Love Island confirm first contestant who is partially sighted
He lost sight in his eye during a football injury
Last updated 9th Jan 2023
One week ahead of the brand new series of Winter Love Island, bosses have been busy unveiling this year's cast, which features the show's first ever partially sighted contestant.
Following the signing of deaf contestant Tasha Ghouri last summer, this year's show will see 25-year-old Ron Hall enter the villa, who is blind in one eye following a football injury when he was just eight-years-old.
Speaking ahead of his entrance, Ron explained: "On meeting me, you’d never know I am blind in one eye. It was the result of a football injury when I was 8; I went in for a header and got kicked in the face. I’ve got two different coloured eyes, one blue and one green. It’s added to my character, there are so many people that are worse off than me.
"And if anything, losing something like that makes you realise that. It’s not hindered me in any shape or form. It’s a good conversation starter I must admit."
Who is Ron Hall?
Ron is a 25-year-old financial advisor from Essex who is taking part in the 2023 Winter edition of Love Island.
Speaking about what he thinks he will bring to the villa, Ron said: "Fun and charisma. I just want to be naturally myself in there, have good times and make memories. I think people will enjoy my company."
Ron describes himself as: "I’m the most genuine person you’ll meet. I’m genuine, caring and I’m a nice person - which you don’t find these days."
Who else is on Love Island?
On Monday 9th January, ITV bosses started to unveil this year's first Islanders, kicking things off with student Tanya Manhenga.
Check out the full line-up below:
Tanya Manhenga
Age: 22
Occupation: Student (biomedical science) and influencer
From: Liverpool
Kai Fagan
Age: 24
Occupation: Science and PE teacher
From: Manchester
Lana Jenkins
Age: 25
Occupation: Makeup Artist
From: Luton
Ron Hall
Age: 25
Occupation: Financial advisor
From: Essex
Anna-May Robey
Age: 20
Occupation: Payroll administrator
From: Swansea
Will Young
Age: 23
Occupation: Farmer
From: Buckinghamshire
Tanyel Revan
Age: 26
Occupation: Hair stylist
From: North London
Shaq Muhammad
Age: 24
Occupation: Airport security officer
From: London
Olivia Hawkins
Age: 27
Occupation: Ring girl and actress
From: Brighton
Haris Namani
Age: 21
Occupation: TV salesman
From: Doncaster
Tom Clare
Age: 23
Occupation: Semi-pro footballer
From: Barnsley
Zara Deniz Lackenby-Brown
Age: 25
Occupation: Model and Property developer
From: London
David Salako - DUMPED
Age: 24
Occupation: Mortgage advisor
From: Essex
Aaron Waters
Age: 25
Occupation: Model and Content creator (Appeared on Love Island Australia series 3)
From: Melbourne
Jessie Wynter
Age: 26
Occupation: Personal Trainer and Influencer (Appeared on Love Island Australia series 2)
From: Tasmania
Spencer Wilks
Age: 24
Occupation: E-Commerce Business Owner
From: Bournemouth
Ellie Spence
Age: 25
Occupation: Business Development Executive at a law firm
From: Norwich
Samie Elishi
Age: 22
Occupation: Senior estate agent coordinator
From: London
Casey O’Gorman
Age: 26
Occupation: Recruitment Consultant
From: Tring
Jordan Odofin
Age: 28
Occupation: Senior HR Advisor
From: London
Claudia Fogarty
Age: 28
Occupation: Fashion Boutique Owner
From: Blackburn
Maxwell Samuda
Age: 23
Occupation: Finance student and Restaurant host
From: London
Ryan Weekley
Age: 22
Occupation: Steel erector
From: Nottingham
Martin Akinola
Age: 27
Occupation: Senior software engineer
From: Dublin
Frankie Davey
Age: 22
Occupation: Pro Boxer
From: Ipswich
Bayley Mummery
Age: 25
Occupation: Operations manager
From: Surrey
Kain Reed
Age: 21
Occupation: Energy consultant
From: Gateshead
Sanam Harrinanan
Age: 24
Occupation: Social worker
From: Bedford
Lynda Flix
Age: 22
Occupation: Healthcare assistant and Singer
From: Manchester
Sammy James
Age: 27
Occupation: Beauty buyer
From: Leicester, lives in Dubai
Layla Al-Momani
Age: 28
Occupation: Brand managing director
From: South West London
Lydia Karakyriakou
Age: 22
Occupation: Retail customer assistant
From: Glasgow
Cynthia Otseh-Taiwo
Age: 25
Occupation: Dental receptionist and Baker
From: North London
Rosie Seabrook
Age: 24
Occupation: Industry placement advisor
From: Buckinghamshire
Keanan Brand
Age: 24
Occupation: Professional rugby player
From: Wigan
The upcoming series will be just the second Winter edition of the popular show in its history, after the 2020 series out in South Africa which saw Finn Tapp and Paige Turley win the show.
Although the new series is returning to Cape Town in South Africa once again, bosses have splashed out on a stunning new villa, which is reportedly going to be complete with an Olympic training pool, a 400m running track, an advanced rugby field, a zip line and a private lake.
New host Maya Jama has now flown over to South Africa ahead of next Monday's launch show.
Love Island begins on Monday 16th January on ITV2.
Now read:
Winter Love Island: Everything you need to know ahead of 2023 return
This year's Love Island stars will have their social media feeds PAUSED
Two former Islanders rumoured for the new series of Love Island