Samie Elishi of Love Island has said that she discovered a 5cm mass on her thyroid and will now require surgery.
Fans who saw the bulge on Samie’s neck when she was on the ITV programme contacted her, and have continued to mail Samie as well as friends and family since she left the island.
The 22-year-old claimed she was ‘grateful’ for the information since it prompted her to undergo a biopsy.
Discussing her medical appointment, she said: ‘How it works is they grade these things one to five and mine was a three. If it’s a four or five it’s definitely cancer, but mine was a grey area.’
‘They are not sure if it’s cancerous or not so I have to have half of my thyroid removed so that’s a surgery.’
Further explaining what will happen she said: ‘Basically, all they do is cut your neck.’
At this point in the YouTube video, Samie understandably gets a bit emotional.
‘I shouldn’t be upset because I’m so grateful that people messaged so I’ve caught it now. I have the opportunity to get it removed, but it is still really scary. I’m a young girl.’
Also in the video, Samie confirmed that she’d split from boyfriend Tom Clare, 23, but insisted that there is ‘no bad blood’ and there’s still ‘lots and lots of love there.’
Samie acknowledged that the strain that comes with being in a public relationship was a factor in their breakup.
Samie was an estate agent before becoming famous after finishing third on winter Love Island 2023 with footballer Tom.
‘We just weren’t working on the outside. I feel like when you come out of the villa you’ve got so much pressure and so many other things to worry about that play a huge factor in a relationship.’
Since posting the video, Samie has received support from her co-stars.
Claudia Fogarty posted a link to the YouTube upload on Instagram, writing, ‘So emotional to watch but I am so proud of you. ‘I will always adore you.’
Ellie Spencer shared a similar sentiment: ‘My little solider. I’m so proud of you.’
While Tanya Manhenga simply added: ‘You got this babe.’
