Love Island is back on our screens tonight for series twelve, and naturally everyone can’t stop talking about the recently announced line-up we will meet later.
We’ve already been treated to a sneak peak of a trailer by host Maya Jama, which teased lots of new twists, plus a good dose of the usual drama, bombshells and breakups. What’s more, 2025 will see Love Island celebrating its 10-year anniversary (how has it been that long?)
One of the contestants taking part in series 12 of the show is former fire breather Sophie Lee, who people are predicting will make an impact in the villa this evening.
Who is Sophie Lee?
Sophie Lee is a former fire breather, influencer and motivational speaker. After suffering life-changing burns when she was 22, she has worked with Katie Piper’s foundation and released a book in February last year, titled In My Skin. She has also developed a loyal social media following.
At the time, she told her followers: ‘It’s been a difficult process being so open with the trauma I’ve faced and adversity I’ve had to overcome and to now be at a place of peace has not been easy,’ continuing ‘I hope that from sharing my experience of racial discrimination, feeling outcast throughout my life, battling depression and eventually reaching the process of surgery, it becomes a read that others find helpful in their own journeys.’
How old is Sophie Lee?
Sophie Lee is 28, but she will reportedly be 29 when she enters the villa.
Is Sophie Lee going on Love Island?
Sophie Lee will be taking part in series 11 of Love Island. She will join the likes of personal trainer Aaron Buckett and influencer Megan Moore.
According to a source quoted in The Sun, Sophie wants to appear on the show to advocate for body positivity. The source told the outlet: ‘Sophie is a gorgeous girl and a powerhouse of a woman who has overcome everything life has thrown at her. Just like Tasha Ghouri’s amazing time in the villa where she raised awareness for the hearing impaired, Love Island bosses are thrilled to give Sophie the same platform to discuss her accident and how she’s become comfortable in her skin since.’
They continued: ‘Love Island has always tried to be about more than just looks and Sophie is a classic example of an Islander with real substance,’ adding ‘She’s in the mix for this year’s cast, with execs deciding soon if she will be in the original line-up or a bombshell.’
What was the accident Sophie Lee was involved in?
When she was 22, Sophie was involved in a fire breathing accident in the US, which saw her suffer life-changing burns. The ordeal occurred in 2018 when an air conditioning unit blew flames into her face while she was performing at an event in Chicago.
In an interview with The Sun, Sophie opened up about the terrifying experience. ‘The air-con was too strong so when I blew the fire out it blew back to me. It set me on fire. I just remember being in so much pain, I blacked out for a little bit. It's crazy,’ she said. ‘It happened in front of everyone and I had to get on with it as professionally and quickly as I could. As soon as I got into the ambulance, I was in bits.’
She added: ‘That was a scary, scary time. I couldn’t breathe by myself, I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t really see, it was scary. I was pretty out of it but on day two I looked in the mirror and just cried.’
Sophie spent a month in intensive care in the US by herself while she was treated for the burns. She needed life support machines to help her breathe, and was in and out of consciousness.
After the accident, Lucy also underwent keloid surgery on her face. She shared a video of her recovery on Instagram earlier this year, saying ‘Although my tumour was benign and not cancerous, I had to endure stages of Chemo Injections as part of my treatment and I can first hand say that it was the hardest and most testing time of my life that I’ve ever experienced.’ She added: ‘I want to take this opportunity to wish all the families who have been affected by cancer my deepest love and prayers, I know how hard it is to remain hopeful during dark times of uncertainty. I’m grateful for all the support and love I have received from sharing my journey on this platform and I hope to continue to be a positive example that there is light at the end of the tunnel.’
Does Sophie Lee have Instagram?
Yes! You can keep up to date with Sophie's life at @sophirelee.