Love Island's Ciaran Davies hits back at 'no buff guys' claim and reveals he suffered a sports injury the day he was cast - leaving him with just one week to get in shape for the show
Love Island star Ciaran Davies has revealed his preparation for the villa was derailed, after he sustained an injury the day he was cast, following fan criticism that there are 'no buff guys' on this year's lineup.
The Welsh surveyor, 21, was confirmed on Monday as one of the 12 singletons who will enter the villa next week in the search for love.
In a bid to stand out and catch the eye of their fellow contestants, many of the Islanders have been working hard in the run up to the series launch to ensure they are looking their best.
Several have already admitted to getting their hair done, outfits planned out and tans topped up, with some even undergoing tweakments, such as Botox, in preparation for the villa.
While typically the boys also use the time to workout and bulk up, in the hopes of impressing the girls with their chiselled physiques.
Love Island's Ciaran Davies has revealed his preparation for the villa was derailed, after he sustained an injury the day he was cast, following fan criticism that there are 'no buff guys' on this year's lineup
The Welsh surveyor, 21, was confirmed on Monday as one of the 12 singletons who will enter the villa next week in the search for love (pictured)
But Ciaran has revealed he has a very good excuse, as thanks to a painful sports injury, he only had one week to hit the gym extra hard and work on his muscles before jetting off to Mallorca
As a result, the past few series have seen the lineup dominated by muscle bound gym fanatics with bulging biceps and six-packs.
But this year, viewers have claimed that the ITV2 dating show's new male Islanders are looking distinctly less 'buff' than in previous years.
Taking to Twitter, one fan wrote: 'No buff guys this year' while someone else commented that some of the lads 'looked very young'.
But Ciaran has revealed he has a very good excuse, as thanks to a painful sports injury, he only had one week to hit the gym extra hard and work on his muscles before jetting off to Mallorca.
Speaking to MailOnline, he explained that the day he got the call telling him he was going on Love Island, he fractured his collarbone in a rugby match and ended up having to wait to be healed up.
As a result he had less time than he had hoped to get ready for the villa, admitting that once he was allowed back in the gym, he had 'never trained so hard in my entire life'.
Ciaran recalled: 'I found out on a Saturday morning and that day I had a rugby game after. So I was very excited, but obviously couldn't tell anyone.
'And then that same day I cracked my collarbone. So honestly all I've done is make sure it's healed, which it has, it's completely fine and I'm back in the gym.
Speaking to MailOnline, he explained that the day he got the call telling him he was going on Love Island, he fractured his collarbone in a rugby match and ended up having to wait to be healed up
As a result he had less time than he had hoped to get ready for the villa, admitting that once he was allowed back in the gym, he had 'never trained so hard in my entire life'
'But I think I had a week before I came here. And honestly, I've never trained and been to the gym so hard in my entire life.
'Trying to get into shape and get the abs showing as much as possible. So I've done a little bit, but not as much as I wanted to.'
This week, Love Island executive producer Mike Spencer said it can be difficult to preempt the types of bodies fans want to see represented in the villa.
Speaking to MailOnline, he said: 'As we have showcased over the last 10 series, we will always strive to have the most representative and diverse cast across the board and in terms of regionality as well.
'Job roles, people, we do, and we will continue to do that, we have some amazing bombshells coming. We will continue to do what we do, and we are excited to see who is coming in.
'A lot of people write different things about the cast on reveal day. Some people would like to see Islanders with 'normal' body types, other people would like more ripped contestants.
'These are normal people… they go from their normal day jobs to catapulted into fame and the media world. We have to give it a breath and let them show you what we have seen in the casting process.'
According to The Sun, Ciaran was cast early on as he was a big hit with bosses who saw him as a perfect fit for the show.
According to The Sun , Ciaran was cast early on as he was a big hit with bosses who saw him as a perfect fit for the show
But at 21, Ciaran is the youngest contestant on the lineup this year with the average age of the other contestants being 25 years old
Acknowledging his youth, he said he thinks his maturity will outweigh his age, saying: 'I am quite young, I'm 21 years old. But I like to think I have matured a bit'
An insider said: 'Ciaran caught the eye of Love Island bosses immediately. He's gorgeous with a fit athletic build that will send the girls in the villa wild, but he's also a sweet boy next door from Wales to boot. He's the kind of lad you could happily take home to your mum'.
He has declared that is the 'perfect time' for him to go on the show and find 'something serious with the right girl.'
But at 21, Ciaran is the youngest contestant on the lineup this year with the average age of the other contestants being 25 years old.
Acknowledging his youth, he said he thinks his maturity will outweigh his age, saying: 'I am quite young, I'm 21 years old. But I like to think I have matured a bit.
'So I feel like when getting to know the girls, if they're a similar maturity to me it shouldn't be a problem.
'If we sit down and get to know each other properly, that should sway people's heads a little bit, going "Oh you know he's not what I thought, maybe I'll give him a chance".'
Ciaran previously revealed his type on paper, saying he was eager to meet someone funny and loyal.
He said: 'Obviously looks but humour is a big thing for me, I’m a bit of a wind up so I want a girl who can give it back.
'Loyalty is another one for me, I think that’s the most important thing to look for in a relationship.'
Series 11 will launch on Monday 3 June, with host Maya Jamas at the helm once again, while for the first time ever, ITV will launch the dating show simultaneously across ITV1, ITV2 and ITVX.
LOVE ISLAND 2024: MEET THE CONTESTANTS
NAME: Mimii Ngulube
AGE: 24
FROM: Portsmouth
OCCUPATION: Mental Health Nurse
WHY LOVE ISLAND? The pool in Portsmouth is not giving. I've tried dating, speaking to people on social media and it just hasn't been successful. Applying was a spontaneous thing, I didn't expect to get here!
WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? My girls are my rocks and I'm theirs so I'll be a good friend as well as going in there to find a man. I like dressing up so I'll bring style, and I'd like to think I'm quite funny so I'll make people laugh. Bringing honesty as well - I'm good at picking up on people's personality traits and side-eyeing those who might be a liar.
NAME: Sam Taylor
AGE: 23
FROM: Chesterfield
OCCUPATION: Hair Stylist
WHY LOVE ISLAND? At this point in my life I just want the opportunity to find a real connection with someone. I've been looking for that connection for quite some time but I've never really found it, I'm hoping I find that spark in the Villa.
WHAT DO YOU WANT THE ISLANDERS TO KNOW? I'd say not to judge a book by its cover because how I look compared to what I do for work might not necessarily add up. You wouldn't look at me as a tall guy covered in tattoos and think that I make girls' hair look pretty for a living.
NAME: Patsy Field
AGE: 29
FROM: Orpington
OCCUPATION: Office Administrator
WHAT DO YOU WANT THE ISLANDERS TO KNOW? I've got something very special about me which is my disability, it's a condition I was born with called Ebs Palsy. It doesn't define who I am , but it makes me a little different, although I've learnt to get on with it and it's never held me back.
HOW WOULD FRIENDS/FAMILY DESCRIBE YOU? My friends would say that I'm the loudest person in the group, I'm the one who's always up for doing a dare, the life and soul of the party. My family would say that I'm bossy and that it's always my way or the highway, they'd say I rule the roost.
NAME: Sean Stone
AGE: 24
FROM: Hertford
OCCUPATION: Sweet Salesman
WHY LOVE ISLAND? I've always been one for relationships and when you have found someone you want to be with it's the best feeling. Now is the perfect time, the one thing that is missing is my soulmate.
HOW WOULD FRIENDS/FAMILY DESCRIBE YOU? Very loving, caring and thoughtful. I'm the kind of guy that if you broke down on the motorway and needed your tyre changed, I'd be there at any time of night.
NAME: Harriett Blackmore
AGE: 24
FROM: Brighton
OCCUPATION: Dancer & Personal Shopper
WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? I'll bring the entertainment for everyone in the Villa, whether that's making the girls laugh or making the boys turn their heads, I'm sure that I'll bring the drama.
CLAIM T0 FAME? Being a bit of an IT girl in Brighton, I've done personal shopping for the rapper Arrdee and one of my best friends is Saffron Barker the YouTuber.
NAME: Ayo Odukoya
AGE: 25
FROM: Canning Town
OCCUPATION: Model
WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? I think I'd bring excitement and joy. I think people would have someone to come to and talk to and feel comfortable being around or to have a laugh with. I think I'm somebody everyone would take to.
WHY SHOULD SOMEBODY DATE YOU? I feel like the way I carry myself is very respectful and I think people take to that and once you show who you are to somebody you get it back tenfold. The way I am gives off a good enough energy for people to feel comfortable around me.
NAME: Samantha Kenny
AGE: 26
FROM: Liverpool
OCCUPATION: Makeup Artist
WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE VILLA? I think I will definitely bring some fire, I'm very opinionated and wear my heart on my sleeve. I'm really bubbly too so I'll definitely have a laugh as well as bringing some scouse glamour.
WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? I don't get out enough, I work weekends and tend to not go out in Liverpool anymore. If I want a night out I go down to London as I love the boys down south. Tall, dark and cockney is my type.
NAME: Munveer Jabbal
AGE: 30
FROM: Surbiton, Surrey
OCCUPATION: Recruitment Manager
WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? I haven't found the right girl, I'm quite picky and have high standards. Dating in London is horrible. You don't know who's single… but now you're putting me in a place where everyone's single so there's no issues around that.
CLAIM T0 FAME? I'm mates with Spencer Morgan (Piers Morgan's son). We met when I moved to Fulham in 2018.
NAME: Nicole Samuel
AGE: 24
FROM: Aberdare, Wales
OCCUPATION: Accounts Manager
WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? I've been enjoying single life and the attention of different boys, it's fun. I've enjoyed being able to go on holiday with the girls and not having to worry about someone back home. All the girls are there texting in their room and I'm out till 4 in the morning living my best life.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU? I became a world champion dancer in 2011, not many people know that. I was a professional street dancer.
NAME: Ronnie Vint
AGE: 27
FROM: South East London
OCCUPATION: Semi Professional Footballer
WHAT'S YOUR TYPE ON PAPER? I want someone that's family orientated, caring and career minded. Lookwise, I like blondes with nice boobs but am partial to a brunette too.
CLAIM T0 FAME? Bradley Dack is my best friend and he and Olivia are a big part of my life. I call Olivia my big little sister, she always looks out for me.
NAME: Jess White
AGE: 25
FROM: Stockport
OCCUPATION: Retail Manager
WHY ARE YOU SINGLE? I don't underestimate the fact that I'm hard work. I know what I want and I'm not easily pleased. When you're a loud, outgoing woman, sometimes it can intimidate men - men don't always want that.
WHAT'S YOUR TYPE ON PAPER? I love a set of white Turkey teeth but a good set of Turkey teeth. I would say personality traits, you have to be family orientated. You have to be tall, you can't be shorter than me, I can't be having to question whether I can wear heels around you and what height of heels I can wear. If you're vertically challenged, it's not for me.
NAME: Ciaran Davies
AGE: 21
FROM: Pencoed, South Wales
OCCUPATION: Surveyor
WHAT'S YOUR TYPE ON PAPER? Obviously looks but humour is a big thing for me, I'm a bit of a wind up so I want a girl who can give it back. Loyalty is another one for me, I think that's the most important thing to look for in a relationship.
CLAIM T0 FAME? When I was in Malia on a boys holiday I pretended to be Liam Reardon from series 7 to get into a club because they wouldn't let us in. It worked and we ended up getting a private booth and free drinks all night.
