{"id":52307,"date":"2024-05-29T21:00:02","date_gmt":"2024-05-29T19:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=2047365"},"modified":"2024-05-29T23:14:00","modified_gmt":"2024-05-29T21:14:00","slug":"mimii-ngulube-addresses-love-island-line-up-diversity-criticism","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/mimii-ngulube-addresses-love-island-line-up-diversity-criticism\/","title":{"rendered":"Mimii Ngulube addresses Love Island line-up diversity criticism"},"content":{"rendered":"

“I feel like it’s less of an issue now.” <\/p>

By Katelyn Mensah\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 29 May 2024 at 19:00 PM<\/p>

\n\n

Love Island 2024 contestant Mimii Ngulube has addressed criticism the show has received over its contestant line-ups<\/a> lacking diversity in previous years.<\/p>\n

The series is currently facing fresh backlash from fans for its lack of diversity in this year\u2019s original casting, with many comparing the line-up to previous years, which had suggested improvements were being made.<\/p>\n

This was even clearer when Kai and Sanam became the first couple of colour to win Love Island<\/a> back in 2023. While of course more islanders will enter the villa as the season continues, many have still been left unimpressed, with just three of the 12 cast members being people of colour.<\/p>\n

Mimiii will be heading into the villa next week, looking for her future partner, and spoke with RadioTimes.com<\/a> and other press about the show\u2019s past diversity criticisms, noting that isn\u2019t something she sees as an issue anymore.<\/p>

\u201cI feel like it\u2019s less of an issue now,\u201d she explained. \u201cJust because the recent years I feel like they\u2019ve very much improved. Obviously [this year], I\u2019m not too sure who\u2019s going in or anything like that, so I don\u2019t know if it\u2019s just going to be me or not. But I\u2019m pretty sure it\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

She continued: \u201cI don\u2019t feel any pressure or anything of that thought because the way I am will show, culturally anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n

RadioTimes.com<\/strong> has reached out to ITV for any further comment.<\/p>\n

Mimii joins a line-up of 11 other contestants, all of whom are looking to find a future partner in addition to a summer like no other.<\/p>\n

\"The\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Love Island cast for 2024.<\/span><\/figcaption> From ITV Love Island SR11 on ITV2 and ITVX Pictured: Samantha, Ayo, Munveer, Nicole, Patsy, Ciaran, Harriet, Jess, Sean, Ronnie, Mimii, Sam This photograph is (C) ITV plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com\/presscentre\/itvpictures\/terms For further information please contact: michael.taiwo1@itv.com<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n

The mental health nurse applied for the show last year after completing her degree. \u201cI thought, you know, now is a good time,\u201d she told RadioTimes.com<\/strong> and other press.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow I\u2019ve got my degree, it\u2019s the perfect time to kind of explore before I go into that career.\u201d<\/p>\n

As she jets off on her new adventure, Mimii will have her friends and family supporting her all the way.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy mum first wanted to make sure I was sure about it,\u201d she explained. \u201cBut after a while she was getting more excited, obviously a bit anxious as any parent would be, of how the public would receive me.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut she\u2019s confident in the fact that I am always going to be who I am. I\u2019m never going to change my personality for anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Love Island returns on Monday 3rd June at 9pm on ITV1, ITV2, ITVX, STV and STV Player. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Seasons 1-10 are available to watch on ITVX. <\/strong>You can watch all previous seasons of Love Island on BritBox \u2013 you can sign up for a <\/strong>7-day free trial<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Check out more of our Entertainment<\/a> coverage or visit our TV Guide<\/a> and Streaming Guide<\/a> to find out what else is on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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