I’m as beautiful as any of the girls in the Love Island villa… even with my muffin-top and saggy boobies
Fabulous columnist Stacey on why she wants to see more like her on the hit ITV show
THE boys are in bed, the dog’s been out for her last loo trip and I’ve got a bowl of Doritos… cue Love Island.
I love it. Watching two people fall for one another, resisting all the temptations thrown their way and bucket loads of drama is my kind of heaven.
But, just 10 minutes into the first episode, I’m wondering: why does everybody look the same? I longingly waited for a different shaped human to enter the villa, but was left bitterly disappointed. Every islander was a pumped-up, muscled man or a flat-stomached skinny woman.
Looking back, last year’s series was exactly the same. But, what with all the light that’s been shone on body diversity in the last 12 months, you’d think the producers of the most popular show on TV – watched by young, impressionable people who are affected by low self-esteem and body image – would have made a conscious effort to show some diversity.
It’s important to note that every islander has a fantastic figure. There’s nothing wrong with that, they deserve to be in the villa. But why couldn’t there be a few different shapes and sizes? Why are they all toned within an inch of their lives?
It made me think about my chances of finding love in the villa. I’d stick out like a sore thumb. I mean literally stick out. My muffin tops would be touching women stood either side of me.
And don’t get me started on those wonderful swimming costumes they’re all wearing. You know the ones – whole sides cut out, super-scooped necks. My boobs would hang out the armpit holes when I lay down and inside the waistband when I stood up.
I want to see a ‘me’ in there. I want someone to aspire to whilst I shove my face with Doritos in my granny pants. Shout out to Niall who stuffed his face with food whilst the other boys did weights.
Sadly, I think about my two children. They obviously don’t watch Love Island but it’s setting an agenda. There’s not one man in there without a six-pack. Thanks to all of the Action Men my boys play with they’re already asking me: “Mummy when is my six pack going to grow?” Sigh. If there next port of call is shows like this when they’re teenagers what are the chances they’re going to love themselves. And accept their healthy non-six-packed bodies?
It’s such a shame because all it would take is a bit of diversity to show people that even if you don’t have a six-pack or flat tummy you can still find love - or at least a date. In fact I think it would be great for the show. Who doesn’t love a Bridget Jones, “just as you are” moment?
As the show goes on I realise you can be as perfectly groomed, toned and spray tanned as you like, but it doesn’t stop the insecurities that lie beneath.
From Dani blaming herself about her choices in men (“I always go for the same guys”) to Dr Alex asking: “What’s wrong with me?” All of the islanders display what 99% of us feel is just inside of our own minds - but it affects everyone.
We all have our insecurities - no matter what shape or size we are. But, personally, I am struggling to relate to any of the girls in the villa because although my body is just as fabulous and I’m just as beautiful there’s no one in there that shares any of my beautiful features.
My saggy boobies, my stretch marks, my side handles, my acne. Are there any parents in the villa?
Adam was shocked to discover “pretty” girls like Kendall and co could have depth and feelings. Urgh. And, I quote: “I didn’t think someone who looks that good could be so down to earth”.
Imagine how many people judge someone’s character on the way they appear. I really feel sorry for society-labelled “pretty” people who have to prove their personalities because no one can believe they bothered to make one based on how they look.
I’m around the same age of most of the women in there and right now my chance of getting into the villa, should I ever need to, is a big, muffin topped, saggy breasted, NO.
Nevertheless it is a fantasy world and one that I’ll be losing myself in again tonight at 9pm and every other night until it ends and I have to find something to relieve the withdrawal and fill the Love Island void.
