Love Island’s Shaq reveals most awkward encounter as airport security officer

In an interview with Guilty Pleasures, the contestant recalled being left red-faced after rummaging through an elderly flyer’s luggage.

‘I was searching bags, and I asked whose bag this is. I get an older lady that comes over… I asked all the questions I’m supposed to ask, and then she goes to me, “Oh, do you have to open it here?” And I’m thinking, “Yeah, I kind of do, because it has to be in front of you,”’ he shared.

‘So, I open the bag, and I kid you not, I find dildos, handcuffs, vibrators – bearing in mind this woman is 75 years old. I have an awkward look on my face. She has an awkward look on her face. And her husband is looking away pretending he doesn’t know her.’

Shaq continued: ‘I was like, “Let’s try and get through this as quick as possible” – and yeah, I had my gloves on!”’

The 24-year-old singleton, from London, added that he’d occasionally wing it with any passengers he fancied.

‘Obviously, it’s only males that are allowed to search males, and females that are allowed to search females, so you might just give her a look or something like that, or try and get cover and then start chatting, “Oh, where are you from? Do you come to London often?”’ he explained.

‘I have to do it sneakily and give them my information because I can’t get my phone out. So, I say, “You should follow me on Instagram,” or, “Take my number.” And usually, it works – the airport is a good place to pick up women!”’

Set to become a firm fan favourite when the reality series returns Monday, on ITV2 and ITVX, Shaq reflected on the new duty of care measures that have been put in place.

This includes islanders receiving enhanced guidance and training around behaviour in relationships before they enter the villa in South Africa.

‘Some of it is common sense on how to speak to women and people of different backgrounds and ethnicities, but having that bit of extra education, I feel like it’s important, not just for myself, and the other islanders, but for the show itself. We can never have too much education on how to speak to people and how to treat people,’ he insisted.

And buoyed by the advice of his older sisters – ‘They’re just like, “Be respectful, be kind to all the girls”‘ – Shaq pledged to step in if anybody was out of line.

‘I wouldn’t say it in an aggressive sort of way, and I wouldn’t want to embarrass anyone in public. I may just take them to one side or something like that, and be like, “Maybe the way you said that, you could have said that a little better,”’ he said.

Love Island starts on Monday January 16 at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.

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