"I’m not here for the drama … but I’m here for the drama" - West End performer from Boston set for Love Island

Ope Sowande, 27, is among those heading to sun-kissed Mallorca for the 13th series of the hit reality show.

Since it first hit screens in 2015, Love Island has become the UK’s most-watched dating show, exceeding 2.5 billion streams on ITVX, ITV’s streaming service.

Billed as ‘the ultimate game of love’, contestants (or ‘Islanders’) must form couples to avoid leaving the show. As the series progresses, the public can have their say on proceedings.

ITV only says Ope comes from Linconshire, but he is remembered locally as a Boston West and Haven High pupil.

Ope enters the show with a CV that includes not just time on the West End, but also as a backing dancer on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing to name one TV credit.

Here, he answers questions in the build-up to the show:

Describe your 'type on paper'

That’s so hard. I like shorter girls, I’m really big on hair, good teeth and a nice smile. I prefer Northerners because they’ve got better crack.

That’s just a fact. I haven’t really got a type, I honestly just go on energy, vibes and if you find my jokes funny.

What kind of person are you hoping doesn’t walk through the Villa door?

Negative energy, someone not here for a good time. I’m always up for a good time and having a laugh and having fun. There’s people who just love to dwell on the negatives.

Are you here for the drama, or is finding love your only goal?

I’m not here for the drama and I want to find love, however the drama could be funny. I love the ‘watching with a telescope, ooh what’s going on, sip the tea’ kind of vibe. I’m not here for the drama … but I’m here for the drama.

What’s your relationship strategy, go straight for the goal or play it safe at the back?

I’m never playing anything safe, that’s boring.

My thing is to go for the goal and make someone laugh straight away. I think that’s the key to love and the key to getting girls. My ultimate thing in life is to make people feel comfortable around me, so as soon as that happens, I’m sweet. And I’ve got the best smile in Britain.

How do you plan to handle the competition?

No one fazes me. I’m so confident in my ability to just do my thing. I don’t get fazed, I don’t get impersonated, I don’t get threatened.

It’s not even about them, it’s about me. I’m very confident in myself as a person. I love my beauty, I love my looks, I love my humour. If someone fancies someone else more than me, then that’s on them. I won’t take it personally.

In your love life to date, have you been a World Cup winner or knocked out in the first round?

Knocked out at the first stage. I’m awful. I last about five minutes with any girlfriend then it’s like ‘bye!’ I’ve got such a wandering eye.

The latest series gets under way on ITV2 and ITVX on Monday (June 1).