A footballer from Kent, whose previous girlfriends have often been vetted by his 'mumsy,' is joining hit reality show Love Island.

Aaron Simpson, formerly of Maidstone United and Dover Athletic, will enter the villa alongside medical student Priya Gopaldas.

Canterbury-born Mr Simpson, 24, most recently played for Sutton United and helped them achieve promotion to the Football League for the first time in the club's history, but is now taking time away from the game in search of love.

He insists he's looking for a long-lasting relationship.

With his eyes set on marketing executive Chloe Burrows and influencer and model Mary Bedford, Mr Simpson admits any potential new partner would need his mum's approval.

"A lot of people have an assumption of me as being a typical player but I got all of that out of my system when I was younger, and now, I’m a lot more laid-back when it comes to dating," he said.

"A lot of people would assume that I go on lots of dates but I’m actually quite picky when it comes to who I date.

"Sometimes, it can be hard to know if someone is genuine or not. My mum is really protective over me.

"The approval is always needed from mumsy, for sure."

Mr Simpson, a former Maplesden Noakes sixth-former, started his career with Maidstone at the Gallagher Stadium before he signed a two-year deal with Wolverhampton Wanderers in February 2015.

The defender went onto play for League of Ireland side Waterford and also had loan spells at Portsmouth, AFC Telford, Kilmarnock and Spanish side FC Jumilla.

But Mr Simpson returned to the county in 2019, signing for National League team Dover Athletic after a successful trial. He made 20 appearances at Crabble but their 2019/20 season was ended early due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Last campaign, he only played 12 times for Sutton but still contributed as they were promoted from the National League as champions.

Mr Simpson and Miss Gopaldas will enter the villa after the dumping of one man and one woman in tonight's show.

At the end of last night's show, Abi Rawlings, Miss Bedford and Kaz Kamwi, along with Dale Mehmet, Tyler Cruickshank and Jake Cornish were all at risk, with their fellow Islanders deciding who to save.

Series seven of the show continues on ITV2 tonight.

He is the second person with known links to Kent in this year's series, with luxury travel agent Rachel Finni last month revealing she is a former University of Kent student. She has since left the villa.

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