Love Island’s star’s backlash fear as she addresses special treatment | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV

Love Island’s Molly Marsh is one of the most influential contestants on this season of the ITV reality series as the daughter of Coronation Street star, Janet Marsh.

The Doncaster social media star and actress is the most-followed 2023 contestant, suggesting she’s one to watch this season.

However, she is concerned viewers believe she was picked for the show due to her background, rather than her own merits.

She has been in the dating show’s villas twice already, but is adamant she earned her place fairly.

After visiting the villas in Majorca and South Africa on trips organised for social media influencers, she is prepared to face some backlash.

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The 21-year-old told The Sun: “Being in the industry, I know the good that comes with it, I know the bad and I’ve had a bit of both already — it is in my blood really.

“I hope people don’t see me as a plant, I don’t want people to think that it’s been an easy route just because I’ve been to the villas.

“It has been a long and hard process. It’s been difficult.”

Whilst in Cape Town in January she caught the eye of the show’s producers and was invited to audition.

Her mum Janet was in three Coronation Street episodes between 2005 and 2009, playing different guest characters.

Molly has now followed in her acting footsteps, appearing in pantomimes and stage shows.

The bookies have Molly at odds of 11/4 to finish as the top girl, making her the favourite to win the 2023 series.

Ahead of her debut, Molly said: “I think I’ll bring fun, bubbly, energetic little sister energy. I’m up for a laugh, I’m spontaneous and adventurous, I hope I can bring a bit of light and positivity to people’s day.”

When asked if she had any ‘claims to fame’, she said: “With my job being in social media, I’ve had some amazing opportunities to go on press trips and I’ve actually been out to the Love Island Villa’s in Mallorca and South Africa.

“Having the experience to walk around both was amazing but to now actually live in the Villa is going to be incredible.”

She felt it was ideal timing to take part in the show and the “perfect way to find someone”.

“I don’t go out and party and I don’t use dating apps, I’m actually quite old-fashioned, so there’s no better way to meet someone by going into a Villa in the sun with the potential ‘one’ in there,” she added.

Love Island airs on ITV2 and ITVX from Monday, June 5 at 9pm