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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Victoria Johns

How old is Love Island's Tanya? Fans fear for student as they question Shaq's feelings

Tanya Manhenga made her debut on Love Island last night where she was paired with Shaq Muhammad.

The 22-year-old Liverpudlian is studying for a degree in biomedical science and also works as an influencer.

The stunner, who turned heads when she sashayed into the villa, has already worked with big names brands, including boohoo, Simmi shoes and Ego footwear.

Tanya also has Vitiligo, - an autoimmune skin disease that is caused by a lack of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour.

Speaking about the condition, she said: "I have Vitiligo, which is a skin pigmentation, you may not even notice it. It's on my lip and I have a stripe on my hair.

"Not many people know that but I think it’s quite cute. I don’t care about covering it up all the time, I think it’s a vibe."

Ahead of her debut in South Africa, Tanya warned people not to be 'fooled by how nice she was'.

Tanya Manhenga made her debut on Love Island last night (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

"I want to be friends with everyone, but if you’re gonna be cheeky I’m the sort of person that will give it back," she said.

Whether she needs to "give it back" to Shaq, 24, remains to be seen as viewers have mixed feelings about the airport security officer.

He was paired with Tanya after being the only person to step forward, despite the influencer being called "unreal" by many of the contestants.

She is coupled up with Shaq (ITV)

Some fans praised Shaq for stepping up to the plate, with one saying they really bought into the coupling.

However, others accused the Londoner of "forcing the relationship for ratings".

"He's playing chess," one said while another mused: "I'm not believing this chemistry."

Meanwhile, a third compared Shaq and Tanya to doomed couple Mike Boateng and Leanne Amaning, who were on the show in 2020.

Mike coupled up with Leanne on day one, then went on a date with Jess Gale before re-coupling with Leanne.

He then chose to couple up with Sophie Piper - dumping Leanne from the villa.

Ahead of her debut in South Africa, Tanya said: "I’m very out there, spontaneous, fun and confident. I won't be insecure about you chatting to other girls - but don’t try anything funny!'

Tanya said she's looking for a boyfriend in the villa (ITV)

"'I’m looking for a boyfriend and I think being in a villa with lots of different people will help me work out who it is I may want."

Shaq, meanwhile, said he's looking for his 'future wife' in the villa.

Describing himself as a 'catch', he said: "I’m a great boyfriend. I’m very kind and thoughtful. Parents always love me. They say, ‘He’s a good person, you should marry him!'"

*Love Island is on ITV at 9pm

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