InkBlog

Kendall Rae-Knight, 26, Retail Manager, Blackpool

What makes you stand out from everyone else?

I would say I’m in a different stage of my life to anyone else. This time last year I was in a five year relationship, I was engaged, had a house, and I was all settled down ready to have children. He proposed in the June and then three months later said he didn’t love me anymore. He left. Now, seven months down the line, I feel like I’m ready to move on and start dating.

What would you say you’re looking for in a nutshell (i.e. your type on paper)?

I’m looking for something long term. I have seen previous series when people have got together and stayed together and I do genuinely want to find someone. I don’t know what I’m looking for in terms of type, as this is something that’s very new to me having come out of a five year relationship. I don’t know what I like, I used to have a type of being tall, dark and handsome, but now I wonder if I should steer away from that!

What are your best attributes, both physically and mentally?

I’m a very open book, and wear my heart on my sleeve. I speak how I’m feeling, and I’m generally quite happy. Physically, I’d say my teeth – people often comment on my smile.

What would you say people would find least likeable about you?

My voice! I’ve got a really high, squeaky voice. When I get really excited it gets even worse.

Tell us about your relationship history – have you had many exes and what do you think they would say about you?

I was with my ex for five years, and before that, when I was a teenager, I was in a relationship for over a year. My ex would definitely say I’m really laid back, because I’m very chilled out. Even now, with everything that’s happened, there’s no bad blood between us. It was never a fiery relationship or break up. I do think he’ll hate seeing me on this show. He would never think I would do something like this. I see it very much as ‘one door closes, another opens.’ Why shouldn’t I do this and take the opportunity?

What are your thoughts on cheating? Have you ever been cheated on?

I can’t say I’ve been cheated on. I did actually once cheat on a boyfriend in college. I thought he had cheated on me. We weren’t that serious though. People say ‘once a cheat always a cheat’ but I don’t believe in that. When I met my long term boyfriend, I wouldn’t even look at somebody else, he was my only focus.

If a Love Islander could wine and dine you would what you say is the best way to your heart?

A glass of rose! It only takes one! I’m a real lightweight. Lots of food as well, I’m a really foodie. I love garlic bread, followed by steak or chicken, then cookie dough ice cream.

What do you find to be your biggest turn off?

Someone that is high maintenance, because I’m very low maintenance. I don’t do my nails, or have hair or lash extensions. Everything on me is real. I am who I am.

What has been your most disastrous date?

It’s bittersweet; it was my first date with my ex and he took me to the cinema. We watched James Bond. The guy in front of us was sat scratching his head so I had dandruff falling on my lap for the whole film.

How important will friendship be to you in the villa, or do you think you would easily turn against others in your bid to find the right person?

I’ve never had a huge group of girlfriends, maybe about five close friends. I’ve not been in that situation where I’ve had friends bitching about each other. It would be nice to have something similar in the villa, and hopefully I get pick up dating tips from the other girls. I will need some help as I haven’t done this for five years.

What is your biggest worry about going into the villa?

No one liking me or finding me attractive. Ultimately rejection. I think my confidence will be lower having not been in the game for five years. It’s the not knowing what I will be thrown into.

Prior to Love Island, what was your biggest claim to fame?

I won Miss North West. I represented the whole of the North West in the Miss England final, which was in 2015. I stopped most of the pageants and modelling when I met my ex. I’d probably do more modelling in the future.

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