AN Essex footballer is the latest contestant to be announced for the upcoming series of Love Island.

Toby Aromolaran, 22, has signed himself up to the show as he goes in search of true love.

Toby is a semi-professional footballer and has spent the past year at Hashtag United, which is based in Pitsea.

He said: “I’ve played football since I was about six, but it’s really come into a new light for the past year since I joined a team called Hashtag United.

“They’re very social media focused.

“Everything is on YouTube, Instagram and Twitter.

“Playing with them has really made me fall in love with the game again.”

Toby describes himself as an “optimistic” and outlined why he has put himself forward for this year’s series of Love Island.

He said: “I’ve never been in a relationship. I thought, ‘If Love Island can’t find me a relationship then no one can’.

“I always see the bright side in the worst situations.

“I’m a fun guy when I go on a night out. Responsible guy as well.”

Toby will be joined in the villa by Essex fashion blogger Kaz Kamwi.

You can read more about Kaz and her expectations here.

The first episode of this year’s Love Island will air at 9pm on ITV2 next Monday (June 28).

This year’s series sees Laura Whitmore return as host and it will be the first time the ITV programme has aired since last year’s summer series was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.