Love Island reveal son of ex-Premier League striker will be on this summer’s series – while a footballer called ‘The Surrey Zidane’ is also announced in line up of ITV’s popular dating show

Love Island has confirmed the full line-up of contestants joining the upcoming series as the brand new villa-mates are announced ahead of the 12th series.

After joining the popular dating series in January 2023, Maya Jama will once again be at the helm when the ITV2 show returns on June 9.

This year, the show celebrates a decade on screens and promises to have ‘more twists and turns than ever before’ in honour of their 10-year anniversary. And among the contestants is the son of a former Premier League striker. 

Dejon Noel-Williams, who plays football semi-professionally alongside his job as a personal trainer, is the son of ex-Watford and Stoke striker Gifton.

Gifton, 45, began his professional football career in 1996 when he joined Watford and last played for Codicote in 2017 before retiring.

Dejon revealed that he ‘met all kinds of famous people’ because of his footballing father and even remarked on a meeting with David Beckham. 

Gifton, 45, began his professional football career in 1996 when he joined Watford and last played for Codicote in 2017 before retiring

Harry Cooksley, 29, is a midfielder for Southern League Premier South side Farnham Town

He said: ‘When I was younger it was weird because he was just my dad, but we’d go to a game and fans were asking for photos. I’ve met David Beckham, he was really nice.’

Dejon, from London, boasts 11,000 followers on social media thanks in part to his regular shirtless gym snaps.

His bio reads: ‘I go beyond the gym -helping you build Strength, Confidence & Discipline for life.’ In 2021, he represented the Grenada national football team.

Dejon is not the only footballing connection in the upcoming series. Indeed, fans of the lower leagues may have spotted a star dubbed ‘The Surrey Zidane’. Harry Cooksley, 29, is a midfielder for Southern League Premier South side Farnham Town.

As well as his talent on the field, Cooksley also works as a gold trader and model. But more interestingly, his pastimes include being a body double for Declan Rice.

‘So when he does a shoot, any body close ups will actually be me,’ said Cooksley. ‘You’ll never see my face, but you’ll see my shoulder or chest, that kind of thing.’