If you ask us, the word 'villain' is thrown around a little too freely when it comes to Love Island. While there's always a handful of antagonisers on any given Love Island series, in addition to a larger handful of highly opinionated kings and queens, for some reason the word 'villain' is used to refer to some.
We know it's often used playfully, but when you think about recent 'Love Island villains' like Love Island 2022's Coco Lodge, winter Love Island's Olivia Hawkins and Love Island 2024's Jess White and their time in the villa, we just don't think 'villain' is the correct word. Vixen, sure. Honest, yes. Dark haired, yes (suddenly seeing a theme). But, villain? Meh.
It's a TV show. Come on now.
Let's all do better with our wording. We all got it right with Love Island 2023's and All Stars' Mitch Taylor - 'messy' (over 'villainous') was spot on. So let's do better for our queens, too.
This year's 'villain' stamp was placed on Jess, with a huge number of fans calling her out following her on-screen rows with Harriett Blackmore - mainly over Ronnie Vint, but also because they were just two very different people. Many fans saw Harriett crying and Jess, well, not and went all pitchforked villager on her online – hence, villain.
We say fierce, highly-opinionated, and honest AF (she's certainly not afraid to spill the Love Island tea) – and we've met her, so we really can vouch for this anti-villain.
Here's everything you need to know about her...
Who is Jess White?
Jess was an OG Islander on Love Island 2024. She entered the villa on day one and was dumped on day 38.
How old is Jess White?
She is 25 years old.
Where is Jess White from?
Jess is from Stockport.
What is Jess White's job?
She was a manager at M&S before entering the villa.
Who did Jess White couple up with on Love Island?
Jess was coupled up with Ronnie on day one and the pair formed a connection. This connection was soured when Ronnie had his head turned by Harriett.
On day 11, Jess chose to couple up with Sean Stone, but this, predictably, turned into a friendship couple virtually overnight. She then chose to couple up with Joey Essex, followed by new boy Trey Norman.
She met Hugo Godfroy in Casa Amor and chose to bring him back to the main villa. They remained coupled up IRL for a few weeks after their dumping, but split following news that Hugo had been caught snogging Love Island 2023 bombshell, Charlotte Sumner. While Hugo released a statement wishing Jess well, Jess has remained tight-lipped on the split.
What happened with Jess White and Ronnie Vint?
The duo clicked from the get go in the Love Island 2024 villa. Things started to get romantic between the pair, but within a matter of days, Ronnie had his head turned by Harriett, leaving Jess in a love triangle. Jess then coupled up with Sean to get back at Ronnie. Since leaving the villa, it is believed the OGs are now friends.
What happened with Jess White and Harriett Blackmore?
Well, being in a love triangle with Ronnie for two weeks certainly didn't help. The phrase chalk and cheese comes to mind. The girls were constantly battling for Ronnie's attention and although Harriett recently admitted there was "no bad blood" between her and the retail manager, it seems that may not be the case.
Which iconic reality show was Jess White's mum on?
Talking to reporters ahead of her Love Island debut, Jess revealed, "So my mum went on – when she was younger – she went on the knockoff version of Blind Date with someone called Bruce something. I can't remember his name."
We THINK she's talking about Love On A Saturday Night which was hosted by Davina McCall in 2004. Not us trying to work out the baby maths...
She continued, "And there's video footage of it somewhere. My grandad tried to dig it out for us the other day. We can't find it anywhere. So that's a no go, but I'm basically doing the modern day version of what she did when she was like 18. My mum was like dead supportive, and my step dad as well. He's like an icon. He's like, 'That's amazing. Go on, live your best life' all that stuff. So, so positive."
Is Jess White on Instagram?
Obv. You can follow her at @jessamywhite.
WATCH: Joey Essex almost picked Jess White?!
Ben Pulsford is a digital writer for Bauer Media, writing for both Closer online and heatworld. When he's not getting paid to gossip about Big Brother, Love Island and The Real Housewives of Cheshire, he's storming the London LGBTQ+ scene as drag queen, Beary Poppins. Both Ben and Beary are awaiting an invite to join The Real Housewives of Cheshire for series 18. The budget's not there, but the drama is 💅