Love Island Unveils First 2023 Contestant: Meet Tanya Manhenga
9 January 2023, 08:21
Meet Winter Love Island's first contestant Tanya Manhenga, everything you need to know about the model heading into the South African villa...
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It won't be long until Love Island is back on our screens for the revived winter edition of the ITV2 dating series and one week before the launch date, ITV2 announced their first 2023 contestant.
As viewers prepare for new host Maya Jama to take on winter Love Island, which first began in January 2020, the first contestant has been confirmed by ITV2 themselves.
This year, the show's bosses are unveiling Love Island contestants slowly in the run-up to the launch date, instead of unveiling them in one go like they've done for previous series.
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Tanya Manhenga is the first Islander set to take the villa by storm this month; the show will start on January 16 – so close!
The 22-year-old biomedical science student will be making her way to South Africa in pursuit of a winter romance, with Love Island announcing on their socials: "Tanya is bringing brains, beauty and big vibes to the villa."
Maya Jama stars in winter Love Island promo
As well as studying for her degree, Tanya has done some seriously impressive modelling work! The 22-year-old has worked for Boohoo, Ego footwear and Simmi shoes.
Typically, upon an Islander's exit, they're swamped with offers from talent agencies offering to sign them, but Tanya is already represented by Muse agency!
Manhenga's Instagram account (@talkswithtt_) currently has 14,000 followers but we know that number is set to skyrocket in no time at all!
An insider revealed to the tabloids before her part on the show was confirmed: "Tanya really is the whole package, she’s as smart as she is stunning and she looks set to be one this series' most popular Islanders.
“She’s an Islander in waiting, already moving in the same circles as former cast members and with brand deals already under her belt," they continued.
In Tanya's latest Instagram post she wrote a tongue-in-cheek caption, seemingly confirming the rumours: "Calm before the storm."
Winter Love Island is just around the corner...
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