A single mother from Coventry was crushed after finding out that she was rejected for the reality show Love Island despite spending £15,000($19,000) on cosmetic surgery to boost her chances.
Twenty-seven-year-old Emily Dorrell has been a big fan of the show and was desperate to be part of it.
What’s an even bigger bummer is that the money she spent was meant for her house deposit. She had gotten a Brazilian butt lift, boob lift, and boob reduction with the money.
She told Closer Magazine: “Before, I was a size 14 with JJ boobs – not the skinny look you see on Love Island.
“I thought the show could kick-start my career – maybe I’d get a fashion line – so I spent the money I had in savings on the surgery. I thought it was an investment in my future – I’ve seen girls like Olivia Attwood go on to have great careers and make money, so I’d love to emulate that.
“Now, I love my new body, but it didn’t work – I’m still not going to be on TV.
“I was saving for a house deposit. Now, all that cash has been squandered, and I’m stuck wasting my money on rent.”
Emily got in touch with producers in January this year through the official Love Island Instagram account to find out their selection criteria for contestants.
She said: “I asked them to think about making me an Islander. I’m bubbly and good fun, so I’d be perfect.
“I’ve read about previous contestants suffering from depression afterward, but I think I’m mentally strong enough, and I’ve got a great support network around me.
“I was so excited when I got a reply from a producer to say they’d look out for my application, as I thought it meant I might be in for a chance – they were so friendly.”
Encouraged by what she interpreted as a hopeful response, Emily decided to go under the knife to increase her chances of getting into the show. She consulted with a surgeon through Skype a month later before finally heading over to Spain for the operation.
She added: “I know a lot of the Love Island stars have had surgery, so I wanted to maximize my chances by making sure I looked like them. Really big boobs like mine aren’t in fashion. I also wanted a skinny waist and pert bottom.
“I started researching clinics on Instagram, and came across one in Marbella that was recommended by a Geordie Shore star, so I rang them up.
“My mom was furious and told me I was being selfish. I’d seen the news about women who have died after a Brazilian butt lift, but the clinic I chose had good reviews.
“I did feel guilty about leaving my son behind with Mom – but I thought I was investing in a future for us if it would bring career opportunities.”