The latest Love Island bombshell is best friends with Maura Higgins
The pair are BFFs!
New Love Island bombshell Leah Taylor is best friends with an iconic former Islander. 27-year-old Leah is a close friend of none other than series five star Maura Higgins, who reached the final of the hit ITV2 dating show in 2019.
Leah, who is a business owner from Manchester, was announced as a bombshell on Sunday night's (11th June) episode alongside 30-year-old Charlotte Sumner, who is a dental nurse from Bournemouth.
Speaking ahead of the show, Leah revealed her link to Maura, explaining that the pair are best friends. Discussing her favourite Love Island moment, Leah said: "My favourite thing I've ever watched is Maura's Higgins best bits, she's one of my best friends so we watched it together one night and couldn't stop laughing, she's hilarious."
Leah also revealed that she she has another celebrity connection, adding: "When I was a dancer, I actually danced at the EMAs and danced for Rita Ora and Camila Cabello."
Maura excitedly took to Instagram to share her support for Leah after she was announced as a bombshell. Posting on her Instagram Story, Maura wrote: 'SCREEEEMMMIINNNGGG!!!!! FINALLY @leahjtaylorr.' (sic)
She then shared a black-and-white video which showed her hugging Leah before she left for the villa. Captioning the cute clip, Maura said: 'The last goodbye heart emoji go smash it my girl @leahjtaylorr.' (sic)
Before entering the villa on Monday night's episode, Leah revealed what she is looking for in a guy. She said: "Morals, we have to have the same morals. They have to be family oriented because I am and I want my family to be a part of our relationship. The last one is that they have to share the same goals."
Check out which Love Island stars have famous relatives:
Tommy Fury
Tommy appeared on the 2019 series of Love Island, finishing in second place alongside Molly-Mae Hague.
Who is Tommy Fury's brother?
Tommy is the younger brother of two-time world heavyweight champion boxer Tyson Fury!
Scott Thomas
Scott appeared on the second series of Love Island in 2017.
Who is Scott Thomas' brothers?
Scott has not one, but two famous brothers! Ryan Thomas appeared on Coronation Street as the infamous Jason Grimshaw, whilst Adam Thomas is best know for his roles in Emmerdale and Waterloo Road!
Dani Dyer
Dani entered the Love Island villa during series four in 2018, going on to win the show alongside Jack Fincham.
Who is Dani Dyer's dad?
Dani is the daughter of English actor Danny Dyer, who has appeared in shows such as EastEnders, The Football Factory, and presented BBC show The Wall.
Gemma Owen
19-year-old Gemma is a current Islander on the 2022 series of Love Island.
Who is Gemma Owen's dad?
Although it took her a number of weeks to mention it to her fellow Islanders, Gemma is the daughter of former England footballer Michael Owen.
Curtis Pritchard
Dancer Curtis was a popular Islander back in 2019, making it all the way to the final with Maura Higgins.
Who is Curtis Pritchard's brother?
Curtis is the brother of former Strictly Come Dancing professional AJ Pritchard! The pair are the best of friends and even appeared on Hollyoaks together in 2021.
Sophie Piper
Sophie Piper was an original Islander on the sixth series in 2021. She also entered Love Island: All Stars in January 2024 as a bombshell.
Who is Sophie Piper's sister?
Sophie is the younger sister of The Saturdays singer and TV presenter Rochelle Humes.
Jack Keating
Dublin lad Jack entered the Love Island villa during Casa Amor week in 2022.
Who is Jack Keating's dad?
It didn't take long for Jack to reveal his dad is Boyzone singer Ronan Keating, with Ronan even sharing a good luck message for his son.
Belle Hassan
Make-up artist Belle entered the Love Island villa as a bombshell during Casa Amor week in 2019.
Who is Belle Hassan's dad?
Belle's dad is actor Tamer Hassan, best known for his starring roles the films Football Factory and The Business.
Antigoni Buxton
Antigoni entered the Love Island villa as a bombshell during the 2022 series.
Who is Antigoni Buxton's mum?
During her stint in the villa, it was revealed Antigoni is the daughter of TV presenter and restaurateur Tonia Buxton. She also have a very ripped dad, who is a her gym training partner.
Luke Trotman
Luke took part in Winter Love Island in 2020, where he made the final alongside Siânnise Fudge.
Who is Luke Trotman's mum?
Luke is the son of singer Beverley Trotman. Bev appeared on the fourth season of The X Factor in 2007, finishing in sixth place.
Claudia Fogarty
Claudia entered the Winter Love Island villa as a bombshell during series 9 in 2023.
Who is Claudia Fogarty's dad?
Claudia is the daughter of former motorcycle racer Carl 'Foggy' Fogarty MBE, who also won the 14th series of I'm A Celeb in 2014.
Claudia's sister Danielle Fogarty is also in the public eye.
Zachariah Noble
Basketball player Zachariah Noble entered the 2023 Summer Love Island villa as a bombshell on Day One.
Who is Zachariah Noble's sister?
It turns out Zachariah is the younger brother of radio and TV personality Snoochie Shy, who appeared on I'm A Celeb in 2021.
Who is Amber Wise's dad?
Casa Amor bombshell Amber Wise is the daughter of former Premier League footballer Dennis Wise!
As well as Maura being her best friend, Leah also has a connection to another former Islander, after she dated series five star Danny Williams.
Although it is not known when Leah and Danny called it quits, the pair began dating in November 2020 and later enjoyed a trip to Iceland together in January 2022.
Love Island continues at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
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