Just a week into Love Island 2024, there have already been arguments, betrayals, and tears. Who would have thought it?
At the centre of much of the early heartache is feisty islander Harriet Blackmore, who, after an initial coupling with Ciaran Davies, has set her sights on surprise inclusion and reality TV star Joey Essex.
That’s not all she’s been involved in. The dancer and model has been accused of having a ‘secret boyfriend’ outside of the villa despite claiming she entered the show for love.
Internet sleuths also seem to think her brother is a Premier League footballer. With links to rapper Arrdee and YouTuber Saffron Barker, Harriet is no stranger to the spotlight.
But whether she expected this much attention so early in the show is a different matter entirely. So, is any of this true, or is it just a product of the Love Island rumour mill?
Here’s everything you need to know about Harriet Blackmore, from her age and hometown to her Instagram, ex-boyfriend, and whether her supposedly famous brother actually exists.
How Old Is Harriet Blackmore?
Love Island’s Harriet Blackmore is 24-years-old. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre in 2020 and has since been working in IT and as a personal shopper.
Still in her early twenties, Harriet has backed herself to bring some energy to the show.
She said: “I’ll bring the entertainment for everyone in the Villa, whether that’s making the girls laugh or making the boys turn their heads, I’m sure that I’ll bring the drama.”
Well, Harriet, you’ve certainly played your part so far.
Where Is Harriet Blackmore From?
The soon-to-be influencer hails from Brighton, where she forged her celebrity connections with Ardee and Saffron Barker.
Harriet spent time working for rapper Arrdee as a personal shopper, while her friendship with online sensation and Strictly Come Dancing star Saffron Barker has seen her appear in some of Barker’s YouTube videos.
Online detectives managed to dig up footage of Harriet completing a challenge with Saffron in one of her early videos five years ago. It’s safe to say both have undergone some big transformations since then.
Spilling the beans on her famous pals, Harriet said: “Being a bit of an IT girl in Brighton, I’ve done personal shopping for the rapper Arrdee and one of my best friends is Saffron Barker the YouTuber.”
Is Harriet Blackmore In A Relationship & Who Is Her Brother?
It seems both accusations Harriet has faced since entering the villa are false. The glamorous brunette’s ex-boyfriend is said to be 25-year-old Josh Curling, whom The Sun claimed was still romantically tied to the Brighton dancer.
However, the 24-year-old has since clarified the situation by stating they broke up earlier this year.
“I broke up recently with my boyfriend in January, so about four months ago,” she said. “We’ve remained in contact because obviously we were together for such a long time, and the break up was quite out of the blue.
“So, I think we both had questions; we both wanted closure in that sort of sense. A lot of our lives were with each other.
“We remained in contact, but I definitely don’t have a boyfriend. He’s moved on with someone else. Just to clear that up, we broke up in January.”
While Harriet does have a brother, he doesn’t play in the Premier League. The video circulating online was actually of her close friend, who is a footballer, and her brother getting into an altercation while on a night out in Brighton.
Who is the mystery friend? In the video, he was covering his face, so that will have to remain a secret—for now, at least.
Harriet Blackmore’s Instagram
As you might expect, Harriet’s Instagram has blown up since entering Love Island. She has a whopping 55,000 followers, and don’t be surprised if that number shoots up the further we get through the show.
Unsurprisingly, Harriet’s page is filled with selfies, bikini shots, and trips to influencer hotspots like Ibiza and Dubai. Who would have thought it?
Next, check out this post: From Rugby to the 2024 Love Island Villa: Ciaran Davies
Image credits: Harriet’s Instagram