ITV/jadasezer/InstagramAs body positive role models go, you could do a lot worse than Jada Sezer, a ‘plus size’ model and self love advocate who once ran the London Marathon in just her undies.
Size 16 Jada has an MA in Child Psychology, and is passionate about celebrating the many diverse ways a person can be be beautiful. She also co-hosts Unsubscribe, a podcast which encourages listeners to break free of negative thoughts.
I could continue listing her various accomplishments, but basically, I would like to be her friend. And failing this, I would love it if she appeared on Love Island, a show which has faced criticism for its ‘identikit’ beauty standards.
According to the Mirror, the 30-year-old fashionista and mental health activist has been tipped to enter Love Island villa, with show bosses keen to embrace ‘all body shapes’ this season.
A source told the Mirror:
Previous years have been criticised for a lack of diversity among contestants. This year producers are determined to have more variation among the Islanders.
They want all shapes and sizes taking part – not just a stream of identikit young men and women.
According to this source, producers are ‘hopeful’ that Jada will make an appearance:
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.
I’m not confident, confidence is a trick. I just absolutely refuse to listen to the voices of competition & comparison. pic.twitter.com/zcEOsAgCjD
— Jada Sezer (@JadaSezer) May 8, 2019
Other rumoured contestants include, according to The Tab, 20-year-old social media influencer, Braelin Kail, and Vicky Pattison’s on-again-off-again boyfriend, Ercan Ramadan.
#DayDotIsComing pic.twitter.com/BRkDRi7lLR
— ITV2 (@itv2) May 20, 2019
Love Island have also recently announced a comprehensive new aftercare plan for contestants. The new care guidelines include psychological consultations throughout the filming process, from pre-filming to after the show has finished. Love Island will also work with Islander’s GPs to review contestants’ medical histories.
The plan to improve potential mental health issues Islander’s may face includes managing expectations of those entering the villa, assessing both negative and positive implications of taking part in the show. Love Island contestants are also encouraged to work through their decision to enter the villa with family and friends before taking part.
ITV have also promised to maintain contact with the Islanders after filming, providing any extra supported needed for 14 months post filming.
Love Island will return to our screens as of June 3, 2019.
If you have a story you want to tell send it to UNILAD via [email protected]
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.