Dami Hope is a senior microbiologist from Dublin but has admitted “it would be cool” to find fame on Love Island and get paid to “just be himself”.
The Irish-Nigerian islander, 26, went on to admit he wasn’t sure his grandma would give her consent if he found his future wife on the ITV2 reality show.
Speaking ahead of the series launch on Monday, he had been “struggling” with the “hard” social media ban ahead of filming but expects to be “fine” once he’s with the other contestants who have experienced the same suffering.
“I don’t know how my grandma would feel!” Microbiologist Dami Hope has admitted it would be cool to find fame on Love Island and get paid just to be himself.
He said of his participation: “When I told everyone they were so shocked but happy. It was actually very hard to keep it a secret, but somehow I wanted to.
“You know, when you tell someone something, they always want to wish you luck and they always want to get in touch. That creates pressure. I feel like if I don’t do that, I’m not putting myself under pressure.
Having been out of a relationship for four years, Dami said he’s ready to settle down but will “wing it” once he arrives at the villa.
He revealed: “Of course if I find someone and we click then yes. I’ve been single for a while, it would be nice to actually have a girlfriend again.
Oh dear: The Irish-Nigerian islander, 26, went on to admit he wasn’t sure his granny would agree if he found his wife-to-be on the ITV2 reality show
“I don’t know how my grandma will feel if I find my wife on a TV show! I inspire it, I’ll see.”
He claimed he likes girls with “pretty faces, a slim waist and a small butt,” and said former contestants who caught his eye are Yewande Biala, Mary Bedford, Amber Gill and Molly-Mae Hague.
Regarding his game plan, he said: “Definitely, I’ll do that, play the field immediately. Irish charm, the Dami charm, I probably will [use it] but that’s just me
“My flirting technique, it comes to me while walking. This seems to work for me. You will see it when you look at it!’
Tough: Ahead of Monday’s series launch, he’s been ‘struggling’ with the ‘tough’ social media ban ahead of filming but expects to be ‘fine’ once he’s on the show
The new Love Island mansion, set to return to screens on Monday, is the biggest ever – with an infinity pool, huge bedrooms and panoramic views of Mallorca.
But it’s bad news for former England striker Michael Owen, 42, as this year’s lineup of dating hopefuls, which includes his daughter Gemma, 19, are pictured having sex after last year’s series blacked out.
Love Island’s producers confirmed to MailOnline that while sex has been abolished, sex is still on the menu and they will assess each moment of pleasure between the islanders on a case-by-case basis.
Asked by MailOnline if the 2022 series will feature sex scenes differently than last year, executive producer Mike Spencer admitted there is no blackout ban.
He said: “We don’t decide anything in advance. You just don’t know until you see the footage, really, we’re so reactive we edit 24/7.
“If something happens, we cut it overnight. Until you see something, it’s difficult to judge and you just have to choose what’s right.
“The show gets it right, it’s suggestive and funny, music is a massive thing and we’ll continue to do that, but until we see it it’s hard to tell and it depends on who it is.”
Love Island begins Monday 6 June at 9pm on ITV2 and ITV Hub. Episodes are available on BritBox the next morning.
LOVE ISLAND 2022: MEET THE PARTICIPANTS
Paige Dorn
Name: Paige Dorn
Age: 24
Location: Swansea
Occupation: paramedic
Who is her type on paper? “There’s just nobody in Swansea that I can find.
I don’t have to wipe. So, hopefully you can just come to me now!
“I came out of a relationship and I was just so done with boys. Then I thought: ‘Ok, I’m bored now’
India Polack
Name: Indiah Polack
Age: 23
Location: London
Profession: Hotel waitress
Who is her type on paper? “It’s quite difficult to date without being influenced by social media and things like that.
Love Island is a great place to meet someone in person.
I don’t think I’ve ever dated two guys who are quite the same.’
Tasha Ghouri
Name: Tasha Ghouri
Age: 23
Location: Thirsk
Profession: model and dancer
Who is her type on paper? “My dating life was a mess.
This is an opportunity for me to find “the one” while having a great summer.
I am definitely ready for a relationship. I’m 23 now, so I’m ready to meet someone and travel with them.”
Gemma Owen
Name: Gemma Owen
Age: 19
Location: Chester
Profession: International dressage rider and entrepreneur
Who is her type on paper? “I’m open to finding love, I want to have a really fun summer.
I would say I’m funny, flirty and fiery. I think I’m good at giving advice, I’m a good conversationalist, I’m very honest.
If I want the same guy, I would, but in a nice, respectful way.
Andrew LePage
Name: Andrew LePage
Age: 27
Location: Guernsey
Occupation: real estate agent
Who is her type on paper? “When I’m with someone, I’m very loyal.
I’m a good friend because when I’m with someone, I’m everything to them.
I’m single for once so I thought why not?
This is the best time to try it.’
Luca Bisch
Name: Luca Bisch
Age: 23
Location: Brighton
Profession: Fishmonger
Who is her type on paper? “I prefer to meet girls on the go. I think when you’re looking for it, it’s not that easy, it’s like you’re too desperate for it.
If I think you’re the right one or I like you, I’ll take you out on a date, but other than that, if we’re talking and I don’t like where it’s going – then I won’t kick out any dates.
Damie hope
Name: Dami Hope
Age: 26
Location: Dublin
Profession: Senior Microbiologist
Who is her type on paper? “I’m going to talk to different girls, some might not be doing so well.
If I’m actually in a relationship, I think it’s a zodiac thing.
I’m an Aries but I’m very passionate – I’ve always put this person first. I’m really good at being on a team.
Liam Llewellyn
Name: Liam Llewellyn
Age: 22
Location: Newport, South Wales
Profession: master student
Who is her type on paper? 22 is a really nice age to meet someone, you still have your years ahead of you so you have time to grow together.
Love Island is a great opportunity to meet someone, you’re with a ton of different guys so you can explore what you really like.
Davide Sanclimenti
Name: Davide Sanclimenti
Age: 27
Location: Rome (lives in Manchester)
Occupation: business owner
Who is her type on paper? “A lot of English girls actually love me.
They love being around me and I love being around them. I want to find my soul mate.
Find my person so that I can actually build something in the future, grow with them, be a family. ‘
Ikenna Ekwonna
Name: Ikenna Ekwonna
Age: 23
Location: Nottingham
Profession: Pharmaceutical Sales
Who is her type on paper? “I’ve only been in one relationship in the past but now I think I’m at the age where I could find someone.
Hopefully I’ll bring spontaneity and excitement with me.
I’m not really shy about talking to people I don’t really care what people think.’
Amber Beckford
Name: Amber Beckford
Age: 24
Location: London
Occupation: nanny
Who is her type on paper? “I don’t like guys who show off.
I don’t like flashy guys – just have a personality and make me laugh.
There was this one guy and he was trying to show his car keys on purpose and we were literally in the middle of a restaurant!’