A SOMERSET water engineer has been confirmed as a contestant on the new series of ITV's Love Island.

Tattooed Jake Cornish, who hails from Weston-super-Mare, will be among those taking part when the latest series of the hit show gets underway on Monday (June 28).

The show puts a number of singletons together in the hope of finding love - and winning £50,000 if they escape getting 'dumped' from the island - and the show.

But before hitting our screens, Jake revealed that he was in a very long-term relationship before the pandemic hit last year.

And while it might have been hard to get back on the dating train during the lockdown, Jake was ready to seize the opportunity to go on Love Island 2021.

He said: "I was in a relationship for seven years and then when lockdown hit, I was single.

"The opportunity is there, you might as well take it by the horns and go for it."

READ MORE: Love Island 2021: Cricketer and glamour model among new contestants

And the 24-year-old revealed what he finds attractive in a potential partner before starting life on the island.

"Looks wise, always gone for blondes," Jake revealed. "But for me, the main thing is having respect and having good fun, and someone who will be loyal to you.

"I’ve had messages from girls that have got boyfriends and husbands. This is why I don’t trust anyone.

"Someone who is loyal really. But when I’m single, I like having a good time!"

He also revealed his celebrity crush, for TOWIE star Billie Faiers.

"My ideal woman is Billie Faiers. She is my dream woman.

"I think for a laugh once with the boys, I messaged her. I can’t remember what I messaged her. She’s a lady, she’s just lush."

The series gets underway at 9pm on Monday (June 28) on ITV2 and ITV Hub