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Revealed: Love Island star Sophie Lee's surprising connection to beloved TV presenter

Revealed: Love Island star Sophie Lee's surprising connection to beloved TV presenter

Daily Mail​09-06-2025

Love Island star Sophie Lee has a surprising connection to a beloved TV presenter and Loose Women star.
The influencer, 29, who worked as a professional dancer and fire performer when she was 22 for 18-months, suffered horrific facial and chest burns during a freak accident in the United States.
She was performing at a charity event in Chicago when the venue's air conditioning blew flames she was expelling from her mouth back into her face, leaving her with serious, life-threatening injuries.
And after embarking in a career of motivational speaking and writing a book surrounding her incident, Sophie has grown close with beloved presenter, Katie Piper.
Katie, 41, was the victim of a horrific acid attack set up by her ex-boyfriend when she was 24 - leaving her with severe scarring to her face, neck, chest, arms and hands.
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The influencer, 29, who worked as a professional dancer and fire performer when she was 22 for 18-months, suffered horrific facial and chest burns during a freak accident in the US
She now works with Katie Piper 's foundation, which supports people living with burns and scars.
Over the years, Sophie and Katie have been linked together on many occasions as Katie attended the model's book launch.
The pair have also spoke alongside one another during an episode of Lorraine.
The new Love Island series will kick off on Monday, June, 9, one week later than previous years.
The last season of the ITV dating programme - which was the second All Stars version - ended in February, and saw Gabby Allen and Casey O'Gorman crowned champions, before their split earlier this month.
Fans will be happy to know that it's not long before they will get their Love Island fix.
A post shared on ITV's social media featured a snap unveiling the return date, along with the caption: 'Mark your calendar, you're invited to this year's hottest meeting...
'Agenda: Initial coupling, strategic navigation of red flags, and identification of potential long-term partnerships.'
And after embarking in a career of motivational speaking and writing a book surrounding her incident, Sophie has grown close with beloved presenter, Katie Piper
The launch date for Love Island 2025 has finally been revealed, and fans don't have long to wait, as the new series is set to kick off on Monday 9th June
The first trailer for the new series was released on Monday, and showed host Maya Jama in a meeting with Love Island bosses, in the hope of making the show's 10th Anniversary series its most explosive yet.
Maya - who starting hosting the show in 2023 - is seen in a boardroom called Love Island HQ and says: 'Right, this year Love Island needs something bigger, something bolder. I want ideas.'
One person asks: 'Move it to the Isle of Wight?'
Another asks: 'What if we turn it into musical?' leading Maya to sassily question the move with 'Why?'
Another says in Japanese: 'Love Island, on ice?' to which Maya replies: 'Never!'
Unhappy with all the suggestions, Maya pushes the paper off her desk and shouts: 'No!'
She adds: 'This year I want more drama, more bombshells, more break-ups, more make-ups. I want more twists. I want more twists than ever.'
NAME: Sophie Lee
AGE: 29
FROM: Manchester
OCCUPATION: Motivational Speaker and Author
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is fun, spontaneous, who has a lot of jokes and who is attentive. At the moment I'm only finding ones draped in red flags and 'do not cross' signs
IF YOU WERE THE CEO OF SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I'm the CEO of empowerment. I want women to feel beautiful and validated in themselves and feel their best self.
NAME: Dejon Noel Williams
AGE: 26
FROM: London
OCCUPATION: Semi-pro footballer and personal trainer
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is beautiful on the inside and out, looks after themselves and is healthy
CLAIM TO FAME? My dad being an ex-professional footballer. I've met all kinds of famous people through him. When I was younger it was weird because he was just my dad, but we'd go to a game and fans were asking for photos. I've met David Beckham, he was really nice.
Megan Moore
NAME: Megan Moore
AGE: 25
FROM: Southampton
OCCUPATION: Payroll specialist
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'd like to meet someone who is tall, with a nice tan, nice eyes and a nice smile. He needs to have a good fashion sense and a really good, funny personality that I can get on with
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Bankrupt, right now. But we're going to make sales and get on that corporate ladder and be booming. Profits, profits, profits!
NAME: Tommy Bradley
AGE: 22
FROM: Hertfordshire
OCCUPATION: Landscape Gardener
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A girl who is very ambitious, with a big personality, caring, but also someone that doesn't take themselves too seriously. I don't know if that's asking for too much, but I want a bit of everything. I haven't got a specific type in terms of looks, though.
WHAT WOULD YOU BE CEO OF? Taking hours to do my hair
NAME: Alima Gagio
AGE: 23
FROM: Glasgow
OCCUPATION: Wealth Management Client Services Executive
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A tall man with a handsome face. You know when you just look at a guy and they have that Disney prince look to them? That's it
WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I think she'd hire me because I'm a good flirt. I always ask guys on a night out to guess which country I'm originally from. If they get it right, they can get my number.
But they never guess correctly so it works really well if you don't want to give a guy your number. I'm originally from Guinea Bissau. If they're close and I really fancy them, I'll give them my number anyway.
NAME: Ben Holbrough
AGE: 23
FROM: Gloucester
OCCUPATION: Private Hire Taxi driver
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone sexy, good looking, good chat, good vibes, nice teeth and good eye contact - they're all the traits I look for. Oh, and also a cute smile, I just look at you and know I can be around you all day, every day.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Bankrupt. I'd have been out of business a long time ago. That's exactly why I'm here.
NAME: Helena Ford
AGE: 29
FROM: London
OCCUPATION: Cabin Crew
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Somebody funny or Northern. I feel like Northern people have much more banter than Southerners. If you look through my previous dating history, you'll see I clearly go for personality. You can pretty much laugh me into bed.
WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I would say hire but then quickly fire soon after. It would only be a temporary contract.
NAME: Megan Moore
AGE: 24
FROM: Dublin
OCCUPATION: Musical theatre performer and energy broker
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously and has a sense of humour. If they're not bad looking, that's always a plus.
I love a boy that's a bit pasty, like Timothée Chalamet. I don't mind scrawny, or a bit of a 'dad bod'. I'm 5ft1 so any height really.
CLAIM TO FAME? Me and my friends made a Derry Girls TikTok for Halloween and it went a bit viral around Brighton. Sometimes I get stopped in the street about it. I've also done Panto.
NAME: Blu Chegini
AGE: 26
FROM: London
OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Someone who is family oriented, has a lot of love to give and a lot of love to receive. Personality goes a long way.
WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? She'd fire me, but I've got the charm to smooth things over with a girl. The fact I speak fluent Spanish comes in handy when it comes to flirting!
Shakira Khan
NAME: Shakira Khan
AGE: 26
FROM: London
OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is tall, charming, witty, with big arms, a good smile and just really funny.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Booming, but they're all frogs. It's a busy love life but I've not found 'the husband', I'm looking for 'the one'. I'm looking for the ring.
NAME: Harry Cooksley
AGE: 30
FROM: Guildford
OCCUPATION: Gold trader, semi-professional footballer and model
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? The girl next door that makes me laugh and can hold eye contact with me. I don't think I'd go for the most obvious girl, I like a real sweet girl.
CLAIM TO FAME? I'm the body double for Declan Rice. So when he does a shoot, any body close ups will actually be me. You'll never see my face, but you'll see my shoulder or chest, that kind of thing.
NAME: Conor Phillips
AGE: 23
FROM: Limerick
OCCUPATION: Professional rugby player
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?Someone who is really sure of themselves, ambitious, a bit of a go-getter and good craic. I like dark eyes and I don't mind a dominant woman.
WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? Definitely hire. I ask girls if they want to go halves on a baby. It doesn't work, but it gets them laughing. It's an ice-breaker, not a serious question of course!
NAME: Toni Laites
AGE: 24
FROM: Connecticut
OCCUPATION: Las Vegas Pool Cabana Server
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm looking for darker hair, definitely muscular but not too muscular. Super fit. Clean hair cut. Someone that can make me laugh - I'm super outgoing. And someone that's quite active. Maybe one day we could start our own family together.
I WANT TO DATE A BRITISH GUY BECAUSE... I've lived in three different states and I'm still single. It's time to try something new! I have some British friends and they're pretty charming. I think all Americans love a good accent. British men are just more polite, with better manners.
NAME: Kyle Ashman
AGE: 23
FROM: Stafford
OCCUPATION: Water operative
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone that's fun, confident and just themselves.
I'd say I'd be hired. I just go with it, find something to compliment a girl on and go from there.

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