A footballer has been named in the first set of contestants for the newest series of Love Island - and he used to play for Dartford and Welling United FC.

Tyrique Hyde’s appearance in the show was announced on social media this morning.

He will be one of the first people to be entering the villa when the hit dating show returns to ITV next Monday.

Tyrique, 24, played for Lewes FC last season and joined the club in October, 2022.

Tyrique is listed as a central midfielder on Lewes FC’s website.

The footballer said he would "bring vibes, confidence, good energy and honesty" to the Villa when he enters next week.

Tyrique added: "I don’t sit on the fence, if I have an opinion I will speak up. I’m also not afraid to go after what I want."

When asked what he wants his fellow contestants to know about him, he said: “That I’m deaf in my right ear.

“I’ve got a tattoo next to my left one that symbolises strength and power in my good one.”

He follows in the footsteps of model and dancer Tasha Ghouri, who became the first deaf contestant to appear on the show in 2022 and wears a cochlear implant to allow her to hear.

He also grew up with former Islander Toby Aromolaran, who reached the final previously and is also a semi-professional footballer.

The newest series of Love Island is set to air on Monday, June 5, headed by presenter Maya Jama.