A former Basingstoke Town footballer has entered the Love Island villa.

Reuben Collins, a semi-professional footballer, joined the ITV programme on July 8 alongside alongside Joshua Oyinsan. 

He plays for Chertsey Town FC player, but Hampshire viewers may recognise Reuben from his stint at Basingstoke Town FC.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Love Island (@loveisland)

The 23-year-old played for Stoke in 2019 when he was on loan from AFC Wimbledon. He left in February 2020 after just five months playing for Basingstoke.

Despite the short stint, his former team have wished him well on his journey for love, alongside a rather cheeky story. 

On Twitter, Basingstoke Town FC wrote: "We’ll always be Reuben’s first love… Not sure if it’s luck you need on Love Island big man, but have it anyway!

"Once forgot his clothes for a team night out - instead of missing it he ran into Tescos & bought an outfit including some size 8 shoes. He’s a size 11."

Speaking about his career as a footballer, Rueban told Planet Football: “Literally as soon as I could walk, it’s just been everything to me. If I could live at the training ground I would.

“It’s hard to put into words. Just going out in the garden and doing drills, I find satisfaction in that."

Before entering the villa, he made it clear he was interested in Mimii, Jessy and Uma. 

Rueban has said he is looking for someone "passionate" who is down to earth and knows what they want​.

Speaking to ITV he described what type of Islander he would be, and said: "At the end of the day I’ll go for who I want and if I have to step on toes I will. I don’t mind making a bit of a fool of myself. I love a bit of eye contact."

Episodes will air on ITV2 at 9pm Sunday to Friday, with a highlights show every Saturday.