Love Island 2021: Hugo Hammond confirmed as first ever disabled contestant

Love Island has announced its first ever disabled contestant in Hugo Hammond, a former England Physical Disability cricket player.

Following Sharon Gaffka’s confirmation as the first islander, with more being leaked throughout the day (June 21), Hugo is the fifth star to be announced for the 2021 series.

‘I’ve been single for a while now. With the current climate, it’s been really hard to get back into dating. I saw it as an opportunity to have an amazing fun summer and put myself back out there,’ he said.

Hugo was born with clubfoot, which is when a baby’s feet turn inwards and under.

‘I’ve actually played cricket for England PD (Physical Disability),’ he explained.

‘I’ve been to Bangladesh, Dubai, I’ve been everywhere to play cricket. I was born with clubfoot.

‘I had lots of operations when I was a kid. You can only really tell when I walk barefoot. I’ve got a really short achilles heel. I walk slightly on my tip toes.’

As well as being a cricket pro, Huge teaches secondary school PE.

He enthused: ‘Absolutely love my job. I love all my sports.

‘It’s great to be able to pass on that enthusiasm to be physically active to the younger generation and hopefully they feel the same about me teaching them.’

Love Island returns to ITV2 on June 28.

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