Moving In Together: ‘I Changed My Behaviour As People Were Threatened By How I Look'

Love Island stars luke trotman and siannise fudge talk tackling racism and love in lockdown

- Katie Langford-Foster

For Love Island stars Luke Trotman and Siânnise Fudge, marching in London’s Black Lives Matter demonstration was something they felt both compelled and honoured to do. Following the death of American George Floyd, who was killed by police last month, the pair joined thousands of supporters to protest against systemic racism and racially charged police brutality.

Luke, 23 this week, tells us, “It was moving to be there with so many people of different ages and races – people want to learn and improve, which is amazing.”

Protestors also tore down a statue of slave trader Edward Colston in Siânnise’s hometown, and she says, “I’m proud of Bristol! I have always strongly believed in equality and I will continue to educate myself further.”

The couple found romance on this year’s winter Love Island in South Africa, and six months later, as the coronavirus lockdown eased, they moved into a two-bedroom London apartment together. Siânnise laughs, “That first night we had no duvet cover and we didn’t even have a cup to drink out of!”

From day one, Siânnise and Luke have made no secret of their plans to have a family. And, they tell us, the events of recent weeks have prompted discussions about the challenges and experiences mixed race children face in society as it stands. But, says Luke, “I think our children will live in a better world than we have if change continues.”

Here, the couple open up about their relationship and reflect upon recent events…

You attended the Black Lives Matter protest. Was that a powerful experience?