Love Island Star Ella Barnes Evacuates Dubai Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
Ella Barnes, the 25-year-old influencer who rose to fame on ITV's Love Island in 2023, has made a swift exit from Dubai as air strikes and regional conflicts intensify across the Middle East. The reality television personality shared her harrowing experience on social media, posting updates that captured the chaos and fear gripping the celebrity hotspot.
From Deserted Highways to Sun-Kissed Resorts: A Sudden Relocation
Barnes initially took to Instagram to announce her departure from Dubai, sharing a snap of a deserted highway with the caption, "We are out of here. Thanks for all the messages. Had so many." She then revealed her new location in Ras Al Kaimah, a port city within the United Arab Emirates, posting videos of a bustling beach bar and pool area. In a follow-up message, she reassured followers, "Business as usual and calm over here," highlighting the stark contrast to the turmoil in Dubai.
The influencer's ordeal began when her flight home from Dubai Airport was cancelled due to the closure of regional airspace over strikes. She posted an eerie image of the empty airport, captioning it, "Got evacuated out of Dubai airport and my flight home cancelled. Guess, I’ll be staying here a little longer." Later, clearly terrified, Barnes shared snaps of missiles in the sky, writing, "Missiles in the sky. No this is so scary. Listen to how loud the explosion is at the end. WTF."
Other Celebrities Caught in the Crossfire: A Growing List of Stranded Stars
Barnes is not alone in facing the dangers of the conflict. Several other celebrities have found themselves unwittingly embroiled in the scary situation. Former Love Island star Laura Anderson had recently arrived in Dubai with her daughter Bonnie when Iranian retaliation began, leading to air defence fire over the UAE's commercial hub. Anderson wrote on Instagram, "Horrendous situation. Bonnie and I are fine."
Her fellow Love Island alum Arabella Chi, who is in Dubai with her daughter Gigi, posted, "Dubai friends. Scary times. Stay safe." Additionally, former Strictly Come Dancing star Vicky Pattison is stranded in the country after her departing flight to Australia was cancelled. Pattison told followers, "We are currently in our hotel and have been assured we’re safe. We are aware that the situation that is unfolding is scary and I’m also aware that there’s a lot of videos circulating on social media which are understandably concerning."
Local Residents Take Precautions: Basement Sleepovers and Government Assurance
Ex-The Only Way Is Essex star Kate Ferdinand and former Apprentice star Luisa Zissman, both residents of Dubai, have posted about the impact of the missile strikes. Ferdinand revealed that she and her family, including husband Rio and their children, slept in the basement of their home for safety on Saturday night. She wrote on Instagram, "Thank you for all of your messages and sorry for the silence, I haven't wanted to worry you all I just haven't been able to find the words. We are safe. The government are doing an amazing job of keeping it that way and despite my nerves I feel we are in very safe hands."
Ferdinand added, "We are hoping for a calmer evening tonight, last night was very scary. Although Cree and Shae loved it as they couldn't believe we all got a sleepover in the basement. Thank you for all of your prayers, this whole experience is very eye-opening and I am praying for anyone affected." This sentiment echoes the broader anxiety among tourists and locals alike as tensions continue to flare in the region.
