Who is Tyrique Hyde? Meet Love Island 2023 contestant and son of ex-footballer

The semi-professional footballer - who plays for Lewes FC - has been on a steep learning curve ever since he set foot in the villa. And despite their ups and downs, he has managed to make Scottish model Ella Thomas - who he was coupled up with by the public in episode one - his first ever girlfriend!

Despite initially forgetting that they had met before, Ty and Ella’s tumultuous relationship has been a talking point of the season, as his head has been turned by several of the girls to walk through the doors of the villa - and when Ella brought back Ouzy See from Casa Amor, Tyrique vowed to never give her a second chance.

However, the pair did eventually reignite their romance, and while it hasn’t always been easy, they only have eyes for each other.

Read on for everything you need to know about Tyrique Hyde, including who his professional athlete father is.

Tyrique Hyde - key facts

Age: 24

Job: Semi-Professional Footballer

Instagram: @tyriquehyde

Coupled up with: Ella Thomas

Who is Tyrique Hyde?

The 24-year-old semi professional footballer plays for Lewes FC in central midfield, after leaving Dartford FC in 2022. Speaking about the one thing he'd want his new fellow islanders to know about him, Tyrique said: "That I’m deaf in my right ear. I’ve got a tattoo next to my left one that symbolises strength and power in my good one."

Another surprise fact that many people may not know about the islander is that he's also one of the best friends of season 7 islander Toby Aromolaran, who made it to the final with Chloe Burrows. Tyrique revealed that the pair grew up together and were in the same class at school, but it remains to be seen whether or not Toby has imparted any Love Island wisdom to his best friend.

Prior to entering the villa, Tyrique was already turning on the charisma, and admitted: "I’ll bring vibes, confidence, good energy and honesty. I don’t sit on the fence, if I have an opinion I will speak up. I’m also not afraid to go after what I want."

Who is Tyrique Hyde's father?

Knowing Toby Aromolaran isn't the only claim to fame that Tyrique has and the semi professional football player has actually inherited his footballing prowess from his father, Micah Hyde.

The current coach is a well-known ex-Premier League football player, having played for Watford FC and making more than 250 league appearances for the club between 1997 and 2004. He went on to play in the Premier League during the 1999–2000 season for Watford and then went on to join Burnley and Peterborough United in later years. He also played internationally for Jamaica, making 17 appearances for the country between 2001 and 2004.

Is Tyrique Hyde on Instagram?

He is! Tyrique started with a healthy following over on Instagram with 13.4k followers, but this figure has risen to a staggering 247k thanks to his appearance on Love Island. His profile shows Tyrique to have a nice mix of career and personal highlights, with pictures showing him in London restaurants, out with friends or on the pitch.

For now, his bio – like the rest of the islanders this season – has been set to "I'm off to find love in the Love Island villa!" which adheres to the social media rule put in place for islanders ahead of the 2023 winter season.

What is Tyrique Hyde looking for in a partner?

As for what Tyrique was looking for in a partner, the islander remained tight-lipped about what kind of person he usually goes for. But after watching Ty flirt with pretty much every girl to walk into the villa over the last two months, it's safe to say that he doesn't particularly have a type!

The Love Island 2023 final is on ITV2 and ITVX at 9pm. You can watch all previous seasons of Love Island on BritBox – you can sign up for a 7-day free trial.

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