LOVE Island winner Jessica Hayes has lifted the lid on how she found life in the Mallorca villa – as the newest winner is set to be crowned tonight.
Jess was an OG member of the village on Love Island season one in 2016, winning alongside Max Morley. While their relationship didn’t last, she certainly has enough memories for a lifetime.
Jess won season one alongside Max Morley
Jess Hayes caused a stir during her appearance on the first series
Speaking to Spin Genie, Jess reflected on her time on Love Island, and admits things have changed in the seven years since. Though while filming the show, the group would spend their days smoking and drinking to pass the time.
“When we were in there, we were so bored,” she said. “Obviously smoking was allowed back then and we would literally rinse through. We’d be in the beach hut begging them for alcohol. You get very bored and that was the only way for the boredom.”
“I guess on Saturdays, which I think everyone knows about, you would have a day out,” she adds. “You’d go get your hair done in the salon, which was such a weird feeling.
“We’d all go out to the Spanish hairdressers and I’d have my red colour topped up, then we’d go get our nails done.”
Jess also supported other former islanders claims that they would be secretly given fast food away from the cameras. 2019 Lucie Donlan previously revealed they would sneak McDonalds into the villa.
“I guess they never really showed the food, but it was made for us. We’d have pizzas but don’t ever remember getting McDonald’s,” Jess said.
“Then we were struggling for clothes towards the end, so we were able to put in a little ASOS order online and get clothes.
“I know they get so much stuff now, but we didn’t get any of that. We were clutching at straws, like borrowing each other’s bikinis.”
As the final four couples prepare to leave the villa tonight, Jess warned that leaving the villa proved to be the hardest part – especially when it comes to the media attention and sudden fame.
“You almost don’t want to leave that bubble,” she said. “It’s actually really scary to think what you’re going to come out to.
“But obviously, you’re so excited to see your friends and family. It’s really nerve-wracking, but it’s amazing to end that journey.”
Tonight, Maya Jama will be in South Africa to crown the winner of Winter Love Island 2023.
The four remaining couples are: Ron Hall and Lana Jenkins; Tanya Manhenga and Shaq Muhammad; Tom Clare and Samie Elisihi, and Sanam Harrinanan and Kai Fagan.
A summer series of the show, which will take place back in the show’s original home of Mallorca, Spain.
Jess admits the group would spend their days smoking and asking for alcohol
Jess is now proud mum to two-year-old Presley
