RON Hall has been confirmed as Love Island’s first partially-sighted contestant.
ITV officially announced him this morning, days after HOAR exclusively revealed he will be taking part.
Love Island bosses have signed the franchise’s first partially-sighted contestant – Ron Hall
Ron is a charming Essex lad searching for Mrs Right
Ron, 26, lost the sight in his right eye in a footballing accident as a youngster.
The finance worker, from Essex, is in quarantine in South Africa ahead of the show’s launch a week today.
He follows model Tasha Ghouri, 24, who appeared as the first deaf contestant in last summer’s series.
A source on the ITV2 show said: “The casting team are excited by the signing. It’s a really positive move to have more diversity on-screen, especially as there are so few blind people on telly.
“Ron is great guy, he’s got loads of mates and is sports mad, he loves golf and has recently taken up boxing.
“He’s keen to meet new people and, hopefully, find love.
“He’s also really open about his disability and is hoping to raise awareness and help others by discussing it on screen.”
The reality series has been criticised for a lack of diversity in previous years.
However, A National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) spokeswoman told the Sun: “We are pleased to see greater representation of people with disabilities on reality shows.
“Libby Clegg on Dancing on Ice, Rose Ayling-Ellis on Strictly Come Dancing and Tasha Ghouri on Love Island last year, it’s a step in the right direction and it’s clear the positive impact this representation can have.
“We hope TV series will continue to diversify their contestants and actors to challenge misconceptions of those living with a disability.”
Ron’s confirmation as the fourth contestant comes after new host Maya Jama touched down in South Africa over the weekend ready for the January 16 launch night.
Temperatures will soar to the 30 degree mark as the contestants trade chilly Britain for hotter climes.
Love Island bosses have scrapped the previous villa for this series and are putting the stars up in a luxury manor house.
The sprawling mansion is set in millionaire’s row in South Africa and features an enormous swimming pool and even the traditional fire-pit.
The sprawling property boasts an enormous pool set in a huge courtyard with a large sunbathing deck which will welcome the wannabes in January.
One night in the plush mansion costs upwards of £430 a night.
The manor house is also environmentally friendly and runs off grid – generating its own electricity and water.
Views from the manor house stretch across the vineyards and give views of the mountains.
Outside the contestants will have access to a running track and a second outside pool.
Around the manor house Springboks roaming freely in the lush landscape.
As well as the luxurious outside, the interior of the plush property boasts eight large bedrooms.
The property also boasts a sprawling outside dining area, as well as a large kitchen and open plan dining room.
As well as having the large outside spaces, the luxury manor house has cosy snugs – allowing for the contestants to have private moments together in front of roaring open fires.
Maya Jama hosts the new winter series of the show
