Lana Jenkins’ pre-fame job that Love Island bosses banned her from showing off on show

Producers banned her from using her talent in the villa

Lana Jenkins smiling Love Island

by Ben Pulsford |
Updated on

If you've already listened to the latest episode of the Not My Bagg podcast, then you'll already know that winter Love Island finalist Ron Hall spoke more in single hour than he did on his entire stint on the ITV2 series – we're exaggerating; he was very chatty, though.

Ron dished dirt on everything from the intimate details of his relationship with now girlfriend Lana Jenkins inside the villa, to the boys' "bullying" scandal. Nothing was off limits.

Ron spilled SO much tea during his guest stint on the podcast that we had to leave some spillages behind during our daily bloodhound search for showbiz goss.

Love Island Ron looking shocked
Ron Hall (C) ITV Plc ©(C) ITV Plc

One tidbit we couldn't let slide, however, was a huge secret he revealed about Lana; according to Ron, she has a secret talent that was never really spoken about on the show.

She was also allegedly banned from using said talent by producers – even during the talent show.

While moaning about the fact that Love Island producers only granted him two skin fades during his eight weeks inside the villa (aside from a few amateur trims courtesy of bestie Kai Fagan), Ron revealed that Lana is actually a qualified barber, and if she'd been allowed to, she would've done a bang up job on her man's scalp, but producers wouldn't let her cut anyone's hair.

Lana Jenkins clapping at the Love Island talent show
Lana Jenkins ©©ITV Plc

Ron said, "Lana's actually qualified to cut hair. She's a qualified barber – they just wouldn't let her."

He then added, "I think they might have [shown] her doing it a little bit in week six on unseen bits."

Lana's secret profession isn't actually too much of a surprise, as we already know that before appearing on Love Island, she worked as a make-up artist. We wonder if she was banned from helping her fellow Islanders with their slap, too?

Lana Jenkins reveals secret link to soap royalty

It turns out that Lana already had a claim to fame before she'd even stepped foot in the villa as not only has she been on our screens before, but she is pretty chummy with not one but TWO British actresses.

After Lana was announced to be appearing on Love Island, none other than Michelle Keegan congratulated her on Instagram with a cute good luck message.

Michelle Keegan on the red carpet at the Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards
Michelle Keegan looking incredible ©Getty

Michelle - who played Tina McIntyre on Coronation Street between 2008 and 2014 - declared that Lana was "genuinely one of the nicest girls you'll ever meet".

Another soapstar who is on Team Lana is Bethannie Hale, known for her role as Cher McQueen on Hollyoaks. The actress didn't hesitate to share the Love Island video and captioned her post, "Honestly the most beautiful person inside and out! Love you @lanajenkinss."

Bethannie isn't the only Hollyoaks star connected to Lana either, as the newbie Islander once dated Owen Warner. Lana and Owen got together in 2020 following his split from co-star Stephanie Davies. They even went Instagram official, although their loved-up picture was swiftly removed from the internet when they split.

As well as being friends with two legendary soap stars and the ex of another, Lana also had a small TV prior to Love Island. You probably wouldn't recognise her though, as Lana was just a child when she first appeared on the telly.

Love Island's Lana Jenkins posing in a bikini against a pink background
Love Island 2023's Lana ©ITV Pictures

The Luton-based lass used to live in Spain and once appeared as an extra in an episode of ITV's Benidorm when she was just six years old. Aww.

She's also a celebrity make-up artist, although she's remained tight-lipped on the famous faces she's worked with.

Who is Lana Jenkins?

Lana Jenkins is one of the first contestants to be announced for Winter Love Island 2023. She finished in second place alongside boyfriend Ron Hall.

How old is Lana Jenkins?

Lana is 25 years old.

Where is Lana Jenkins from?

Lana is from Luton.

Love Island's Lana Jenkins posing against a white background with multi-coloured clouds
©ITV Pictures

What was Lana Jenkins' job before Love Island?

Before appearing on Love Island, Lana worked as a make-up artist. Although she worked with some celebrity clients, she hasn't revealed who exactly they are. She was also a qualified barber before entering the villa.

How can I follow Lana Jenkins on Instagram?

Lana is on Instagram at @lanajenkinss.

WATCH ‘I didn’t expect to film different takes’ Ron and Lana spill the tea | Love Island Secrets

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