He may be swapping his wellies for flip flops, but farmer-turned-Love-Islander Will Young (not to be confused with the singer) is no stranger to posing topless if his social media is anything to go by, so he’s likely to feel right at home in the new South African villa.
While his impressive number of followers are likely excited to see more of him, he’s already received his fair share of criticism online including from animal rights organisation PETA. Why? Because of a certain suspect video posted on social media (scroll for more information). Here’s everything you need to know about the winter Love Island contestant everyone's talking about…
How old is Will Young?
What does Will Young do?
Will works as a farmer in Buckinghamshire, mainly rearing sheep and pigs.
What is Will Young’s Instagram?
You can follow him @farmer_will_ but remember that his social media will be frozen whilst he appears on the show due to Love Island’s new duty of care rules.
Where do I recognise Will Young from?
Will already has a pretty decent following on Instagram with over 125k followers and 1.1. million on TikTok, some of his videos have over one million views. Maybe you’ve seen some of his topless farming videos...
What is Will Young looking for in the Love Island villa?
Seeing as he's already got a HUGE following on social media, Will is less likely to have signed up to the show for the fame. Seems like this farmer wants a wife! Speaking to Grazia, Will says, 'I can’t wait to get in there and have the best time. A future wife – that’s the goal! I’d love to find myself a farmer’s wife!'
Who is Will Young's celeb crush?
According to Will, he's looking for the next Maura Higgins in the Love Island villa. He says, 'Someone like Maura[Higgins] would be brilliant – she had great energy and was of course very attractive.' Farmer Will is currently coupled up with Olivia Hawkins who fans have described as having a similar energy to Maura... Unfortunately it looks like she's already trying to friend zone him!
Why has Will Young been criticised by PETA?
After a video of Will rescuing a prolapsed sheep went viral, PETA reportedly reshared and commented, ‘This farmer is a disgusting creep. He's dancing over her body as she gives birth.’
Touching on the criticism that he received in an interview he responded, ‘It was just two hooves and a head, pull it out, job done. I'd never have got the camera out for a situation I wasn't in control of.’
What is Will Young’s claim to fame?
As a result of his massive social media following, Will has met a variety of celebrities including Claudia Winkleman who came to his farm and poured water over him as part of a viral challenge.
What will Will Young miss most in the villa?
Seeing as his work life and home life are based around the same place, Farmer Will is naturally going to miss the farm. He tells Grazia, 'I’ve never spent more than 7 days away from home. I’ll really miss my animals and parents, and my grandparents. When I told them, it went right over their heads. They had no clue. They’re early sleepers, but they match catch some of it. I’ll keep it all PG for them just in case!'
Why did Will Young apply for Love Island?
Farmer Will has confirmed that rather than applying himself, he was actually scouted by producers to appear on the iconic show.
He explains, 'I was tossing and turning about applying, then found a message in my DMs from producers – it was fate!'