By now, the Love Island producers have a tried and tested formula that allows them to steal six of our evenings a week for two months. You know what they say: when we make plans, the producers laugh. And just when we start to get comfortable with the line-up and begin investing in the existing couples and their different personalities, they add in someone new and dash our hopes aside.
Sure, Tom Clare turned a few heads when he took Olivia Hawkins away from farmer Will Young (it was only a matter of time, sorry Will), but if there’s one Love Island archetype that never fails to shake things up, it’s the first female bombshell. Now that 25-year-old Zara Deniz Lackenby-Brown has entered the villaand taken Ron Hall out on a date, it’s only right that we revisit the long, rich and culturally significant history of the FFB.
Because actually, long time Love Island fans have figured out that the first female bombshell to enter the villa is ALWAYS the most successful, be it by ending up in the final three or finding fame after the show. Seriously, it's a thing.
Why does the first female bombshell always end up a cult favourite? Well, it all comes down to the drama they bring. Typically, we spend the first week of Love Island wondering why we ever watched this show, only to be reminded exactly how it amasses those million-strong viewing figures when the first bombshell saunters in, stealing hearts and causing the much-needed chaos that viewers have been craving all week.
Just think back to Love Island's boldest and greatest cast members: Ekin-Su, Molly-Mae, Chloe Burrows, and OG Jessica Rose. They were all the first female bombshell.
As far as Love Island history goes, they make their presence known in the villa as soon as their heels touch the floortiles, and they always go after what they want. It’s a role carved out for big personalities who aren’t afraid to step on people’s toes – and thankfully, Zara already seems to be fulfilling her duties with ease.
After one glass of alcopop by the foot of the South African mountains, Essex boy Ron (who is currently coupled up with Lana Jenkins) already seems to have had his head turned. 'My head is swimming!' as he so beautifully put it. Ron had seemed besotted with Lana in the first two episodes, telling her that even if she had partnered up with male bombshell Tom (who was markedly less successful in the drama department), he’d have found a way to get her back. Fast-forward a single afternoon and one date with actor-model-developer, and he’s whistling a different tune. Oh the fickle hearts of the young!
As for Zara, with great power comes great responsibility, and our latest bombshell has a lot to live up to. But we have every faith that she will, especially given that she's made it clear she's interested in Ron and didn't just go for the safe option by taking the only single boy on a date (sorry Will). Time will tell whether Zara and the other new bombshell she came in with David Salako, will lure their crushes away from their current partners, but we wouldn't be surprised if they did. It's the first week afterall. Go forth Zara, we'll get the popcorn ready.