EXCLUSIVE: Love Island 2025 star Alima Gagigo has opened up concerning the extraordinary second she delivered her child sister at dwelling – and she or he’s decided to make a distinction within the villa

Love Island stunner Alima Gagigo is already making headlines – and never only for her villa debut. In a narrative that’s as jaw-dropping as it’s heartwarming, the 23-year-old Londoner has revealed she as soon as delivered her child sister at dwelling utilizing a shoelace to tie the umbilical twine.

The incident occurred in January 2020, simply earlier than the COVID-19 pandemic took maintain. Talking completely to The Mirror, forward of the model new collection kicking off on Monday June 9, Alima shared the extraordinary second that proved she’s not simply actuality TV-ready – she’s resilient below strain, too.

“Yeah! It was again in January 2020. My sister’s a COVID child,” she mentioned. “It was simply me and my mum at dwelling, and the labour was quarter-hour. I needed to tie the umbilical twine with a shoelace whereas on the cellphone with paramedics. It was scary however superb trying again.”

Alima is a wealth administration consumer companies govt dwelling in Glasgow. Now, the educated magnificence is swapping emergency dwelling births for bikinis and bombshell drama within the sun-soaked Love Island villa, and she or he’s decided to make a distinction whereas doing it. Illustration, she says, is entrance and centre.

“100%. After I watched the present final 12 months, seeing ladies like Whitney made a distinction,” Alima informed us. “If I may be that individual this 12 months, it might give confidence to others who may wish to go on the present sooner or later. Illustration actually issues.”

Alima, who describes her hair plans as “glueless wigs – closures as a substitute of frontals,” is moving into the ITV2 highlight following within the footsteps of fan favorite love island star Whitney Adebayo, who starred on the tenth collection becoming a member of as a bombshell. And it seems Whitney’s already displaying love for her fellow Islander.

“I really didn’t know that – that is the primary time I’m listening to it!” she mentioned when informed of Whitney’s on-line assist. “I comply with her and completely beloved her journey. As one other dark-skinned lady, I might actually relate. Perhaps she helps me as a result of she is aware of what I could be going by way of.”

The assist from her circle has additionally been overwhelming, along with her household cheering her on from the sidelines.

“Everybody’s buzzing! Family and friends are tremendous excited. My mum was particularly excited – taking photos and every little thing when she dropped me on the airport!”

And whereas Love Island’s newest season is already making headlines – ITV bosses lately confirmed they gained’t draw back from displaying intercourse on display if it occurs – Alima admits she is “going to remain true to myself.”

“On the skin, I don’t actually try this sort of factor, so I don’t assume I’ll be getting as much as a lot within the villa both.”

That down-to-earth vitality is precisely what followers are already loving. Alima, who says she’s “probably not anxious” about how she’ll be perceived as a Black lady on the present, is targeted on being genuine.

“Seeing ladies like Whitney and Mimii [Ngulube] final 12 months who had been themselves and got here throughout superb gave me confidence,” she added. “I wish to be absolutely myself, no matter stereotypes.”

She’s not afraid to giggle both – particularly on the subject of her greatest courting ick.

“Truthfully, if somebody rapped or sang to me and it was unhealthy – I would not know what to say. If it is good, then truthful sufficient, but when not…awkward!”

Because the 2025 collection kicks off with a recent group of hopefuls and extra drama promised than ever earlier than, Alima is clearly greater than able to hit the villa.

Catch Love Island each night time at 9pm from Monday 9 June on ITV2 and ITVX

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