Love Island returns to screens tonight and one of the new islanders is already well versed in the world of showbiz
Love Island fans realised where they had seen the islander before(Image: PA)
Love Island returns to screens tonight on Monday, June 1, and one of the new stars in the line up has already had his fair share of reality TV and time in the spotlight. A dozen new islanders have flown out to the iconic Mallorca villa to be greeted by hosts Maya Jama this summer in the hopes of finding love.
Each of them come from different backgrounds but one star in particular has caught fans’ attentions after they realised where they had spotted him before. Ope Sowande is a West End performer who has appeared in various productions including Disney’s The Lion King, Moulin Rouge and Burlesque. He was set to star in Disney’s Hercules: The Musical this year in one of his biggest roles yet but made the decision to quit to star on Love Island instead, The Sun reports.
His casting was confirmed in April with announcements made by the production at the time. He was to perform his role on June 30 but won’t get the opportunity again. The musical is showing for the final time on September 5 at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London.
That’s not all as Ope has also starred a backing dancer on Strictly Come Dancing. The 27-year-old from Lincolnshire recalled his ‘amazing’ experience on the BBC show but admitted it was perhaps not as glamorous as some mat expect.
When asked if anyone turned his head while on the dancefloor, he explained: “Strictly was honestly amazing and I had the best time and I met some really cool people but it was a really long rehearsal schedules.
Ope is a West End performer(Image: Instagram)
“We start early in the morning, we finished quite late at night. There wasn’t really time to kind of be flirting backstage at all and like it was mostly just focus on getting the job done.
“I only did Strictly for a really short amount of time. I think I did one episode a couple years ago and it was a very quick turnaround but it allowed me to meet amazing people.”
However, his showbiz career means that he is already in touch with some well known names who he hopes will be backing him during his time in the villa this summer.
Among them is former reality TV star turned presenter and This Morning icon Alison Hammond.
Ope revealed: “I did Panto with Alison Hammond a few years ago and we still stay in touch. So I think I reckon she’ll be championing me for sure.”
Due to his professional performer background, Ope already believes he has one huge advantage for one of the show’s most anticipated challenges.
He said: “Listen. Let me tell you one thing, If I don’t win that (heart rate) challenge, I’ll give myself a serious talking to. I was actually talking to my chaperone today and I was like if I get that far, you know, this is what I want to do.
“I’ve genuinely got a few ideas that I think would really just everyone’s hearts pumping. The moves will be coming out, just you wait.”
But fans should not expect Ope to play up to the cameras as he plans to separate the performer from the person during his time in the villa.
He insisted: “I’m going to be authentically myself and genuinely completely be myself.
“No acting is going to be involved. I’m really trying to find someone special. I’m really trying to separate the performer and the real me. So I think it’s gonna be a completely different challenge. I’m really looking forward to it.”
