Love Island bosses sign first-ever 'blind' contestant for winter series

The winter season of Love Island is just around the corner and it's now set to make history.

This is because bosses of the hit dating show have signed its first-ever blind contestant, who will be entering the infamous villa next week on 16 January.

News of the groundbreaking contestant was revealed by ITV ahead of the latest season, which will be filmed just outside of Cape Town, South Africa.

His name is Ron Hall and he's a 25-year-old financial advisor from Essex.

He explained in his entry interview that one thing people would never know when they first meet him is that he is blind in one eye.

Ron said: "It was the result of a football injury when I was 8; I went in for a header and got kicked in the face. I've got two different coloured eyes, one blue and one green.

"It's added to my character, there are so many people that are worse off than me.

ITV / Love Island

"And if anything, losing something like that makes you realise that. It's not hindered me in any shape or form. It's a good conversation starter, I must admit."

Ron said that he hopes to bring 'fun and charisma' to the villa and that his only plan is to be himself and make memories.

When asked why the ladies should consider coupling up with him, he said: "I'm the most genuine person you'll meet. I'm genuine, caring and I'm a nice person - which you don't find these days."

The new season will feature a new host after Laura Whitmore announced that she would be stepping down as presenter in August of last year.

The new face of Love Island is Maya Jama, 28, who knows that she has some very big shoes to fill as she's a big fan of the show herself.

ITV / Love Island

"I've always been such a massive Love Island fan and I'm so excited to be hosting one of the nation’s favourite shows!" she said. "I can't wait to get into the Villa to meet all of the Islanders."

She told The Times that she believed, until now, she was too young to present the hit show.

"I think I've always been in their eye line, but I was super young when the presenter shifts were happening in the past," she said.

"They knew about me but I was always a bit too young, and obviously, there were previous hosts anyway."

Love Island returns at 9pm on 16 January on ITV2 and ITVX.