I used to think Black girls can’t be authentic on Love Island – I changed that
Posted by  badge Boss on Oct 26, 2023 - 09:21AM
Love Island runner-up Whitney Adebayotells us why it was important for her to be authentic in the villa(Picture: ITV)

star made it all the way to the final on this year’s show after becoming a certified fan favourite from the start.

The entrepreneur, 25, was sure to bag the £50,000 prize pot alongside her now boyfriend , also 25, however it was who ended up claiming the title.

Fans heaped praise on the latest season of the hit dating show, which is hosted by Maya Jama, with many branding it the ‘most diverse cast ever.’

Previous Black islanders including series five contestant Yewande Biala have spoken out of the as well as how they has faced since its launch in 2015.

And Whitney, who recently teamed up with Ben’s Original, told us how she sympathised with former stars and how she schooled her fellow islanders on Black culture.

She exclusively told Metro.co.uk: ‘I used to just think ‘awww’ because I thought ‘you’re not being yourself here.’ A prime example would be the bonnet, everyone used to be so shy to say ‘I wear wigs or this is a bonnet.

I gave all the girls bonnets in the villa (Picture: ITV)
Whitney and boyfriend Lochan are very much in love after leaving the villa (Picture: Shutterstock)

‘Whereas this season I was like ‘this is how it goes, I sleep with it’. I gave all the girls bonnets in the villa. I was like ‘maybe you don’t know how the Black girl world goes, but I’m here to educate you.’

She added: ‘I would have my wig soaked in the bathroom. I feel like reality TV has changed but it takes educating, nothing to shy away from, otherwise they would just be ignorant to it.’

Season 10 saw a mixture of interesting characters (who can forget )with viewers rejoicing over the women of colour getting attention, something that was never usually the case.

Whitney and Lochan placed second, however fans were convinced they were going to win (Picture: ITV)

‘It was easy to forget I was a Black woman because there were so many of us, at one point we dominated!,’ Whitney added

‘I’ve watched Love Island and I’ve never seen this many coloured people, there were so many bonnets and durags . Everyone came from different cultures and everyone was receptive to learning. The white people were doing the AzontoIt was such a great diverse cast. They’ve definitely got a new blueprint.’

Life has been pretty hectic for the TV personality as she’s attended major events such as the National Television Awards and is currently relaunching her hair business.

I’ve teamed up with Ben’s Original for the launch of One Pan Creations! Since all of you (including Lochan) still make fun of me for my pasta mash from Love Island, I wanted to show how I can create Spanish Paella, Indian Biryani and even Szechuan Fried Rice in literally just 10 minutes – thanks to One Pan Creations. It’s so easy and look how delicious it looks, it’s literally the perfect night-in meal for me and Lochan. Try it out and let me know what you think in the comments below.

However, during her downtime she usually spends it cooking with her beau Lochan, who often shares unique recipes on social media.

She said: ‘Of course I can cook here and there. I do love cooking with Lochan, if I can cook with him that would be amazing. Cooking with him is better because he’s more knowledgeable, I’m just a learner.’

Whitney has partnered with Ben’s Original as they launch One Pan Creations to help newbies cook delicious meals inspired by flavours from across the globe in just 10 minutes.

Megan Barton-Hanson passionately kisses Kyra Green in explosive Love Island Games trailer