Love Island star Sophie Lee has opened up about living with a facial disfigurement, expressing that she is exactly what the ITV dating show needs.
The 29-year-old motivational speaker, from Manchester, developed visible scars after an air-conditioning unit blew flames into her face and chest.
Sophie was just 22 at the time of the incident and had been working as a fire performer. The severe burns developed into a keloid tumour, forcing her to undergo a series of risky surgeries to remove it. Fortunately, the procedures were successful.
Now, the newfound reality star is set to enter the villa on Monday (9 June), alongside eleven hopeful singles.
Ahead of starting her journey, she has said it is "refreshing" to see people with facial differences being given visibility and a platform on the show.
The author also confessed: "I think this is what Love Island needs."
Drawing on her experience as a casual viewer of the show, she explained: "When I've watched clips of Love Island on social media, I've never seen someone who has got, obviously there was Tasha Ghouri who's incredible, but someone who's had a facial disfigurement, especially when the show is very much vanity based."
Although the dating series has been criticised for prioritising physical appearance, Tasha Ghouri's entrance in 2022 marked a notable shift in the show's history. She was the first deaf contestant to join Love Island and boldly spread awareness about the impairment.
Sophie has been avidly raising awareness about her own difference. Before entering the villa, the former dancer has been documenting her healing journey on social media.
Speaking about using her platform to spread awareness, she confessed that her mission is to help "people who don't have a voice," and often feel like they are invisible.
Beyond social media, Sophie has also opened up about her experience in a memoir, titled In My Skin: Learning to Love Your Perfectly Imperfect Life, which was published last year.
She is passionate about proving that she is still "a normal girl."
