Anna Vakili 'plus-size' row: Love Island star criticises Jameela Jamil for 'labelling' new contestant

The presenter was accused of double standards in a body diversity debate 
Debate: Anna Vakili and TV presenter Jameela Jamil
Emma Powell29 May 2019
The Weekender

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Jameela Jamil has been accused of double standards after sparking a body diversity debate on Twitter over the new Love Island contestants.

Former islander Kady McDermott criticised Jamil for singling out pharmacist Anna Vakili, who she accused show bosses of casting as their “new token ‘plus-size’ contestant”.

Alongside pictures of Vakili, Jamil tweeted: “The producers of Love Island think this slim woman counts as their new token ‘plus size’ contestant? Are they drunk?”

McDermott, who appeared on series two in 2016, shared the tweet, writing: “Who even said she was the plus size contestant? Maybe we shouldn’t be labelling women as anything and just letting them be who they are. Skinny/slim/curvy/obese who cares.”

She added: “People do realise the producers are going to be dropping AT LEAST 15 bombshells during the series. I’m sure one will satisfy as everyone’s ‘plus size’ criteria.”

Twitter users praised McDermott, with one agreeing it is “awful that [Vakili’s] been singled out” when she has a “perfectly normal body”.

Speaking out: Ex Love Island star Kady McDermott 
Stuart C. Wilson/Getty

McDermott replied: “She is FAR from a ‘plus size’ but even if she was she shouldn’t be pointed out likes she’s different. People are people.”

This year’s line-up sparked controversy over the lack of body diversity, with ex Love Islander’s Alexandra Cane and Malin Andersson criticising the show.

Cane, from last year's show, asked “Where the curvy girls at?” while Andersson, who starred in 2016, tweeted: “And I thought they would have some diversity. Meh.”

A spokesperson previously told Standard Online: “When casting for Love Island, we always strive to reflect the age, experiences and diversity of our audience and this year is no exception with a cross section of different personalities and backgrounds in the villa.”

Joining Vakili for a summer of love in the villa is Tyson Fury’s younger brother, and fellow boxer, Tommy, as well as Strictly star AJ Pritchard’s sibling Curtis.

An aircraft engineer, a chef, a scientist, a firefighter and a gym owner will also star. But with seven men to five women, two look set for an impromptu dumping.

Love Island 2019: Series 5 Islanders - In pictures

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Love Island is on ITV2, Monday at 9pm

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