’ radar to make a dramatic entrance during the latter half of this season.

“Cat has been busy in pre-season training but is on ITV2’s list as a late bombshell. As always, the cast are pulled into suit storylines to create maximum drama. Bosses loved the idea of having a female footballer on the show during the Women’s Euros,” a source told The Sun.

With the villa still in shambles following the explosive Movie Night, the timing for a fresh arrival in the form of brunette bombshell Cat couldn’t be more perfect, as her entrance into the villa could turn heads and cause even more drama for the girls.

On Friday’s episode, the annual Movie Night twist caused chaos as Islanders were shown clips of secret moments from Casa Amor and the unexpected ‘Sleepover’.

Meg and Dejon’s relationship, once seen as one of the villa’s most stable, is now hanging by a thread after damning footage exposed Dejon’s flirty behaviour with both Andrada, Malisha, and Caprice.

Meg, clearly stunned by what she saw, said: “F***ing hell, any more flirting?” Her anger grew as Dejon tried to defend himself, while Andrada, pulled into the confrontation, stood her ground. “I’m going to stand my ground,” she said firmly after the explosive clips were shown.

Later, Meg took Dejon aside to speak in private, accusing him of humiliating her. “I feel violated in front of all of the girls,” she said, holding back tears. Dejon, who looked visibly flustered after the drama, then admitted to feeling lost as he said: “I didn’t know if I was truly being honest, with Meg or myself.”

Naturally, social media lit up with opinions as some viewers empathised with Meg, while others questioned her reaction and insisted that she was being far too possessive over Dejon.

“Meg was WAY too calm for what she just saw. If I were her? Explosions. Nuclear. #LoveIsland,” wrote one viewer on X.

Another posted: “Dejon fumbled Meg for a Casa flirt and a laugh? Make it make sense.” Others pointed out the misdirected blame. “I actually think Meg was more mad at Andrada than Dejon?? Redirect that anger, babe.”

With the next recoupling on the horizon, Catarina’s rumoured arrival might be just the spark producers need to throw the villa into even deeper drama and chaos.

Love Island continues tonight at 9pm on ITV and ITVX.

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Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

The offences are reported to have taken place between 2021-2022, the Metropolitan Police said.

The charges involve three women, with two counts of rape relating to one woman, three counts of rape in connection to a second woman and one count of sexual assault linked to a third woman.

The Ghanaian international denies the charges and “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name”, his lawyer said.

The 32-year-old’s contract with Arsenal ended on Monday after playing with the team since 2020.

BBC News has contacted Arsenal, the Football Association and the Premier League for comment.

The charges follow an investigation by detectives, which started in February 2022 after police first received a report of rape.

Det Supt Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.

“We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team. You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing [email protected]”

Mr Partey, of Hertfordshire, is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 5 August.

In a statement, his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said: “Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him.

“He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation.

“He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.

“Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.”

Mr Partey joined Arsenal for £45.3m from Atletico Madrid in October 2020, made 35 top-flight appearances last season and scored four goals as the London club finished second in the Premier League.

He also played 12 times in the Champions League as the Gunners reached the semi-finals before being knocked out by eventual winners Paris St-Germain.

Overall, he made 130 Premier League appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side, scoring nine goals.

Mr Partey has also made more than 50 appearances for Ghana’s national team, and most recently played at World Cup qualification matches in March.

A “talented” young footballer has suddenly passed away aged just 19 leaving his family and friends shocked.

Pontypool footballer Tristan O’Keefe, aged 19, tragically passed away on Wednesday June 11.

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His sudden and untimely death left family, friends, supporters and his club reeling.

Tristan played over 100 games for Pontnewynnd AFC and played a a massive role in their promotion to the Gwent Premier League.

As a mark of respect the club is retiring Tristan’s number 3 jersey and plan to hang it in the changing rooms.

Tristan was described as “kind and humble” by those who knew him.

A statement from Pontnewynydd AFC reads: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the devastating news of the passing of one of our own — Tristan O’Keefe.

“Tristan wasn’t just a talented footballer — he was a bright light in our club, a kind and humble young man who brought energy, joy, and strength to everyone around him.

“Loved by his teammates, respected by his coaches, and cherished by all at Pontnewynydd AFC, Tristan was an integral part of our unforgettable undefeated league campaign — a journey that led us to promotion to the Gwent Premier League.

“His presence was felt in every game, every training session, and every moment off the pitch.

“We will never forget you, Tristan. You will always be a part of Pontnewynydd AFC. Forever 19. Forever our Number 3.”

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The former player bagged a huge win for charity

The 1% Club viewers have branded a former football star as a ‘genius’ after he bagged £100,000 for charity.

The ITV gameshow, hosted by Lee Mack, aired its Soccer Aid special on Saturday night (7th June), and saw Clarke Carlisle striking the jackpot.

After a competitive episode, with a star-studded panel including Paddy McGuinness and Tommy Fury, Carlisle and comedian Lloyd Griffith were the last pair standing.

The final 1% question asked: “In the opening verse to the original version of Three Lions, what TWO words feature exactly three times in the lyrics?”

With the lyrics plastered on the screen to help them, the final duo locked in their answers.

Unfortunately for Griffith, he misread the verse and selected ‘they’ as his answer. ‘They’ only appears twice in the lyrics because the contraction “they’ve” isn’t technically a repetition of the word.

However, Carlisle answered correctly, pointing out that ‘it’ and ‘know’ appear three times in the verse.

Viewers have been left impressed by the 45-year-old’s efforts, with many taking to X, formerly Twitter, to share their praises.

“Clarke Carlisle just hit the back of the net. Well done Clarke,” gushed one. Another chimed in, penning: “Clarke Carlisle you Brainiac!! Well done!”

A third fan simply said: “Wow he’s so clever,” while a fourth declared: “Clarke Carlisle is a genius!!”

Yet another viewer joined the chorus, stating: “Absolutely delighted for Clarke! Always had a brilliant brain – but came close to losing him!”

The former Premier League star has been open about his mental health battles, revealing that he attempted to take his own life back in 2014.

The Preston-born sportsman has since become an advocate for mental health education in the sporting world.

The 1% Club’s Soccer Aid special comes just days before the charity event, set to kick off on Sunday (15th June).

Founded by Robbie Williams in 2006, Soccer Aid raises funds towards UNICEF’s efforts to protect children’s safety globally. The celebrity football match features everyone from former professionals to reality TV stars.

This year’s game features the likes of Sir Mo Farah, TV star Bear Grylls, singer Tom Grennan and social media sensation Morgan Burtwistle.

The 1% Club’s Soccer Aid special is streaming now on ITVX

For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123 or visit a local Samaritans branch.

LEGENDARY football journeyman Jefferson Louis has retired at the age of 46 after playing over 900 times for 42 clubs.

The iconic striker had been slogging it out on the field since 1996 with Risborough Rangers.

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Louis’ travels saw him play for an incredible 42 sides, including Oxford United, Bristol Rovers and Wrexham.

He was most recently playing Thame United in the Southern League Division One Central.

But after 903 career appearances, and more than FIFTY transfers, Louis has finally retired.

However, fans will be pleased to hear that he hasn’t quit football for good.

That’s because he has immediately taken an assistant coaching role at Slough Town, who compete in England’s sixth tier in the National League South.

Louis made five appearances there as a player in 2023.

During that time, he also worked as a performance coach for teammates.

And manager Scott Davies believes Louis has the right skills to become a hit in the dugout.

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He declared: “Football these days for me is more about mentality than ability. 

“Every player at the level has ability which has allowed them to get to this point, but it’s so important that we, as a management team can tap into their psychological side too.

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“Throughout the season, individuals will need one-to-one chats when things aren’t going as well as they may have hoped.

“And I strongly believe that with myself, Yella and now Jefferson joining the group, we’ve got all bases covered with the wealth of experience we have that we can now give back to the players.”

Slough fans reacted with delight at the news.

One said “Class this, great gaffer to learn off.”

Another declared: “Superb appointment, welcome back.”

One noted: “Absolutely love this, welcome Louis.”

Another added: “So much experience and knowledge at this level.”

HERE’S the tanned, toned and totally gorgeous line-up for this year’s Love Island.

The Sun can exclusively reveal Maya Jama’s full squad for the summer includes a footballer, personal trainer and a series of stunning models.

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But their beauty is more than skin deep, as ITV2 has amassed a group with real kudos.

Brilliant former fire-breather Sophie Lee has campaigned for real beauty since she was scarred for life when her act went disastrously wrong, whilst Alima Gagigo has a BA degree in international business.

Love Island bosses will officially confirm the OGs tomorrow, with the series to kick off next Monday.

But for now, take a look at the girls and guys who will be sexing up your summer.

Harry Cooksley

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Footballer Harry Cooksley will be bringing his fancy footwork to the Love Island villa.

The midfielder, 29, has been branded The Surrey Zidane by fans of his team Farnham Town.

Harry – who is known for his goal celebrations – is now hoping to score with the ladies.

A source told The Sun: “Harry’s got the full package – a great, athletic bod and great chat. 

“Love Island’s ladies love a footballer and The Surrey Zidane will be sure to impress as he plays away.

“Execs are finalising who will be in the OG line-up and who will be a bombshell.” 

Tommy Bradley

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Cheeky chappy Tommy Bradley is in tip top shape for the Love Island villa after undergoing a dramatic body transformation.

Tommy documented his prep for the ITV2 dating show on Instagram by posting a stream of videos of his gym sessions.

He was helped by his brother Jamie Bradley, who is a boxer, and the pair love a night out together with the lads.

“Tommy seems to tick all the Love Island boxes as the cheeky chappy of this summer’s series,” a source said.

“He looks to enjoy a night out with the lads and out on the boxing scene with his brother. 

“But he’s also packed on serious muscle over the last year ready for telly’s famous villa and is no longer just a personality hire.”

Sophie Lee

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Fire-breather Sophie will be turning up the heat when she struts into the villa looking for love.

Sophie, 29, is an influencer who almost died in a freak accident on stage in Chicago seven years ago.

The dancer and model, from Manchester, was left with horror burns when an air conditioning unit blew flames back in her face.

Sophie has written a book about her experience and has worked with The Katie Piper Foundation, helping fellow burns victims

A source said: “Sophie is a gorgeous girl and a powerhouse of a woman who has overcome everything life has thrown at her.

“Just like Tasha Ghouri’s amazing time in the villa where she raised awareness for the hearing impaired, Love Island bosses are thrilled to give Sophie the same platform to discuss her accident and how she’s become comfortable in her skin since.”

Shakira Khan

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Shakira Khan likes the finer things in life.

The 22-year-old’s Instagram page is filled with gorgeous travel snaps from Haiti, Dubai and New York – and she’s not afraid of a bikini showcase too. 

In one recent post, she showed off her impressive figure in black and silver bikini top and thong briefs.

Shakira captioned it: “Haiti cos u ain’t me 💋.”

One follower replied: “Wow!! 🤩 gorgeous lady x.”

A source said: “Shakira is jaw-droppingly gorgeous and will land a place in Love Island’s history books as a real beauty.”

Megan Forte Clarke

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Stunning actress Megan will definitely turn a few heads this summer.

Megan originally hails from Ireland but trained at The Brighton Academy of performing arts and musical theatre.

She has more than 20,000 followers on TikTok and isn’t afraid to take the mickey out of herself.

But once in the villa, she Megan might give the swimming pool a miss.

One of her TikTok videos shows Megan screaming and terrified while making her way through the rides at Siam Park water park in Tenerife.

Speaking of her experience, she told a follower: “It took 10 years off my life.”

Megan is already friends with Love Island alumni Harriett Blackmore.

Dejon Noel Williams

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Hunky Dejon Noel Williams will definitely be making the most the villa gym this summer.

The personal trainer and semi-professional footballer is a fitness fanatic and has already worked with a string of big name sportswear brands.

Dejon’s social media accounts are full of sexy photos of his ripped body and he already has an Instagram following of more than 11,000 fans.

His bio reads: “I go beyond the gym—helping you build Strength, Confidence & Discipline for life.”

Dejon recently took part in his first HYDROX competition and told his fans: “I trained for the moment, and the moment didn’t break me. First Hyrox down.”

In 2021, he represented the Grenada national football team.

Blu Chegini

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Businessman Blu will be swapping his wardrobe of smart suits for swimming trucks when he walks into the villa.

Blu is based in London and currently works as a construction project manager.

He graduated from Oxford Brookes University in 2023 with a Bsc Hons in Construction Project Management and works for a firm in the captial’s swanky Fitzrovia.

Blu also spends a lot of time in Marbella, meaning he will feel right at home in the Spanish sun.

Alima Gagio

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Alima Gagio is another of this year’s lot who brings a lot more to the table than just 10/10 looks. 

The stunning Scot has an BA Hons degree in International Business and proudly posted online about her achievement.

Posing with a bunch of flowers on her graduation day from Glasgow Caledonian University, her 2,250 followers rushed to congratulate her. 

Elsewhere the gorgeous travel fan shares images from her holidays around the world, posting updates from Lisbon, Mykonos, Ibiza and Morocco. 

Alima also loves a trip down south to London for a bouji dinner and cocktails with her friends.

Ben Holbrough

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Buff Ben will feel right at home with his top off in the Majorcan sunshine.

The model is 6ft 2ins and is a big fan of showing off his six pack in mirror selfies on social media.

In a video on his Star Now modelling page, he says: “My main line of work is modelling, which I’ve been doing for about five or six years now.

“But when I’m not doing that, my hobbies are either going to the gym or playing football.”

Ben already has a connection to the reality TV world, as he is followed on Instagram by Married At First Sight star Lacey Martin.

Helena Ford

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Blonde beauty Helena Ford hopes to find herself a match in the Love Island villa.

The gorgeous influencer is already mates with Love Island alumni Zara McDermott and loves travelling the world as a member of cabin crew.

Helena is based in the UK, the majority of of her social media snaps have been taken in the luxury destinations she has visited with her job.

She has been pictured in Dubai, Miami, Cape Town and Lake Como in Italy.

Helena also has a TikTok account where she posts ‘come with me’ videos as she jets off around the world.

Megan Moore

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Gorgeous girl Megan is another fan of travelling the world.

The influencer was last snapped in Spain just two weeks ago as she topped up her tan ahead of her big villa entrance.

Little is known about Megan but she already has several thousand fans on Instagram.

Commenting on a recent photo of her, one gushed: “Most beautiful girl inside and out.”

Another added: “Stunning my girl .”

And a third told her: “You are just delightful.”

Kyle Ashman

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Unlike most of Love Island’s line-ups, Kyle doesn’t come into the villa with a social media packed with model shots. 

The hunk has just one snap online, showing off his rippling six-pack as he poses on a rooftop. 

But he looks to be more than villa-ready – and will head straight to the garden gym.

On his Instagram page he has two emojis, one of which depicts a man lifting up a barbell. 

The second emoji suggests he is a devout Muslim and will join the likes of Islanders including Nas Majeed who have practised the faith in the villa. 

Viewers can look forward to filling in Kyle’s blank pages as we learn more about him. 

Bombshells

IF the gorgeous gaggle of guys and girls above isn’t enough, then a troop of bombshells are ready to explode into the villa once the show is underway. 

The Sun revealed last week that 6’5” Aaron Buckett was lined-up and can now share the update that he will appear later in the series to tempt the girls away from their partners.

The PT is such a hunk, execs have decided to hold him back until the early couplings look secure – then deploy him at the perfect time to lure a lass away and create maximum drama.

Elsewhere, two beauties have been named as in the mix for later on. 

They are make-up artist Lucy Quinn, a 20-year-old from Liverpool.

A source told Mail Online: “Lucy is single and ready to mingle. She can’t wait to enter the Love Island villa and is counting down the days until it becomes a reality.” 

Then there is beauty salon owner Rose Selway, who counts Islanders including Lucinda Strafford and Jessy Potts among her clientele.

A source told MailOnline: “Rose is friends with many former stars of the show so has a good idea what it’s like being in the villa and now she finally has the chance to experience it herself.”

The trio will join the throng of Islanders poised and ready to land in the villa throughout the series run. 

An ITV spokesman said: “As always there is a lot of speculation around the Love Island line up – we will be announcing the Love Island 2025 cast in due course.”

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