She walked into the villa and everything changed. Seriously. When we talk about the legendary Season 5 of Love Island UK, names like Maura Higgins or Amber Gill usually dominate the conversation, but Anna Vakili was the actual lightning rod of that summer. People loved her. People hated her. Most people just didn't get her.
Anna wasn't just another influencer looking for a PLT deal. She was a pharmacist. A literal healthcare professional who decided to swap the dispensary for a neon-lit villa in Mallorca. That context matters because it explains why she was so unapologetically rigid about her boundaries. She wasn't there to play the "cool girl" trope that producers love.
The Jordan Hames incident and why it defined a generation of viewers
If you watched in 2019, you remember the "Two Days" argument. It's etched into the brains of anyone who follows British pop culture. Jordan Hames, who had just asked Anna to be his girlfriend, decided to pull India Reynolds for a chat to express interest.
It was messy.
Anna’s reaction was explosive, but looking back in 2026, it hits differently. At the time, she was labeled "aggressive" or "dramatic" by some sections of the press. But wait. If you’ve just committed to someone on national television and they try to move on forty-eight hours later while standing ten feet away from you, how are you supposed to react? She demanded respect. She didn't get it. So she brought the fire.
The social media fallout was a Case Study in internalised misogyny. We saw a woman standing up for herself against blatant gaslighting, yet the narrative often shifted to critique her tone rather than Jordan's actions. It’s a recurring theme in the life of Anna from Love Island—the public struggles to separate her height and "glam" aesthetic from her actual personality.
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Life after the villa: The pharmacist who stayed grounded
Most contestants leave the show and never look back at their old careers. Anna was different. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she actually returned to pharmacy. She wasn't just posting 10% discount codes; she was on the front lines when the world was falling apart. That says more about her character than any edited episode of a reality show ever could.
She’s spoken openly about the "pharmacist" label. It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, it gave her credibility. On the other, it made people judge her even more harshly when she showed emotion or acted "unprofessionally" on TV. Like, can a scientist not have feelings? Apparently not, according to Twitter trolls.
Dealing with the dark side of the spotlight
The transition from a normal job to having millions of eyes on you is brutal. Anna has been incredibly vocal about the mental health toll. She’s discussed the surgery rumors, the body shaming, and the relentless pressure to maintain a certain look.
It's not all sunshine and red carpets.
She and her sister, Mandi Vakili, have built a brand together, often referred to as the "British Kardashians." It’s an easy comparison. They’re both tall, stylish, and Persian. But the "Kardashian" label is kinda lazy. The Vakilis are much more unfiltered. They have a podcast, Sisters in the City, where they talk about everything from toxic exes to the reality of the London dating scene. It’s raw. It’s often controversial. It’s exactly why people keep tuning in.
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The evolution of the "Bombshell" brand
Anna basically pioneered the "big sister" role in the villa. Think about how she protected Amber Gill during the Michael Griffiths situation. She was fiercely loyal. Maybe too loyal? Some fans thought she stepped in too much, but honestly, wouldn't you want a friend who has your back like that?
Her impact on the show's casting shouldn't be overlooked. Since her season, we’ve seen a shift toward casting more "career" professionals—doctors, engineers, and lawyers. Producers realized that people with something to lose often make for more compelling, high-stakes television. They aren't just there for the cameras; they have a reputation to protect, which makes their eventual meltdowns or romantic triumphs feel more "real."
What most people get wrong about her "diva" persona
There’s this weird misconception that Anna is "difficult." In reality, if you listen to her interviews or follow her long-term content, she’s just someone with extremely high standards. She grew up in a tight-knit Iranian family where loyalty is everything. If you break that trust, you’re out. Simple as.
She’s also been honest about her regrets. She’s admitted that she might have handled certain villa situations differently with the benefit of hindsight. That’s growth. We don’t see that often in the "influencer" world where everyone tries to pretend they’ve never made a mistake.
- She hasn't been afraid to call out the show's editing.
- She maintained her professional registration for years post-villa.
- Her relationship with her sister is the core of her brand, not a romantic partner.
The reality TV to influencer pipeline is crowded. It’s a sea of the same teeth, the same hair extensions, and the same scripted "Get Ready With Me" videos. Anna stands out because she’s kind of a contradiction. She’s a science-minded professional who loves high-glam fashion. She’s a fierce defender of her friends who can be incredibly vulnerable about her own insecurities.
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Navigating the 2026 landscape of fame
As we look at her career now, years after she first stepped into the villa, she’s managed to sustain a level of relevance that most contestants lose within six months. How? By being consistent. She didn't try to change herself to fit a specific mold. She leaned into the "controversial" tag and turned it into a platform for discussing women's rights and body autonomy.
She has also touched on the racial dynamics of the show. Being a Middle Eastern woman on a major UK reality show comes with its own set of challenges and stereotypes. Anna has navigated this by being vocal about her heritage, often sharing glimpses into her family life and traditions, which helps humanize her beyond the "TV character" version of Anna.
Actionable insights for fans and creators
If you’re looking at Anna’s journey as a blueprint for branding or just trying to understand the reality TV machine, there are a few real-world takeaways here.
First, authenticity is expensive but worth it. Anna lost followers at times for being "too much," but the followers she kept are die-hard. They trust her. That trust is why her podcast and brand collaborations work. You can't fake that kind of connection.
Second, diversify your identity. Don't just be "the girl from that show." Anna kept her pharmacy background as a part of her narrative. It gave her an "out" and a layer of depth that made her more than just a 2D character.
Finally, understand the power of loyalty. The way Anna stood up for her friends in the villa created a lasting impression of her character. In a world where everyone is looking out for number one, being a "girls' girl" (even if it's messy) resonates with audiences.
To truly follow her journey, pay attention to the Sisters in the City podcast episodes where she discusses the behind-the-scenes mechanics of reality TV. It’s an eye-opener for anyone who thinks these shows are 100% organic. It’s a business, and Anna Vakili is one of the few who treated it like one from day one.