Love Island viewers rushed to defend a new contestant after she was targeted by trolls criticising her appearance before her villa debut.
The ITV2 dating show returns on Monday evening, having recently unveiled the lineup of attractive singletons looking for love. Among the new arrivals is Nicole Samuel, a 24-year-old accounts manager from Aberdare in Wales. Describing herself as a “big personality,” Nicole said: “I’m an accounts manager for a family-run business. I have all the guys at work wrapped around my finger. They do exactly what I want them to do. Dad just leaves me to it. He’s just over it now. Half the time I’m gallivanting to different countries. He’s like, ‘Are you going to work today?’ I’ll be like, ‘No. I’m in Marbella!'”
She added, “A lot of men can be intimidated by me because I’m a big personality. I think I’m a ten out of ten. I just don’t think I’ve got any flaws. My personality is way too big to be kept down in the valleys. I think I’ve got it all. I’m ready to be with someone who is tidy.”
However, trolls took to the comment section of her introductory video on the official Love Island page, attacking her looks and claiming she appeared older than 24. One concerned viewer condemned the bullying, urging others to reflect on their behaviour.
“Great job bullying her everyone before she even gets on the show, take a serious look at yourselves and leave the beautiful girl alone,” one user commented. Another posted, “Beautiful girl!!! How are people saying she looks 40?!!! The cameras lie, she is flawless. Keep your horrible comments to yourself until Monday.”
Another user noted, “The comment section is a really good example of women not liking women.” Someone else added, “These comments!! Be kind!!”
Nicole also shared that she has been single for four years. She explained, “I’ve been single for four years. Four long years. I had my ex-partner, we bought a house together, but I caught him cheating on me. Threw him out of the house. Changed the locks. Got him out of my life and just moved on with my life. It was the best thing that ever happened to me.”