An England international’s brother has entered the Love Island villa, and it’s shocked fans.
It’s that time of year when the nation tunes in to one of the most popular reality TV shows. On Monday (June 23), viewers were shocked to see an England international’s brother enter the villa.
In the past, several contestants have come from sporting backgrounds. Boxer Idris Virgo appeared on season four of the show and has regularly competed on MisFits cards.
Chris Hughes, who appeared on season three, has since presented ITV Sport’s coverage of horse racing, while Tom Clare from season nine is currently a forward at Macclesfield in the sixth tier of English football - the National League North.
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And the sporting theme continued during last night’s episode.
Giorgio Russo, brother of England and Arsenal forward Alessia, entered the villa.
Giorgio, 30, is four years older than Alessia, 26, and currently lives in Australia but was born in Maidstone and works as an account manager.
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While he soaks up the sun in the Majorcan village of Sant Llorenç des Cardassar, his sister will be competing in the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euros in Switzerland, as the Lionesses look to defend their crown.
And the side will be tuning in to Love Island during their downtime, according to Maya Le Tissier.
She said: “That’s the only question I’ve been asked so far! I walked into SGP (St George’s Park) this morning, and Alessia just went like that (showed the phone about her brother heading into the villa).
“I was so shocked. I was so buzzing for Giorgio. He’s such a lovely guy and such a great family, so hopefully he does well out there and he enjoys himself.
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“It’s cool. I haven’t watched it yet, but I’m going to watch it now.”
Meanwhile, Beth Mead told Sky Sports: “I was excited for him. I love Giorgio, he’s a good boy, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he gets up to in the villa.
“We’re all going to sit together tonight and watch the ‘bombshell’ bombshell, so excited for that one.”
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Fans were quick to have their say.
One said: "When it’s meet the family episode on Love Island and Alessia Russo walks into that villa."
Another added: "Poor Alessia will be getting absolutely hounded at England camp rn."
A third explained: "Woke up to Alessia Russo’s brother on Love Island so that’s definitely something."
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England’s Euros campaign gets underway on July 5 with Sarina Wiegman’s side set to face France.
Luke Davies