Love Island 2019 reportedly casts Jada Sezer as first plus-size contestant

23 May 2019, 15:30

By Jazmin Duribe

The ITV series has been criticised for not being inclusive in the past.

There's only two weeks to go before Love Island 2019 kicks off and we're already prepared for our summer nights to be completely taken over. But, with the start date looming, everyone's speculating who will be heading into the Love Island villa.

Well, rumour has it that the show is getting its first plus-size contestant EVER and, seriously, it's about time.

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Jada Sezer has reportedly been added to this year's line-up in a bid to promote body diversity. Jada (who is a size UK 16) is a 30-year-old plus-size model, mental health advocate and podcast host, who champions body confidence.

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You know I’m all about supporting girls! Jokes aside, @elomilingerie are a lingerie brand that I highly recommend, I wore this brand of sports bra when running the London Marathon & have since discovered their lovely lingerie collection like this, Charley Bra. They offer support, comfort and uncompromising style - spanning most importantly across sizes D -K. #elomicharley #elomilingerie #inclusivebrands #sexyateverysize #lingeriethatfits #AD

A post shared by J A D A S E Z E R (@jadasezer) on Mar 25, 2019 at 11:35am PDT

Last year, she ran the London Marathon in her underwear alongside writer Bryony Gordon. And she even appeared on ITV breakfast show, Good Morning Britain, in her bra and knickers too.

Love Island has received backlash for its lack of body and racial diversity in previous years so they're clearly trying to up their game. However, is it merely tokenism to save ITV's butt?

"This year producers are determined to have more variation among the Islanders," a source told the Mirror. "They want all shapes and sizes taking part – not just a stream of identikit young men and women.

"Given the nature of the show, it’s important the contestants feel body confident as they spend so much time wearing skimpy clothes or bikinis as they sunbathe and hang out by the pool.

"Jada would be a perfect choice because she is passionate about body positivity – and even appeared on Good Morning Britain in her underwear before running the marathon.

"Producers have been talking at length with her and are hopeful they might feature her later in the series."

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2019 started swimmingly. Swam a very slow 40 laps today, left revitalised. - Also, not sure if it’s my online echo chamber community OR everyone’s simply more aware? That, New Year does not mean New You, fuelled by weight loss & crash diets. Don’t let the vacuous marketing ads tell you otherwise. #NewYearSameYou

A post shared by J A D A S E Z E R (@jadasezer) on Jan 2, 2019 at 9:46am PST

Even if Jada doesn't make it in this year, other rumours of who will be entering the Love Island villa include Sairah Pinnock, sister of Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and even Megan Barton Hanson, who starred on the show last year but failed to make her romance with Wes Nelson work.

What do you think? Tweet us @popbuzz and let us know!