Love Island’s Layla Al-Momani: “I’ve Received Messages From Other Arabs; It’s Great To Be a Positive Representation” | Exclusive
Bazaar Arabia’s writer Hermione Edwards speaks to the star about her experience on possibly the most popular reality Tv series…
I have never watched Love Island. Well, not a full one-hour-long episode at least. Albeit I’m eighteen years old and I was born in the United Kingdom – putting it plainly, I’m basically Love Island’s target audience.
My reason (or excuse) for this is that I never actually grew up in the UK. I wouldn’t until I turned sixteen – only then would I truly, witness the grip that one of Britain’s most popular dating game shows had on the rest of the world. So, I decided that whilst most were diligently writing their New Year’s resolutions – wishing for a more consistent gym routine, I would watch Love Island’s ninth season – and I had questions.
Mainly for the show’s first-ever Jordanian contestant, Layla Al-Momani – twenty-eight-years-old from Kingston, UK and the managing director of fine jewellery brand, Anissa Kermiche – Layla opens up about her father’s support and squashes rumours surrounding deleting her press image.
Harper’s Bazaar Arabia (HBA): How would you describe your experience being on Love Island? Would you say it’s similar to what is portrayed on air?
Layla Al-Momani (LAM): Honestly, I had the best time. Conversations are real – nothing was staged (for me at least). Obviously, there are conversations had that aren’t shown but there are 24 hours going into 1. One thing I didn’t think about was lunch and dinner – these aren’t aired but yes, we eat haha. I’m vegetarian/vegan and the catered food was delicious!
HBA: Who did you have the best connection to on the show?
LAM: I found love in Love Island… just a different kind! I have made best friends out of the Casa Girls which I really wasn’t expecting going in. Like they say it’s Love Island not ‘Friend Island’. The girls actually came and stayed with me last weekend and I took them out around London. I did of course also build a connection with Will. Not everything was shown but we started on a playful friendship vibe and I would love to be able to be friends down the line.
HBA: What would you say were the biggest challenges filming Love Island?
LAM: The biggest challenge was having zero contact with home or the outside world. I speak to my family every day so that was a strange experience. Also, wearing makeup every night. I rarely wear makeup but I felt like I needed to, being in there because all the girls are so glam – I didn’t want to look drowned out compared. I think I definitely need some makeup tips.
HBA: You removed the show’s promotional image off your Instagram feed, why did you decide to do that? There were a variety of speculations as to why but I would love to hear it straight from you.
LAM: My Love Island press image was the worst thing to have come out of that show! I think it’s the worst picture in the history of Love Island, removing that was the first thing I did when I got my phone back. I was so nervous taking it and they took only two shots! My friends and I have been laughing about it.
HBA: Do you feel like the show portrayed you well? Was there anything you regret saying or doing?
LAM: Yes, I would say I was portrayed well. Coming out I was made to be the villain but this was just public opinion rather than what the show portrayed me as. I was my usual weird, confident, chatty and playful self. I would love to do it again and let people see more of who I am!
HBA: You are Love Island’s first Jordanian contestant, what does your family think of this?
LAM: Big up! I love the messages I’ve been receiving from other Arabs, it feels great to be a positive representation. My Baba was hesitant at the start but very quickly was on board. He said I had to go do what I wanted to do and put 100% into it. My family support has been beyond what I could ask for which I am very lucky and grateful for. Baba keeps giving me fashion tips for press events… he loves it!
Lead Image Courtesy/@laylaalmomani on Instagram